Life after AFL: Lachie Murphy celebrates new baby girl after Adelaide Crows delisting

An AFL career-ending blow has transformed into life's greatest triumph for ex-Crow Lachie Murphy as he celebrates becoming a father.

Meet baby Willow Gabrielle Murphy, the first child of former Crows player Lachie Murphy and Madison Steer. Picture: @lachiemurphy4 / Instagram

A heart-wrenching professional year for delisted Adelaide Crows small forward Lachie Murphy has ended in the most glorious of ways – the arrival of a precious baby girl.

In a heartwarming social media post at the weekend, the proud new dad has introduced his perfect little daughter with fiance Madison “Mads” Steer, to the world.

Murphy, clad in a “Girl Dads Club” T-shirt left no doubt baby Willow Gabrielle Murphy’s arrival about 7.30pm on Friday outshone any lingering career disappointment.

“We welcomed our gorgeous little girl into our family. Mum is an absolute superstar, Dad played his role and Willow is a genuine champion,” the beaming dad penned.

Murphy, 26, who spent nine seasons with the Crows and played 120 games for the AFL side, learned at the end of the season he was one of two players whose contract wouldn’t be renewed.

A proud new club man: Former Crow small forward Lachlan Murphy with his precious new daughter. Picture: @lachiemurphy4 / Instagram

Proud new dad Lachie Murphy with his new baby girl, Willow Gabrielle Murphy. Picture: @lachiemurphy4 / Instagram

But his former Crows teammates and their spouses showed the trio was still very much part of their footy family, wasting no time to express their joy at the baby news, extending love and congratulations to the new parents.

Captain Jordan Dawson was among the early wellwishers writing, “how good” accompanied with two different love heart emojis while his wife Milly gushed, “perfect baby girl … perfect parents … we love you Willow”.

Tex Walker posted “Oh boy woweee” while Josh Rachele said, “Congrats guys”.

Reilly O’Brien’s wife Chloe, wrote, “Little Doll! Congratulations guys she’s perfect x” while Belinda Sloane, wife of 255-gamer former Crow Rory Sloane, exclaimed: “Amazing!! Love you all”.

The Crow’s inaugural AFLW player Chelsea Randall wrote, “Huge congrats guys. How good. Big love.”

And former Crows small forward Ned McHenry wrote, “Beautiful guys – how good.”

Madison ‘Mads’ Steer and her precious new baby girl, Willow Gabrielle Murphy. Picture: @lachiemurphy4 / Instagram

Baby Willow Gabrielle Murphy is the first child of Lachie Murphy and his partner Madison Steer. Picture: @lachiemurphy4 / Instagram

Murphy, who has signed with reigning Southern Football League premier Port Noarlunga for 2026 and Mads, a paramedic, announced their engagement in September last year.

“I’m really excited to join Port Noarlunga and get back to grassroots footy,” the highly-skilled and versatile player previously told this masthead.

“The club has a proud history and a great community vibe.

Lachie Murphy in action for the Adelaide Crows ahead of being delisted. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Lachie Murphy and Madison Steer got engaged in September last year. Picture: @lachiemurphy4 / Instagram

“I can’t wait to contribute on and off the field and I’m looking forward to meeting the boys and the supporters and helping the Cockle Divers have a big season ahead.”

And little Willow will soon be welcomed into a second footy family when she dons the blue and white as her Dad runs out at the start of the season for a new club.