There was a special surprise for Fremantle’s AFLW playing group on Thursday after they walked in for their first team meeting of the pre-season, with Bob Murphy tuning in from quarantine.

The new Head of Football Operations and Performance made his virtual appearance at the start of the meeting, popping up on the big screen once everyone had taken their seats.

“It’s nice to see you all. I’ve been studying your body language as you walked in the room. You’ve all passed the test, so well done to you!” Murphy joked.

“It’s really nice to be in the same room as you, albeit technologically. I just wanted to introduce myself and just say a couple of quick words.

“I know you guys have had a big afternoon with your time trial. We’re in quarantine at the moment but we’re not too far away, we’re in WA and halfway there.”

Murphy famously wore the Western Bulldogs jumper for 312 games, captaining the team for three seasons of his 18-year career.

While he will always be one of Footscray’s favourite sons, Murphy was keen to show his Freo pride.

“I’ve spent half of my life wearing the red, white and blue but I think it’s important to know that if you mix those colours up your get purple, so I’m very proud to represent the purple tonight,” Murphy said.

“We’re very proudly a part of your gang and I can’t wait to put my arms around you and go to battle with you. Thanks for having me tonight, I’m just here to absorb, learn and listen and see what this purple gang is all about.”

Murphy’s new role will see him manage everyday elements of the both the AFLW and AFL programs. He was previously very active in the Bulldogs’ AFLW program, where he worked to foster leadership qualities and support individual player development, and was also a runner on game days.