Marc Murphy – Deck of DT 2016

Name: Marc Murphy
Club: Blues
Position: MID
AFL Fantasy: $544,000
Bye Round: 13
2015 Average: 98
2015 Games Played: 19
Predicted Average: 103

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Why should I pick him?

Murphy was one of the many that suffered under Malthouse and will be embracing the chance to return to his best under Bolton’s leadership.

While on the topic of Murph’s best, it is in the elite bracket. In 2011, he displayed the ability to score with the best in the competition after averaging 111 over 22 games including 17 triple figures scores. During that season he went on a tear between rounds nine and 14 where he had a lowest score of 117 and had a high of 145.

The most recent coaches to do their time under Clarkson have instantly improved their new teams Fantasy output  in their first year at the helm, and I expect Bolts will be no different. This is great news for Murph’s Fantasy prospects as he averaged 100+ for the four years up to playing for Malthouse and he failed to reach that mark for the following three years which creates a valid argument that he is under-priced.

He copped a red vest in round 21 last year after being injured on just 68, which helped drag his average under 100.

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

After missing just one game over a five year stretch between 2007 and 2011, Murphy has not played a full season since, missing a total of 12 games in the four years. Although it is not a huge amount of games, it certainly suggests his durability is on the decline.

He is at an awkward price. There are a few players who are capable of a similar (if not better) output, such as Gibbs, Libber and Wines who are available for much cheaper.

There is no guarantee he will play a Fantasy friendly role with a new coach.

Although he is on track to play the Nab Challenge, he is currently recovering from post season surgery on his troublesome shoulder.

Deck of DT Rating.

King – Admittedly, the label of King does sound a bit ‘overs’ but how quickly we forget how good Murphy can be. If he is heading into the season with a full bill of health following successful follow up surgery on his shoulder, there is no reason Bolton’s more attacking game plan should help return Muphy back over the 105 mark. Although I will pass in Classic, I think he will potentially slide to bargain status in Elite, especially if no-one reads this article.

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