AFTER months of speculation, Western Bulldogs skipper Robert Murphy has announced he will play on in 2017.
Murphy, who sustained a season-ending ACL injury in round three, revealed via the club's website on Tuesday that he would be pull on the boots for an 18th AFL season.
Murphy's decision to play on shouldn't come as a surprise, as the veteran was displaying the same brilliant form this season that saw him selected in the 2015 All Australian side before injury struck.
Just five games shy of a much-deserved 300-game milestone, Murphy declared he still had something to offer the Bulldogs, but he also wanted to repay the faith the club had in him.
"I've still got the passion to play and obviously, there's unfinished business for this team and our club," Murphy, who turns 34 later this week, said.
"To have your club in your corner, saying that they really want you to play again, can't be underestimated."
"I feel like I can get back to playing good footy, and I still feel like I've got something to offer. I miss it, I miss playing with those boys."
On Tuesday night, Murphy said he wasn't just keen to play on but would also like to remain skipper.
"I'd like to be but it's a decision of the players and our coaches … that's how I feel at the moment," he said on Fox Footy.
"One of the motivating factors was I love being the captain.
"Running out and leading the boys out in front of our supporters, I cannot possibly describe how much of a thrill that is and how much it means every time you do it.
"I get to do it a lot and I want to do it again."
Robert Murphy wants to lead the Bulldogs out again. Picture: AFL Media
Murphy said he had "got rid of the ceiling" when it came to how long he would play on for.
"The birth certificate's out, I just want to get healthy again and roll the dice and see if I can get myself fit enough to play again," he said
"It's a wide open road."
Despite Murphy being in the twilight of his impressive career, and recovering from his second knee construction, Bulldogs list manager Jason McCartney said he didn't think twice about offering the club legend another deal.
"The decision to offer Bob another contract was an easy one because of just how much he brings holistically to this place," McCartney said.
"He is such an important figure here, both from a leadership perspective but what he also offers as a player."
"It was welcome news for everyone at the club."
With the captain set to be ready for pre-season training in November, his replacement Easton Wood has also battled injuries in 2016.
A hamstring injury will keep the All Australian defender sidelined for another week and coach Luke Beveridge announced Matthew Boyd would lead the side against Port Adelaide on Saturday under the club's rotating deputy system.
Youngster Marcus Bontempelli acquitted himself exceptionally well in his first go at the coveted job in the win over West Coast, while Dale Morris has also performed the role this year.
Young skipper Bont breaks new ground
"It's all on the line for 'Boydy', he has a lot to live up to," Beveridge joked.
"Both Dale and 'Bonty' did a magnificent job in Easton's absence, and Easton has done a great job in Bob's absence."
Beveridge said youngster Lukas Webb was in line for his game of the season after strong form in the VFL, and that key forward Tom Boyd got through his first hit-out in six weeks in his recovery from a shoulder injury.
The high-priced recruit went goalless in wet conditions in Footscray's loss to Williamstown, but collected 18 possessions and three marks in 56 minutes of game time.
