The Mole: After 50 years of service to bush footy, veteran trainer reveals the one player he knew would 'go all the way'
Updated . First published at
A humble New South Wales bush football trainer will celebrate a remarkable milestone on Saturday week.
Mark Murphy, a quietly spoken retired electricity meter reader, will bring up 50 years of service for the Dubbo Macquarie Raiders.
The club plans to celebrate Murphy's feat at their Old Boys Day on May 30 in the game against Mudgee Dragons at Apex Oval, Dubbo - even though the 69-year-old would prefer to let the milestone pass.
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"I'm not one for making a big fuss about things," the veteran told Wide World of Sports.
"I love the footy and love the club and this might be my last year.
"The game isn't quite the same anymore - players were a lot tougher back in the '70s… they've got a bit soft now."
Mark Murphy, trainer for the Dubbo Macquarie Raiders. Supplied
Murphy began his long association with the Raiders as a player in the under 18s.
"I enjoyed playing but I got crook shoulders and had to give it away after a few years," he said.
"I wanted to stay involved so I started training the boys and strapping them up for games and doing the warm ups with them.
"I had a great mentor, a guy called George Hatch, and he taught me a lot.
"Things have got more scientific in recent years and I've tried to stay up with the times."
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Beau Scott and David Peachey of the Sharks celebrate a try. Getty
Murphy looked after thousands of players down the years, none more famous than Cronulla legend David Peachey.
"Peach was just a natural - we knew he would go all the way in Sydney," he said.
"In the last few years I've been training his son Wyndham - he goes OK too."
Raiders president Jarryd Meredith wants to make Murphy's milestone day a special one.
"Old Boys day is always huge for us but because everyone knows this is a celebration of Mark's life and achievements, it will probably be the biggest one we have ever had," he said.
"He has taken such great care of so many players for so long and they are coming from far and wide to say thankyou to him… and he deserves it."
