Former Australian under-19 cricketer Nathan Murphy was prematurely thrust into the senior squad in late 2018 when injuries struck down more experienced defenders. He then rejoined the VFL squad, where he only managed three appearances due to back, neck and ankle injuries. The acquisition of Jordan Roughead means Murphy sits far down the defensive pecking order and is yet to show any glimmer of fantasy potential. For those reasons, he's best left unnoticed in the draft.
Luck runs out for Murphy
Former Australian under-19 cricketer Nathan Murphy was prematurely thrust into the senior squad in late 2018 when injuries struck down more experienced defenders. He then rejoined the VFL squad, where he only managed three appearances due to back, neck and ankle injuries. The acquisition of Jordan Roughead means Murphy sits far down the defensive pecking order and is yet to show any glimmer of fantasy potential. For those reasons, he's best left unnoticed in the draft.
Late berth for Murphy
Despite playing most of his time at Brighton Grammar in attack, when Nathan Murphy finally got his chance last season in round 22 he slid into the defensive rotations. Murphy played his role in his two appearances, however did not provide anything noteworthy for fantasy coaches nor Nathan Buckley, as the ex-cricketer was dropped for finals. Murphy is well and truly outside of Collingwood's best 22 as season 2019 approaches. The versatile third tall adds depth to the squad, but will spend the majority of this season in the VFL. Unless Collingwood has another horror run with injuries, we won’t see much of Murphy. Let him drift into the free agent pool.
Growth spurt by Murphy
Defence, attack, midfield... Nathan Murphy played everywhere in junior ranks as his height shot up late, finishing as a third tall defender at TAC Cup level at a rate of 16 disposals per game. Murphy sounds like a project player so he will most likely begin his listed career in the VFL while he learns the ropes, and does not stir interest from his junior numbers anyway.
