In modern football a 28-year-old that has played 152 AFL games would be classed as a seasoned veteran. If you have played those games at three AFL clubs, then you are certainly more fortunate than most footballers. Most in the same position would have slipped through the window of opportunity back to the VFL.

That is not the case for experienced Bomber recruit and a former enemy of the Carlton 1999 Preliminary Final side, Justin Murphy. ""Probably a lot of people think at my age and having travelled around to various clubs, that playing good footy is over for me,"" Murphy conceded.

Murphy is defiant and intent on writing a new chapter into his football career with the Bombers.

""I feel really good. Ever since I’ve got to the club I haven’t missed a session of training, my body feels great and I have had a good preparation over the summer,"" he said.

Murphy starred with 25 touches and two goals in the Bombers 26-point defeat of the Western Bulldogs last Friday night. The game was his best performance for his new club so far. ""It was a four-quarter effort, which was the most pleasing thing,"" he said.

Murphy has been pivotal in setting up goals for the Bombers in the midfield and across half forward with what Kevin Sheedy describes as ""excellent finishing skills"".

""I think that was one of the reasons why I decided to come across,"" Murphy confirmed. ""They (Essendon coaching staff) gave me an indication that I’d be playing further up the field where I wanted to play. I have always wanted to play in the midfield and I wasn’t getting that at Carlton under Denis Pagan.""

Murphy would also like to have an impact on the scoreboard and is no stranger to kicking goals. 129 career majors is proof of his astute goal sense.

""I’d like to kick more. I think the last time I kicked more than 20 goals was something like 1997. If I can get around that mark this season, be aiming to kick at least 20, I will be pretty happy,"" he said.

Murphy has initiated himself well to the surrounds of the Essendon Football Club, a fact highlighted by the close relationships he has forged with new teammates.

""I seem to get along well with Smokey (Adam McPhee). I am also close with Joe Misiti because we play a fair bit of golf together. All the players and staff have been great to me though,"" he said.

Since beginning his career with Richmond in 1994, Murphy has exposed himself to more than your average player. He crossed to Carlton in 1995, then Geelong in 2000 before returning back to the Blues after one season at Corio Bay. He now finds himself at Windy Hill and given another chance to showcase his skill at the highest level.

""Most clubs are pretty similar. I suppose the successful clubs have an attention to detail with how they go about things,"" indicated Murphy.

""The way they (Essendon) train through pre-season, everyone from the staff to the players, everything is done to achieve the best results. Even the facilities at Essendon when I first got here struck me, so I am lucky to be here.""