When Western Bulldogs captain Robert Murphy led the Bulldogs on to Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, he became the venue’s games record holder.

Murphy bypassed St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt and retired Saint Lenny Hayes, before the weekend all three were locked on 152 games.

Murphy now sits on 153 matches, with Riewoldt staying on 152 after the bye.

Murphy looks set to hold the lead until at least the end of the home and away season with the Bulldogs playing seven games at Etihad Stadium, while the Saints have six.

Three games behind Murphy are North Melbourne’s Nick Dal Santo and Brent Harvey.

Former Western Bulldogs champion Brad Johnson was the first player to reach 100 games at the venue.