Murphy and Gibbs facing big AFL questions

Jan 24, 2017 - 1:50 AM Carlton's Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs have never had more to prove after more than a decade in the AFL.

Murphy, the No.1 draft pick in 2005, is preparing for his 12th season and fifth as captain, having never managed to convince his doubters he is the right man to lead the Blues.

Gibbs, the No.1 pick in 2006, is set to face intense scrutiny in his 11th season after the Blues refused to grant him an offseason trade home to Adelaide.

With rookie coach Brendon Bolton guiding one of the youngest lists in the competition in 2017, the midfield duo's experience should prove pivotal to their hopes of success, and whether the club can make the finals for the first time since 2013.

For Murphy, much will hinge on his ability to stay fit.

The skipper only managed 10 games last season after injuring his ankle, and has also had shoulder issues which have prevented him from playing on-ball as often he would have liked.

In a good sign for Blues fans, Murphy says he has only missed one preseason training session and is feeling fresh and excited to get back on the park.

"I suppose the last few years are still driving me. I was pretty frustrated the way it all finished," he told RSN927 radio on Tuesday.

"From outside the footy club, I've copped a little bit over the years just about not leading from the front.

"When you play football for a while, you realise how important having training underneath your belt is. I've played some good footy over the last couple of years but not to the level I know I can get to."

The future of midfield partner Gibbs is likely to be the subject of much intrigue. The 27-year-old had three years remaining on his contract when he sought a return to Adelaide for family reasons.

The Crows have indicated they will look to revisit the situation at the end of this season after bitter negotiations with Carlton amounted to nothing.

But Murphy said the club had moved on from the fiasco and there was "no doubt" his close mate would be part of the Blues' leadership group.

"He obviously understands that the questions will probably arise again towards the latter half of the year about whether he wants to stay or whether he wants to go home," Murphy said.

"Time will tell ... but he's a real professional, Gibbsy, and he'll play really good footy for us."

Source: AAP