Sunbury Kangaroos midfielder takes out RDFL Bowen medal after sensational season

SUNBURY Kangaroos midfielder Dylan Murphy arrived at last Wednesday night’s Bowen Medal count with few expectations but he ended up stealing the show, collecting the league’s top individual award.

Sunbury Kangaroos' Dylan Murphy tries to get a handball away against Diggers Rest earlier this season. Photo: Angie Basdekis

SUNBURY Kangaroos midfielder Dylan Murphy arrived at last Wednesday night’s Bowen Medal count with few expectations.

He was hoping to celebrate the success of his brother and teammate, Kane, who had another strong campaign in the Riddell District Football League.

But it was Dylan who stole the show, collecting the league’s top individual award.

After trailing Romsey’s Chris Petroro by a vote after Round 12, Murphy polled five votes in the final six rounds including a best-on-ground display in Round 17, to edge out the flashy Redbacks’ winger.

Murphy accumulated 16 votes to win a tight count by one.

In his first season in the competition, the 21-year-old was electric through the midfield for the Kangaroos, but he thought his brother was more likely to be on stage collecting awards.

“To be honest I came here with the impression that he was going to be the one having the success and he does deserve that,” Murphy said.

“I’m only as good as what my team was and I think it’s a little bit unfortunate that we didn’t make it as far as (we could have). I’d like to share that team success and unfortunately I couldn’t.”

Murphy signed on as an assistant coach with the Kangaroos this season after spending three years with Coburg in the VFL.

He previously played junior football with Rupertswood, where he also won a senior flag in the VAFA before a strong year with the Calder Cannons led to a chance in the VFL.

But after three years with Coburg the going was getting tough and his passion for football diminished as he became “burnt out”.

But the return to the local level has reinvigorated Murphy, who has already signed on for 2015 with the Kangaroos but is open to the idea of trying to get back into the VFL system.

“I came back to play footy with my brother, Kane Murphy, and I just found that passion again and that love for footy,” he said.

“I am interested in going back to the VFL but not (just yet).”

Kangaroos coach Jamie Cuffe said Murphy represented a handy recruit.

“He is a quality player and he’s a great bloke and he fits right into the culture of our club. You love having guys like him,” Cuffe said.