MURPHY, Justin

Essendon traded Cory McGrath for Carlton's Justin Murphy in the 2003 National Draft.

He is one of a handful of footballers who have played at four AFL clubs. He began his career at Richmond, playing 12 games, before being traded to Carlton. He played 79 games for the Blues from 1996 to 2000, before moved on again, this time to Geelong. He only played there for one season, playing 18 games, before being traded back to Carlton. He played another 29 games there before making his last move, this time to Essendon.

Murphy made his debut for the Club in Round 1, 2004, and went on to play 23 games kicking 24 goals, racking up 416 disposals for the season in arguably the most consistent season of his career.

His debut season was outstanding, and he finished seventh in the Club's Best and Fairest with 202 votes. His ability to find space on a wing was a very valuable asset to Essendon, as was his goal scoring ability especially from long range.

He did not find the same form in 2005 and was delisted at the end of the season.

Murphy continued his football journeying after retiring from League football. He joined Heidelberg in the Diamond Valley Football League in 2006 and had a very successful career, playing more than 100 games and winning four premirships in his six seasons.

In 2012, he won another premiership, this time with Tatura in the Goulburn Valley Football League. From there, he spent time with Numurkah, Heidelberg and Knox. He also played some summer seasons with Waratah in the Northern Territory Football League.