Murphy, 22, broke through for 18 games last year after managing 12 in the previous three, but had his delight tempered by his omission from the team after the qualifying final win over the Bulldogs.
"It was disappointing to not play the last two games, but that was last year and what's done is done," Murphy, who was an emergency for the grand final team, says.
"There's nothing I can do about that now. We're hungry for more premierships so hopefully I can keep improving and be part of that.
"I can't wait to get back into it again. The way last year ended was disappointing, but what's done is done. I'm over it now and I'm going to put my best foot forward in 2009."
Murphy's bid to concentrate on the future has been helped by Alastair Clarkson who has been very firm in focusing his playing group's attention on this year's premiership campaign rather than basking in the glow of the last one.
"The fact everyone is really focused on 2009 now sits well with me," he says.
"I can take some positives out of last year personally, but I'm concentrating on 2009 now. I was absolutely rapt for the boys on the day and it was fantastic, but I'm super hungry to be involved in one myself.
"This time last year I'd played 12 senior games so to play 18 last year was a great experience for me. It was good for my self belief and I felt like I was starting to fit in."
Murphy struggled to get a look in at senior level after being taken 21st overall in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft, but impressed many with his poise and run out of defence during his breakout season.
"It was all about opportunity," he explains. "I was getting stronger and faster and a bit wiser in the last couple of years, but what you need is an opportunity. I was able to play a couple of games early and get a run on and hopefully the same thing happens this year."
The defender's 2009 campaign appears likely to include the NAB Cup despite undergoing a shoulder reconstruction following the grand final win.
"I had a good 12 weeks of rehab to get it right and I'm just getting back into the weights now and starting some contact stuff," Murphy says.
"I've been able to do a lot of running though and get really fit. I've still been able to kick the footy around, so I should be right to play in the NAB Cup."
The indefinite absence of Trent Croad through injury leaves an obvious hole in the Hawks' defence, but Murphy doesn't have his eyes fixed on filling a specific position in the back six.
"It all just really depends on a good match-up," he says.
"I don't really mind what the position is called. It's just a title as far as I'm concerned."
