Murray was a classic case of a struggling forward who found his niche in defence. A superb high mark, he did not have a big physique and relied more on judgement and anticipation to outmark full-forwards.

He needed all of his wits to contain the second golden era of full-forwards that comprised Hudson, Wade, McKenna and Jesaulenko, but was still able to maintain his attacking style. Knee injuries hampered him in later years, but by then his reputation was well and truly established.