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WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has selflessly handed his premiership medallion to injured captain Robert Murphy.

In the ultimate show of respect, Beveridge welcomed Murphy up on to the stage when he accepted his medal and hung it over the neck of the 295-game veteran.

Beveridge then backed away when the Bulldogs were presented the premiership cup to let Murphy lift it aloft with stand-in skipper Easton Wood.

"It's a hard thing to put into words because it's very special," he said.

"He's an incredibly special human being. I love him for it. In some ways, I think, it's not the same as the other boys' medals, it's not the same as the 22, but for me, it means just as much.

"This is my footy club. I couldn't be prouder. I couldn't be happier. I'm just a very, very happy man."

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Murphy was in tears and walking the lap of the honour around the MCG with the rest of his victorious teammates.

"We must be dreaming, it's something else," an emotional Murphy told Channel 7.

"We didn't even allow ourselves day dreams about this.

"Sons and daughters of the 'Scray, we're bringing it home!"

Bob Murphy and Easton Wood lift up the cup. Picture: AFL Photos

The 34-year-old has been through the tough times, having been at the club since 2000.

The hard as nails defender was forced to be a spectator for most of this season having sustained a knee injury in round three, but is determined to return next year.

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"He's the heartbeat of our footy club, he's our leader," Bulldogs defender Matthew Boyd told Channel 7.

"We'll just have to do it again next year."