Bob Murphy says Western Bulldogs hungry for more premiership success

INJURED Western Bulldogs captain Robert Murphy says the club’s drought-breaking premiership has done nothing to dull the appetite for another.

Bob Murphy plants a kiss on coach Luke Beveridge. Picture: Michael Klein

INJURED Western Bulldogs captain Robert Murphy says the club’s drought-breaking premiership has done nothing to dull the appetite for another.

Murphy, given a rapturous reception by the Dogs faithful on Sunday, said he and his teammates were far from satisfied after adding a second cup to the Whitten Oval trophy cabinet.

“It was 55 years since we had been in a Grand Final and 62 years since we had won one. You build up quite a hunger and a thirst. We want more,” Murphy said.

“It’s incredible. I know every footy club goes through their ups and downs, but the boys yesterday, like in Field of Dreams, they’ve eased our pain.”

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The veteran defender was still emotional on Sunday as he looked out over a crowd of some 20,000 at the Dogs’ spiritual home.

“You can’t describe it. As a picture, it’s our Woodstock,” he said.

“I love all these guys. They play with such heart and determination. But honestly they play for the fans.”

Easton Wood and Bob Murphy share a moment with the premiership cup at Whitten Oval. Picture: Michael Klein

He said Beveridge’s gesture to give him his premiership medallion the day before had caught him completely off-guard.

“He’s a special man, a selfless man. It was totally unexpected,” he said.

“It wouldn’t have mattered if it didn’t happen, but it was a magical day and it’s been a magical couple of years. It was never going to be an orthodox premiership and yesterday confirmed that.”

Asked where the medal was, Murphy pointed to his right jacket pocket. But the memento to last a lifetime was staying hidden.

“Some things I just want to keep for me, but it’s been an incredible experience,” he said.

A chant of ‘Bevo’ went around Whitten Oval for the club’s second premiership coach, whose love for his players is absolute.

“He (Murphy), more than any of us, deserved to be up on that dais,” Beveridge said.

With the players celebrating on stage, Murphy could be seen with his arm around Beveridge before giving the coach a kiss on the head.