Being named captain of the 2015 All-Australian side has capped off a “magical” year for Robert Murphy.

The Western Bulldogs skipper took the reins of the Club at the start of 2015 and had an immediate impact in the Dogs’ rise up the AFL ladder.

Both his on-field and off-field performances were recognised at last night’s All-Australian awards being named on the half-back line, and as the leader of the talent-filled side.

The defender says the honour was a special one, considering the echelon of the 21 players named alongside him.

“At my age it’s nice just to still be playing and incredible to be on stage with these guys behind me,” Murphy said while accepting the honour on Tuesday night.

“To be captain is something I can’t quite put into words but I’m looking forward to our first opponent.”

Asked about the key to being a good leader, Murphy’s mantra is simple. Be yourself.

“When I got the job as captain of the Bulldogs, which seems so long ago now, the main bit of advice I kept getting and a lot of those people are in the room, were saying to just be yourself.

“I think Bob Dylan’s got a great line, he’s just trying to be himself whoever that is, I’ve kind of lived that this year.

“I’ve led a great bunch of young men and a footy club that was bruised and got its dignity back.

“I stand up here in front of these guys and I accept it on behalf of these fine young men and fine players but also a footy club that’s back where it should be.”

Such was Murphy’s impact in 2015, he not only led the Club off-field in reaching the finals, his performance on the field was possibly the best of his career.

“Every moment felt really precious and I was acutely aware that I had to pull my weight and I had to stay out there which is not always easy at the tender age of 33.

“We had a lot of good stuff happened this year, I’m still heartbroken it ended, but I kind of feel like it hasn’t ended and maybe it hasn’t, maybe there’s more to come for the Bulldogs.”