CHRIS Judd should play on if his body is right, according to Carlton skipper Marc Murphy.

 

The Blues champion has played the past four games but managed only one appearance before round 13 after suffering a hamstring injury in his first match for the season in round five.

 

Turning 31 in September, Judd is yet to commit to continuing his career into 2015 but Murphy remains hopeful that he will.

 

"He'll have to weigh that up [whether to play on] at the end of the year but if his body is fine, no doubt I reckon he'll go on at the end of the year," Murphy said.

 

Murphy assumed the captaincy from Judd at the start of 2013 but he said the dual Brownlow medallist is still held in the highest regard at Carlton.

 

He emphasised that it would be Judd's call but he would be encouraging him to keep going provided his body remained sound.

 

"He's an important player for us and a leader around the club so if his body is right I'll be pushing for him to play on," Murphy said. "He's great to have out there."

 

Judd has played 264 games since making his debut with West Coast in 2001. He has won two Brownlow medals, a Norm Smith medal, five best and fairests, been named All-Australian six times and led the Eagles to a premiership.

 

Murphy said Judd's main focus to this point has been recovering from his injuries but he expects him to work out what he will do next season in due course.

 

"His footy is good enough to play on," Murphy said.  

 

Murphy also said he had great faith in the Blues' list, highlighting the performances of youngsters such as Troy Menzel, Dylan Buckley and big key forward Levi Casboult.