Robert W Murray
Bob Murray was one of the most celebrated cases of a failed forward transforming into a great defender.
1963-72 and 1974 153 games 14 goals. (b: 5 Apr 1942 185 cms 76 kgs). Bob Murray was one of the most celebrated cases of a failed forward transforming into a great defender. He came from Sandringham and had limited success as a forward in his first year. He missed the next season with injury and in 1965 was struggling to make it and asked if he could be cleared back to the VFA. He was tried as full-back in the reserves and then in a memorable game on Queen's Birthday 1965 he started in defence and state full-back Verdun Howell went to the other end. He clicked immediately although he had a hard time in the 1965 finals when two full-forwards kicked plenty of goals on him. It was later revealed that he had an injury but he more than made up for it in the following year when he turned the tables on the two full-forwards and was a star in the flag win. He had perfect timing when contesting a mark or punching away. He made eight state appearances from 1967 to 1970 and was acknowledged as the best full-back in Australia. He won St Kilda's best and fairest in 1969 but his later years were dogged by knee injuries.
Player profile © The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers by Russell Holmesby and Jim Main
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