A batsman who represented Victoria at junior level, Murphy became the youngest first-eleven player for University in the Melbourne district competition when he made his debut at 16.
University's former president Kevan Carroll recalled Murphy's typically unflustered response to a barrage of bouncers and barbs from a hotheaded fast bowler.
"Mate, give it up," Murphy responded. "In 10 years no one will have heard of you."
Can the Blues break their Docklands hoodoo?
The inference was obvious, and prophetic.
Almost a decade on, on the eve of his 150th AFL game, everyone has heard of Marc Murphy.
In that time he has matured from a prodigiously talented youngster into a hardened, humble superstar.
This year has already been significant for Murphy, who has been appointed Carlton captain and ranked No.9 in the inaugural Official AFL Player ratings.
The challenge before him now is considerable but achievable: to subtly improve and evolve as both a player and a leader to guide the Blues back into the finals.
Just seven rounds into Murphy's reign, he is being tested on each of these fronts. In what he describes as an "up and down start" to his captaincy, he's confronted injuries, losses and criticism. But he seems well equipped to deal with anything that is thrust his way.
A natural leader, Murphy captained most sporting teams he represented at junior level. He was elevated to Carlton's leadership group in just his second season, and long appeared destined for the captaincy. This grooming period has helped his transition to the role.
As has his impressive support network, for which he feels blessed. Little wonder, given his circle of potential confidantes includes leaders of the calibre of president Stephen Kernahan, coach Mick Malthouse, football manager Andrew McKay, former skipper Chris Judd, more experienced vice-captains Andrew Carrazzo and Kade Simpson, and veteran Heath Scotland.
Murphy says he can also "bounce things off the old man". His father John, an AFL Hall of Fame member, captained Fitzroy for five seasons.
Murphy says leadership comes "pretty naturally" to him, but he's smart enough to know that he doesn't know it all. He asks questions of others, listens intently to the answers, and tries to put his learning into practice. He feels he's growing as a leader each week.
Malthouse encouraged his new skipper to show a genuine care for his teammates. Murphy had been doing that already, but has taken it to a new level.
"You have to broaden your vision," Murphy told AFL.com.au. "Even when things are going well, some blokes are going to be a bit down because they're not playing well or they're not getting senior games, so you've got to get around them and keep everyone positive.
"The first three weeks were testing because we played some good footy but didn't win. We needed to be better at stopping the bleeding and try to turn it around. We did that for the next three weeks, but then we let ourselves down against St Kilda on Monday night."
Murphy also liked the simplicity of Judd's advice, which was: "Don't get overawed or weighed down by expectations. You've got to play good footy, but don't feel you have to be extraordinary. Just keep doing the right things as best you can and for as long as you can."
Murphy senior takes a "back-seat role" according to his son, but believes captains should "try to find solutions".
There's been no shortage of issues for Murphy to solve.
He endured his worst pre-season in three years, after undergoing post-season shoulder and knee operations that kept him sidelined until January.
"It probably affected me a little bit in terms of getting match fitness," he said. "I rely pretty heavily on my power and speed to burst out of packs, and in the first few games it probably wasn't there. But I'm slowly getting it back."
That's despite soldiering through the early rounds with a case of "turf toe", and having the same foot accidentally trodden on during the first quarter on Monday night. Playing under duress is simply part of the game for leaders like Murphy.
It's hardly surprising then that Murphy has been a little below his best so far this season. He says his form has been simply "OK".
He was disappointed with two of his performances in losing sides – against Richmond in round one and against the Saints on Monday. These games bookended five "pretty handy" efforts in which he averaged 27 possessions (11 contested), five tackles and a goal.
Murphy was criticised after the round-three loss to Geelong when his run-with opponent Taylor Hunt kicked three first-half goals. Though believing himself harshly judged, Murphy says he has been working hard on the defensive side of his game. He is second at Carlton for tackles.
Murphy also wants to maximise his strengths by winning more clearances and more contested ball in general. He also wants to kick more goals.
"I felt I was building up nicely until Monday night, when I copped a heavy tag (from Jarryn Geary) and didn't play well," he said. "I'm just looking forward to responding against Port Adelaide on Sunday, and so is the whole side."
Ben Collins is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_BenCollins
