WESTERN Bulldogs veteran Robert Murphy was brought to tears on seeing his beloved club reach its first Grand Final in 55 years.
Emotions flooded to the surface for the 34-year-old after the Bulldogs' pulsating six-point victory against Greater Western Sydney in Saturday night's preliminary final at Spotless Stadium.
Murphy has spent 17 seasons with the Bulldogs, but has been stranded on 295 games after a knee injury ended his year in round three.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said Murphy had been an amazing source of support for his side.
"There's a lot of emotional people out there and no doubt everyone feels for Bob (Murphy), but he's just been such an enormous support for the players," Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said.
WATCH: Luke Beveridge's full post-match press conference
"You guys know the sort of person he is; he's such a dignified young man, and he will just keep going about it the same way, nothing will change.
"At some point he's going to reflect and think, 'I wish I was playing', and think about what's happened to him.
WATCH: Last two minutes - Greater Western Sydney v Western Bulldogs
"But as I said to him the other day, 'We're a better team with you in it, so if we win it this year, imagine how good we're going to be next year', so he's got a lot to look forward too.
"He won't take anyone's off what's up ahead, he'll handle it in the right fashion."
Bob Murphy hugs Marcus Bontempelli and Peter Gordon. Picture: AFL Photos
Murphy and Matthew Boyd celebrate the win in Sydney. Picture: AFL Photos
Murphy and the injured Mitch Wallis walk off Spotless Stadium together. Picture: AFL Photos
Murphy and Peter Gordon share the love after the Dogs' big win. Picture: AFL Photos
Stand-in captain Easton Wood consoles Murphy. Picture: AFL Photos
Murphy gets a consoling pat from Luke Beveridge in the changerooms. Picture: AFL Photos
