Murphy has played 310 games and will call time on his celebrated career at the end of the season. His first match following the announcement will coincide with the first-ever match to be played in the town he was born, Ballarat.

The Western Bulldogs will host Port Adelaide at Mars Stadium on Saturday in what will be a history-making day for Ballarat, but it will now hold extra meaning for all Bulldogs fans attending given Murphy’s retirement.

Murphy made the announcement in front of a packed meeting room at Whitten Oval. The room was filled with media, family and players all honouring one of the club’s most influential figures in it’s rise to success.

The 35-year-old paid tribute to all the club’s that have helped him along the way, his teammates, coaches and of course his supportive family.

Murphy said 2017 always loomed as his final season.

“I’ve lived a childhood dream, that’s become a bit of a cliche, but it’s a cliche that’s pretty special to me,” Murphy said.

“I came that close to finishing up last year, this was probably always going to be my last year.

“I probably retired three times last year and just didn’t quite tell the rest of the world.”

Murphy is yet to watch the Bulldogs 2016 premiership which he missed due to injury.

He said he would “probably” watch it soon, but conceded not being a part of the premiership 22 was difficult.

“If I’m not a premiership player, there will be a sense of emptiness there, but I gave it everything I had. I still have enormous pride in last year’s premiership, but to not be one of the 22, there’s a bit of a hole in my heart there.”

But coach Luke Beveridge made it clear Murphy’s contribution may not have been on the MCG during September, but it was certainly significant. 

Beveridge said Murphy played a huge role in developing the culture and should be regarded among the club’s greats.

“He was a part of the premiership because the premiership was built off momentum. People forget what he did in 2015...in a time where we needed leadership and guidance and we needed a new trail to be blazed, he was the one that took us in that direction.

“We wouldn’t of been there if it wasn’t for him.”