Herald Sun
...but a waste [2017] was not. Bontempelli was brilliant again and the perennially underrated Jack Macrae wasn’t far behind.
Toby McLean and Bailey Dale rapidly rose into stars of the future and they unearthed a real find in Jake Lever-type Lewis Young.
Dale doesn’t mind taking responsibility, evidenced by his booming last-quarter goal last night.
The sharpshooter lead the Dogs with 17.3 since Round 14.
- Sam Landsberger
The Age
Murphy got a hug from Jarryd Roughead at the toss - a Judas kiss, as it turned out - and a handshake from Hodge at the first bounce, since they found themselves in the same sector. They would play much of the night in parallel.
Murphy made a goal for Liam Picken, and another in the second quarter, and kicked one for himself from 50 metres, and his very next play opened a symbolic door to the future with a left-foot pass to first-gamer Patrick Lipinski (who missed). Later, there was a rare, but equally treasured goal for Boyd, who was his industrious self to the last.
Generally, Murphy and Boyd left the impression that they were departing six months too soon rather than six months too late.
- Greg Baum
Fox Sports
This was the classy farewell three all-class champions of the game thoroughly deserved.
On Friday night, a trio of modern-greats — and possible future Hall of Fame inductees — were farewelled by the AFL world in perfect style.
Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs both paid beautiful tributes to four-time premiership Hawk Luke Hodge, All-Australian captain Bob Murphy and flag hero Matthew Boyd in their final games.
- Ben Waterworth
Herald Sun
But regardless, it was all about Hodge, Murphy, Boyd and Gibson and the fact 48,000 showed up for a virtual dead rubber was proof of the respect they command.
Respect is something that’s followed Murphy for much of his career. He hasn’t needed his last name, or even his first name, in twilight years that has seen his popularity soar.
And as “Bob” arrived for Friday night’s pre-match toss of the coin, counterpart Jarryd Roughead didn’t offer his hand; he offered an embrace.
Murphy started forward and was picked up by Hodge. Murphy and Boyd both kicked goals and 18-man group hugs followed.
- Sam Edmund
AAP/ABC
Murphy started up forward and was lively early before finishing with 15 disposals and a goal, while Boyd was outstanding with an equal game high 33 touches.
Both teams formed a guard of honour at the end of the game with the retiring stars saluting the crowd for one last time.
The Dogs trailed at every change and looked to be out of the contest when the Hawks opened a game-high 24-point lead late in the third term.
But Luke Beveridge's men mustered one last push and had the better of the final term without making the most of their scoring opportunities.
