Nathan Murphy was a vital cog in Collingwood’s backline throughout 2022, however the younger defender says he’s locked in a decent battle for his spot with a brand new recruit.
The 23-year-old, whose return to the Magpies line-up in spherical 10 final 12 months helped spark an 11-game profitable streak, says former Adelaide defender Billy Frampton has been one of many leaders on the monitor throughout pre-season and will squeeze him out of the aspect.
With new captain Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe each locks within the Collingwood again six, there may be solely room for yet one more intercepting defender, with Murphy dealing with time on the perimeter if the Magpies go for Frampton, who’s 8cm taller.
“We’ve had lots of modifications within the low season, we’ve had Billy Frampton be part of our backline and he’s introduced lots of his strengths, which we wish to hold seeing,” Murphy mentioned.
“He’s been superior for the group, lots of the boys round him wish to get higher due to the requirements that he has dropped at the membership.
“I’ve received to raise there as effectively as a result of he’s difficult for the spot that I had final 12 months … we’ve received lots of wholesome competitors which as a membership is what we wish to see, so it’s actually thrilling.”
Murphy solely averaged 10 disposals and three marks in his 16 video games final season however had an immense affect as a lockdown defender, starring within the Magpies’ miserly wins over Fremantle and Melbourne the place they conceded solely 100 factors throughout the 2 video games.
He mentioned he had been working with Collingwood director of teaching Brendon Bolton to extend his offensive affect in video games.
“He’s actually encouraging me simply to take the sport on much more and as a gaggle we’re all making an attempt to do the identical factor as effectively,” Murphy mentioned.
“I feel it’s a very thrilling model for the time being, and we’re wanting ahead to taking part in some competitors to try it out.”
The Magpies had been thriving underneath the reign of Moore, who had made a huge effect on Murphy’s improvement effectively earlier than he took the captaincy, he mentioned.
“Once I was in my second 12 months we did lots of rehab collectively and I most likely began my uni course due to (Moore),” Murphy mentioned.
“He’s received an amazing steadiness of soccer and life outdoors. He represents the membership very well and his relationships with the boys are one thing that I’ve by no means seen earlier than.
“He simply will get to know you extra on a private degree, he type of forgets the soccer aspect of issues and really desires to get to know you outdoors of soccer.”
