Australian Football

After playing under-age and reserves football with Sturt from 1971 to 1973 Richard Murrie moved to Queensland where, in 1974, he played 16 QAFL games and scored 12 goals for Mayne. Footscray liked what they saw, and the 1975 season found him at the Western Oval where he proved himself a highly capable defender who moved well and was an excellent kick. His five season stint with the Bulldogs saw him play 68 VFL games and kick 10 goals.

In 1980 Murrie crossed to Geelong, where he struggled to establish himself, playing almost as many reserves games (31) as seniors (35) over three seasons. Among his reserves appearances were the winning grand finals of 1980 against South Melbourne and 1981 against Essendon. Murrie attempted to reignite his VFL career at Richmond in 1983, but managed only eight senior appearances, taking his VFL career tally to 111.

After two seasons out of the game Murrie was appointed captain-coach of VFA second division outfit Box Hill in 1986, whom he steered to a flag that year courtesy of a 14.14 to 11.14 grand final defeat of Sunshine. 

Author - John Devaney, with additional information by Andrew Gigacz