“In terms of footy for next year,I am just trying to contribute week in,week out. The more we win,hopefully,can help me play into next year but I haven’t thought too much about next year.”

Murphy has been used as a goal-kicking small and on the wing this season,and said it had been a period of adjustment,with his form linked,at times,to the style of game on any particular day.

“When you get a little older as well,you ideally want some young guys to be able to go through there (midfield) but the high half-forward role requires a lot of running as well,” he said.

“No doubt,from a few games this year,I probably haven’t adjusted too well at times. If it’s more of a stoppage game,it’s hard to use that (his run) as a weapon whereas if it’s more of a turnover style,counter-attack,it can work more in my favour.

“Teaguey is trying to get the ball more in my hands closer to goal and try and use it more inside 50.”

That he did against the Hawks on Saturday in what was a crucial win. He said it was important he continued to contribute on the scoreboard - he has seven goals in eight matches - and through score involvements.

“There was a little bit of time through the midfield,which I enjoy,” Murphy said.

“That allowed me to get my running game a little bit. That’s what I have built my game on over the years - just a high work rate up and down the ground.

“It’s something that I feel like I can still help the side with,my run,especially towards periods of the game when guys are out on their legs.”

Murphy returned to action against Melbourne a week earlier,having been absent for a fortnight because of whiplash from a bone-crunching tackle at training,which left him with repeated headaches. However,he said he had not been concussed.

“It was a bit of a whiplash injury and I had a few ongoing headaches and just stiffness in my neck,” he said.

“I couldn’t really train for a week or so. I couldn’t really turn my head.”