Search

show me:

Murphy snag in pursuit of AFL milestone

3 minute read

Former Carlton captain Marc Murphy will have scans on a calf injury sustained during the Blues' 10-point win over Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.

MARC MURPHY
MARC MURPHY Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Marc Murphy has hit another hurdle on his path to 300 AFL games as Carlton sweat on the results of scans on their former captain's injured calf.

There are also concerns over fellow veteran Eddie Betts, who has jarred his hip ahead of the Blues' clash with Fremantle in round 16.

Both players were injured during a tense 10-point win over Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

Murphy had just been recalled after a week out of the team and took his career tally to 296 games, but the 33-year-old now faces a stint on the sidelines.

"It looks like it's a calf - they're thinking it's on the minor side," Blues coach David Teague said.

"He felt like it just tightened up, so he'll go off and get it scanned, but we're hopeful it will be on the minor side."

Hawthorn's Shaun Burgoyne played as a medi-sub on Sunday as his club attempts to manage him through to the 400-game milestone, while Melbourne's Nathan Jones has played just one match since reaching 300 in round seven.

Teague described it is a "balancing act" when it comes to Murphy and said the club stalwart will be made to earn selection.

Murphy needs to play at least half of the Blues' remaining eight games to reach 300 this season, with doubts over his playing future beyond 2021.

"We want to reward loyalty and that's something Marc's done for a long time, but we also want to reward integrity of selection and guys that are putting their hand up for a game," Teague said.

"If Marc's playing well and getting his job and he puts his hand up, then hopefully he can get there.

"But if he's not playing well and he's not getting his job done then we'll reward the next guy."

Betts kicked three goals and played out the game against his former club after receiving treatment on his hip.

The pocket rocket showed there is still spring in his 34-year-old legs when he launched onto teammate Patrick Cripps' shoulders to almost pull down an incredible mark.

"He looks like he's playing free and having fun," Teague said.

"He's been great for us, not only from an on-field point of view but from a leadership point of view as well.

"I think (the hip) just stiffened up ... hopefully the fact he came back on and finished the game means he'll be right for next week."

What’s gambling really costing you?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au