Murphy, a key position player from Renmark, came to North Melbourne after being selected with the ninth pick of the 1987 VFL Draft.
He played three times in the 1988 VFL season then returned to the club he was recruited from, Glenelg in the SANFL.
Murphy was a centre half back in the 1990 Grand Final, which Glenelg lost to Port Adelaide.
His performances during the year saw him make the Adelaide Football Club's squad for their entry into the AFL in 1991.
He however struggled throughout the season with injuries and discipline, missing a total of seven games through suspension from three visits to the tribunal.