Collingwood Football Club is reportedly in discussions with Robert Murphy, a legendary figure from the Western Bulldogs, about bringing him on board for a significant off-field role at the AIA Centre. This move comes as the club navigates a period of substantial organizational changes, having recently seen the departures of president Jeff Browne, assistant coach Brendan Bolton, and list manager Graham Wright.
As the 2023 premiership winners aim to restructure their football department, there is a strong indication that Murphy will be integrated into their plans, especially after missing out on securing Chris Davies from Port Adelaide and Danny Daly from Brisbane, according to Jay Clark of the Herald Sun. Additionally, CEO Craig Kelly is reportedly considering a move for Adelaide’s list manager, Justin Reid, to further enhance the club’s operational strength.
Murphy, who boasts an impressive 312-game career and served as captain of the Western Bulldogs, has recently returned to Victoria following three years at Fremantle, where he held various roles including head of football and performance and leadership development. His experience and leadership qualities have made him a respected presence in the football community, particularly for his instrumental role in guiding the Bulldogs from a lowly position to their 2016 premiership victory.
Although Murphy was unable to participate in the 2016 Grand Final due to a torn ACL, he was honored with a premiership medallion from coach Luke Beveridge, further solidifying his legacy within the club. Reports suggest that Murphy had been contemplating a return to sports media, making the potential move to Collingwood an intriguing opportunity.
As Collingwood continues to finalize its coaching structure for the upcoming 2025 season, the addition of a figure like Murphy could provide both stability and a wealth of experience to their off-field operations. The club’s ongoing transformation aims to position itself for future successes, and bringing in respected individuals such as Murphy could play a pivotal role in that vision.