Carlton to make Marc Murphy a Blue for life with a new deal likely before start of 2018 season

CARLTON will move swiftly to take captain Marc Murphy off the 2018 free agency list with a new deal that is likely to be finalised before the start of the 2018 season.

Carlton is keen to re-sign skipper Marc Murphy before the start of the season. Picture: Getty

CARLTON will move swiftly to take captain Marc Murphy off the 2018 free agent’s market with a new deal to make him “a Blue for life” likely to be finalised before the start of the season.

It is understood the club is hopeful of a quick resolution, with Blues list manager Stephen Silvagni and Murphy’s manager Paul Connors set to meet within the next few weeks.

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Murphy and Gold Coast’s Tom Lynch are the only two current AFL captains on the bumper free agency crop of players on offer at the end of the season, after West Coast’s Shannon Hurn inked a new deal this week.

The Blues skipper, who will lead the club for a sixth season this year, is considered a certainty to stay.

The new deal is expected to be for two more seasons until the end of 2020, with the prospect of an extra year still a chance.

Carlton is keen to re-sign skipper Marc Murphy before the start of the season. Picture: Getty

Murphy, who turns 31 in July, rebounded strongly from an injury-interrupted 2016 season by playing every game last season and winning his second John Nicholls Medal.

Both he and the club believe he still has plenty of good football left in him, and his importance to the team can only be heightened by the departure of midfielder Bryce Gibbs to Adelaide during the trade period.

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While the Blues were reluctant to comment on the contract negotiations this week, it is known they are eager to have Murphy’s deal locked away early, potentially before the Round 1 clash with reigning premier Richmond on March 22.

Murphy spoke recently about his ongoing development as a leader, saying he was still a work in progress. He said he had been rejuvenated by the energy and youth at Carlton in recent seasons, and was loving his time at the club.

Marc Murphy in action during Carlton’s pre-season training camp. Picture: Michael Klein

“When Bolts (coach Brendon Bolton) came in, I was really excited about the opportunity to show my leadership to a new coach,” Murphy said.

“He said he was really keen for the whole footy club to be turned on its head and find out who wants to lead the footy club. I really enjoyed that.

“We elect new leaders every year and the players want me to be their captain, and so do the coaches and staff.

“And with ‘Crippers’ (Patrick Cripps) and ‘Doch’ (Sam Docherty) they should feel really confident about the people at the footy club believing in their growth as leaders.”

Murphy could elevate himself into the top 10 on Carlton’s all-time games played list by the end of this season, having already played 236 games from his 12 seasons.