IT IS unlikely Brendan McCartney will remember the 15-year-old work-experience boy running around the corridors of Richmond Football Club in 1998.

But that same kid who spent a brief time trying to get out of the way of grown-ups while learning about the inner workings of an AFL club will next year be a crucial part of McCartney's first year as a senior coach.

Robert Murphy said the pair's paths first crossed for a brief time at Punt Rd.

"He doesn't know this but I did work experience at Richmond footy club in 1998. He was there at the time and I don't think he would remember the bloke running around kicking the footies after training and making cups of coffee," Murphy told afl.com.au.

"Apart from that I hadn't met him before."

Speaking on the day the Bulldogs announced McCartney's appointment as senior coach after stints as an assistant with the Tigers, Geelong and Essendon, Murphy said he couldn't wait to renew acquaintances.

"I'm really excited. It's genuine excitement. It was a really tough year and not much has gone right," he said.

"Brendan comes in with a fresh outlook and he comes with huge wraps, everyone you speak to couldn't speak high enough of him."

McCartney was a surprise selection after former Bulldog Leon Cameron was the widespread favourite to win the role.

But Murphy said he deliberately did not involve himself in the daily speculation about who would succeed Rodney Eade as the Bulldogs coach.

"I didn't follow it. It's one of those things where everyone is asking you - family, friends, whoever. I know as much as what is in the paper. I knew Leon mast've been close but I don't know how it all works out," he said.

"I'm sure it's not the last we've heard of Leon in terms of AFL coaching but to reiterate the club's point, Brendan is a great appointment and I can't wait to get stuck into it."