How good was Brendan Murphy?

**707** · 19th January 2010, 07:57 PM

Just been trawling through a heap of player data and noticed that there have been a significant number of Irish players that have either not made the grade or decided to return home before reaching their potential.

I'm very envious of NSW based supporters who can watch the reserves on a regular basis, something I can't do unfortunately.

At a distance it seemed to me that we may have had a very good Irishman in our grasp. Those who are regular watchers, I wondered how good Brendan Murphy was or could have been and does anyone think he was close to getting a game? What style of player was he?

**hammo** · 19th January 2010, 08:26 PM

After being dubbed the Irish Chris Judd (by Tadhg) he unfortunately was never going to make it.

**liz** · 19th January 2010, 08:33 PM

Picked up the basics of the game very quickly in year one. Was very quick (especially for his height), loved to run up the ground with the ball and snare a goal, loved the physical stuff and was very vocal for a newbie. Had some clear issues with his game - kicking was a bit awkward (though usually effective at the reduced ACTAFL level), got caught in possession when he became obsessed with bouncing the ball after one step, and had a bit to learn about one-on-one contests with half-decent forwards.

That was year one.

Sadly, in year two, got injured early, missed half the season and in the few games after he did return he looked much slower, heavy in the legs and really didn't seem as if he was enjoying playing at all. Hard to know whether he was still carrying an injury, whether he was suffering the effects of lost fitness after a long term injury, or whether he was disinterested.

Was very disappointed when he decided to pack it in at the end of last year. Impossible to tell whether he would have ever become good enough but there were certainly encouraging signs in year one.

**Bas** · 19th January 2010, 09:56 PM

So after a promising first year, he turned into a sack of potatoes. I was very disappointed in his decision to go home.

Lets hope the latest recruit is better.

**reigning premier** · 20th January 2010, 10:37 AM

If we weren't getting these guys at no cost (i.e. it costs us no spots on the list or draft picks), then I'd say we're better off sticking with some 16yo in the draft or via the scholarships programme. We've had one hit and a lot of misses via this whole Irish recruitment strategy.

**707** · 20th January 2010, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by reigning premier

We've had one hit and a lot of misses via this whole Irish recruitment strategy.

Yes, that's what struck me. When you look through the data, there's a significant number of Irish players tried out over the years with a range of clubs with only Tadgh, Stynes and Sean White playing alot of games and maybe now O'Hailpin. Marty Clarke could have but chose to go home.

Interesting to see how many in total are on lists this year.

**DST** · 20th January 2010, 01:50 PM

The club obivously thought he was good enough to make it as they offered him another contract.

But I would suspect that after a year of constant injury which set him back they thought he would not play seniors in 2010 and therefore Murphy thought it would not be worth sticking around.

DST

**Triple B** · 20th January 2010, 03:30 PM

Little doubt in my mind that talent wise, he could have made a go of it and reached the top level.

His injuries obviously knocked his desire around as much as his body and combined with the homesickness factor, it just wasn't to be.

Definately a shame.

**Primmy** · 20th January 2010, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by Triple B

Little doubt in my mind that talent wise, he could have made a go of it and reached the top level.

His injuries obviously knocked his desire around as much as his body and combined with the homesickness factor, it just wasn't to be.

Definately a shame.

I totally agree with you B. Unfortunately I was standing only meters away when he did his shoulder (I think) at the intraclub match in 2009, and saw him face down on the sideline turf with Stuey at his side. I felt sick for him. You could see it had knocked him flying and I don't think his spirit recovered.