The unlikely characters Bob Murphy thanked in his retirement speech

The Western Bulldogs captain announced his retirement this morning, using his speech to thank a list of unlikely characters.

The beloved 35-year-old is hanging up the boots at the end of this season, his 18th year at the club.

Joined by coach Luke Beveridge in a press conference, true to his unique style, Murphy kept things lighthearted.

“I really just want to use today as a way of saying thank you to a lot of people,” Murphy said.

“I’ve been inspired by a whole range of people.”

He went on to mention the following:

1.The Richmond Tigers team of 1995

“They were a real inspiration to a 13-year-old kid from Warragul,” Murphy said.

2. Tim Rodgers

3. Tex Perkins

4. Paul Kelly,  “For spiritual sustenance” Murphy said.

5. Martin Flanagan

6. “I’d also like to pay tribute to Ben Hudson’s beard,” he added.

The pair played together at the Dogs from 2008-2011, when Hudson’s beard gathered a cult following. The pair have remained close friends.

Earlier today, fellow 1999 draftee Cameron Ling said Murphy’s retirement signaled the end of an era in football.

“He’s the last of my draft, the 1999 draft, it’s the end of an era,” Ling told 3AW.

“It’ll be tough for the Dogs, you don’t just move on from a person and a player like that.”

Murphy is set to play his 311th game this weekend in Ballarat, as the Bulldogs look to keep their finals hopes alive in a must-win clash with Port Adelaide.

Bulldog legend and current development coach Rohan Smith spoke with 3AW Football ahead of Murphy’s 300th game earlier this year.

“He’s just a terrific person,” Smith said.

“He’s the spiritual leader of our club.

“The players know, Murph is coming to the end, and they want to do it for him.”

Murphy joins Matthew Boyd, Steve Johnson, Jesse White, Nick Riewoldt, Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell and Matt Priddis in the 2017 list of retiring players.