Len Murphy

Recruited from Williamstown in the VFA, Len Murphy’s arrival at Collingwood was driven by a single-minded determination to play alongside his older brother, Frank. He was so eager to join the Magpies that he ignored transfer objections and risked disqualification to cross to Victoria Park in 1928. Standing 188cm and weighing over 85kg, Murphy was a formidable physical presence who operated primarily as a ruckman and resting forward, though he was versatile enough to fill key defensive posts. His impact was immediate, joining Jock McHale’s famous "Machine" just as it began its dominant run. He played in three consecutive premierships from 1928 to 1930, establishing a reputation as a booming kick who could launch the ball over 50 metres from a standing start, and a surprisingly pacey big man who competed in the Stawell Gift meetings.

While his early career was defined by premiership glory, Murphy’s aggression—often described as "raw and rough"—became a double-edged sword later in his tenure. He famously survived a dramatic car crash in 1930 with his brother and Richmond’s Hope Collins to play in that year's flag, but bad luck and suspension cost him further silverware. He missed the 1935 Grand Final due to a shoulder injury sustained in the preliminary final, and was suspended for the 1936 premiership decider after breaking the jaw of South Melbourne captain Brighton Diggins. Murphy left Collingwood after 1937 to captain-coach Nhill in the Wimmera league and later Oakleigh in the VFA. He made a brief return to the VFL with Footscray in 1940, adding valuable experience to the Bulldogs' lineup for two seasons before retiring.