Murphy will step down from the Bloods coaching post at the end of this Ballarat Football League season but is leaving his options open and does not want to rush a decision.

He is keen to continue his coaching career and push his coaching to the Victorian Football League or TAC Cup level with the right opportunity – and when certain his playing days were over.

“This was a difficult decision to make...the Melton playing group is one I’ve become pretty fond of and it’s a shame in some ways to be leaving that as a coach,” Murphy said. “Honestly, what I do next is a decision I will making in the coming weeks or months. I might even take a year off to concentrate on work or just playing with the club. I’m not 100 per cent sure.”

Murphy reached his decision last weekend before informing the club and players. An electrician by trade, Murphy said Saturday work was becoming an increasing demand and option he might take up. He said he needed time to plot his next move with his wife, on what was best for them as a family.

Melton was the former Western Bulldogs' first senior coaching post. He joined the Bloods in the 2013 off-season, fresh from coaching nearby club Hoppers Crossing to three consecutive under-18s flags in the Western Region Football League. Murphy signed for two years with the option of a third.

The past month has been a challenge for Murphy physically in the game. He sustained a major Achilles injury but has gradually been making his way back on the field with limited game time.

Murphy spent four years with the Bulldogs (2003-2006), playing seven AFL games and about 80 in the Victorian Football League with the Bulldogs’ then-affiliate Werribee. He has maintained close ties with western suburbs-based TAC Cup clubs Western Jets and Calder Cannons.

Melton president Scott Paterson said the club respected Murphy’s decision and was pleased with what Murphy had achieved with the playing group, particularly in creating strong structures.

Plus, Paterson said Murphy was simply a classy player. Murphy won the Bloods’ senior best and fairest in 2014 and played BFL interleague the past two seasons. 

Paterson said Murphy felt he had got the most he could out of the playing group and the club needed a more experienced coach to take them to the next level – which is exactly what the Bloods are actively hunting now.