Panthers midfielder Nick Murphy chalks up game 100

SOUTH Adelaide midfielder Nick Murphy, who plays his 100th game on Saturday, admits his demotion to the reserves early in the season last year was tough.

SOUTH Adelaide midfielder Nick Murphy admits his demotion to the reserves early in the season last year was tough.

Coming on the back of his loss of the captaincy after two years as skipper, Murphy said it was a difficult time when he was sent back to the reserves for two matches.

“A lot of players have had to deal with it and it is how you respond,’’ Murphy said.

“It was hard at the start but I got good advice and was able to respond in the right way.

“These hardships are the mortar that builds the strength to build you into the player you are. We have been through a lot over the years at South.’’

Murphy, appointed the Panthers’ youngest captain in 2011 at just 21 and after only 26 league matches, has thrived this season after being named co-skipper with Josh Thewlis.

He describes this season as his most enjoyable and that is reflected in his consistency and his enthusiasm for work on the ball.

The Panthers are in a tremendous position on and off the field, according to Murphy, and he contributes much of that to the influence of Brad Gotch in his first season as coach at Noarlunga.

“The culture is the best I have been involved with,’’ said Murphy, who will make his 100th league appearance when the Panthers host Port Adelaide on Saturday.

“Everyone is doing everything they can and it is a professional outfit at the moment. I feel we have strong systems and game plan and it is up to the players to drive it. A lot of players have been through a lot and have stuck together.’’

As for his century of games, Murphy said the milestone had plenty of meaning, having been at the club since his under 14 football days.

“A lot of people have made sacrifices for me to play 100 games and for me personally it means a lot of hard work,’’ Murphy said.

“It is a milestone I will be proud of for the rest of my life.’’

Murphy said Port Adelaide was in good form and it would be a tough contest. But he is adamant the Panthers can match any side in the competition when on their game.

The Panthers are fifth on the ladder, albeit only percentage above North Adelaide.

West Adelaide is a game further back and can boost its claims for a finals berth with a win over Glenelg at the Bay tonight.

Scott Bricknell will play his 100th league game when he fronts for the Bloods.