2016 A Big Year For Billy Murphy
2016 is proving to be a successful year for Box Hill Hawks player Billy Murphy, both on and off the field.
Making his Seniors debut on the weekend, starting his own business and studying full-time is just some of what Murphy has been able to achieve this year, with surely only more to follow.
Starting his football career at the Kew Comets in the YGAFL, Murphy remembers exactly how he came to play his first game.
“I went into my parents’ bedroom and we got a call from my cousin saying they needed a player to fill in. I was really young at that stage so my parents were a bit unsure, but I ended up going down and played my first game at only four.”
At the age of 15, Murphy then moved on to the Northern Knights and the TAC Cup before coming to Box Hill.
During his football career, there has always been one particular AFL player that Murphy has looked to for inspiration.
“I did train with Brent Harvey for three or four years. He was a good mentor for me because he’s small like myself so I try and play like him.”
“I think my endurance, speed and ability to take on the game is where my strengths lie and as a player Boomer really excels in those areas.”
Having played his first Seniors game on the weekend as the team’s 23rd Man against the Casey Scorpions, Murphy has finally had a taste of VFL footy and wants to continue to push for selection each week.
“It was a great experience. As a 23rd Man there’s limited game time, but when I was out there it was really good. It’s good to see the hard work is paying off, but I still want to continue to improve all aspects of my game.”
“It probably couldn’t have fallen on a better game to play. With Dave being such an influence on my career here at Box Hill and it being his 100th VFL game, it was pretty special to share it with him.”
For Murphy, it is Development Coach Matt Adolph, Captain David Mirra and close friend Xavier Dimasi that really have an impact on him and his football during the season.
“Matt has been great in regards to setting the standard for both the team and the individual. Personally for me, he has always encouraged me to stay hungry and driven and to go as far as I can with my football.”
“Dave’s a big influence for me with his attitude towards his football and the way he goes about everything in day-to-day life.”
“Also my little buddy, well big buddy, Xavier Dimasi is another one for me. Just being a close mate, we help each other through the tough ups and downs of footy which is good.”
Outside of footy, Murphy has already had an extremely busy start to the year, opening his own business, BMF Strength and Conditioning, with close friend Dimasi helping him out.
“BMF Strength and Conditioning is doing really well at the moment and has really kicked off in the last three or four months.”
“But in regards to Dimasi calling me a space cadet, I actually have to think really hard sometimes as to whether he has a brain in his head!”
Not only has Murphy started his own business, but also he has also just begun full-time study.
“I also just got my Certificate III and IV in fitness, and I’m now currently at RMIT studying Exercise Science. I’m just really trying to expand my knowledge a bit more so I can take the business further in the future.”
“Outside footy, health and fitness are pretty important to me, so I thought if I could influence others and inspire others to live the same sort of lifestyle then that would probably be a big achievement. That’s what inspired me to start the business. “
With so many things going on for Murphy, spending time away from everything is also really important.
“It’s pretty full on just trying to balance running the business, full-time study and footy.”
“To unwind I like just catching up with mates that I don’t see that often. My family has a place up in Echuca which we go to quite regularly and I really love going there. It’s great as a little getaway.”
After a positive start to the season so far, Murphy is determined to achieve his goals. Whilst there is still hard work to be done, Murphy knows that he just needs to continue what he has been doing so far this year.
“The next goal is just to try and play consistent Senior football. I know I still have lots of improvements to make to my game, but I just need to keep up the hard work.”
Photo: Jenny Owens Photography
