SENSATIONAL SKIPPERS

Q Bob Murphy has become the face of the club over the past few years. Before Bob and Ryan Griffen were captains, Matthew Boyd did the job very well and played in the flag also. Can you tell me about his influence on the group?

A You can link the performances up. Bob was an All-Australian in 2015 from outstanding week-to-week performances and Matty probably was stiff to miss out. We needed guys to show leadership on and offfield and that culminated in Matty winning All-Australian in the premiership year. His leadership, words and actions are unsurpassed. There is no doubt he has found it tougher this year – he has had a few sore spots. He will likely play VFL level this week. The backline played well together last week against Carlton and we are not going to change that, and Easton Wood needs to come back in for Jake Stringer. Matty Boyd, Bob and Dale Morris have been outstanding. A He will be in the 25-man squad but he is more likely to be an emergency at this stage.

Q Travis and Tom Boyd have taken time away from the game to deal with mental health issues. As a coach, how do you approach that? Q So that means no Travis Cloke this week?

A It is challenging on many fronts because you prioritise life before football. But when they are ready, they need to come back into the program. It is good for them and we need them. Travis has returned pretty quickly and he has not missed much training. Tom (pictured) has taken longer and is a totally different case. We are taking it as it comes.