For his size, Murdoch had exceptionally good ground skills and would always use his strength to his advantage when the ball was loose.
[1] He was capable of playing in any position on the backline, for most of his career fitting in as required to accommodate other defenders such as Maurie Sheahan, Martin Bolger and Basil McCormack.
By the time of the 1934 premiership side Richmond were so well-equipped with top defenders that Murdoch was moved to the forward line where he kicked a goal - despite having between Rounds Nine and Fourteen of that season held the VFL record for most games without kicking a goal.
[2][3] Murdoch's career ended in sensational fashion when in 1936 he was involved in a fight with Collingwood legend Gordon Coventry.
Though Coventry was judged the instigator of the conflict, Murdoch was on Tuesday 4 August found guilty of retaliating and suspended for four matches.