The Lions have lodged a clearance to secure the livewire forward from North Warrnambool Eagles, which was pending late yesterday.

Murphy had committed to Panmure after his older brother Nathan landed an assistant coach role under new Bulldogs mentor David Haynes.

But with injury concerns likely to rule Nathan out of football this season, his younger sibling has opted to instead head back to Walter Oval.

Murphy told South Rovers coach Nathan Isles of his decision about 1pm yesterday and informed Panmure officials last night.

“We’re really happy to get someone of his calibre at the very last minute,” Isles said.

“He adds bulk not just to our forward line but our midfield rotations and he’s versatile. 

“He can play off the back flank.

“We’re pretty happy with where we’re at. 

“To be able to put him into the side, it’ll run that bit smoother.

“With what he’s done having played at Hampden league level and been successful at that level and having a young side, our kids are going to grow.

“He doesn’t have an official role but with his leadership, I think he’ll have a real impact on our 17 and 18-year-olds.”

Isles said he would likely start Murphy, who kicked 66 goals for the Hampden league Eagles last season, in the forward line.

“That’s where he’ll start but he really will be that extra midfield rotation if we need. If we need him to go back and settle the ship, he can do that too,” Isles said.

He was pleased to have another goalkicking option. Without a dominant tall target, the Lions will rely on a spread of players to kick a winning score each week.

“We’ll be looking to spread the workload. We don’t have those six-three, six-four blokes,” Isles said.

“As far as a designated full-forward, that won’t happen. We’ll try and play our structures a little bit more.

“Nathan Krepp will feature thereabouts as he usually does. He’s starting to get back to training now. He’s looking fitter and stronger every day.

“Harry Ponting will play through there, Laughie Cowell will be thereabouts. Those guys will share the workload without us having to rely on one of them.”

The decision has left Panmure, premier in 2012 and 2013 and grand finalist last year, without two of its high-profile recruits.

The Bulldogs have also lost a string of players in the off-season, most notably departed coach Simon O’Keefe who has returned to Koroit.

Alex White, Tim McPherson, Taylor McKenry, Daniel Roache and James Keane have also found new football homes.

Murphy was unavailable for comment late yesterday.