At just 15 years old, he was in charge of Brierly’s under 13 side. By 19, he was division one captain, leading the Brierly Bulls into a semi-final against Portland Colts.

The Bulls lost that day, but for Murphy, it was the first of many seasons coaching the division one team “on and off”.

The now 29-year-old will again be in charge as he leads the Bulls out against Wesley-CBC on Saturday.

“I would’ve been coaching for 13 years at least,” Murphy said.

“I remember saying at school I’ll be coach the seniors one day and people laughed. But I managed to get the job when I was 19.”

A primary school teacher by trade, Murphy said he had always enjoyed the educational aspect of the role.

He has led the way with the bat over his time at Brierly, accumulating 5786 runs, including seven tons – his most recent coming three weeks ago when the Bulls defeated Nestles – and 33 half-centuries, with a high score of 203 coming when he was 19. He has also taken 150 wickets.

“Every hundred you get is pretty special,” Murphy said.

“I hate getting 20s or 30s and going out, but that happens quite often.

“(Against Nestles) it was just one of those days where everything clicked.”

In other matches, Woodford will take on East Warrnambool-YCW, West Warrnambool hosts Port Fairy, Merrivale will take on Allansford, Russells Creek will try to keep its unbeaten start alive against Nestles and Nirranda hosts Dennington.