Murphy said he wasn't ready to give up the captaincy after only two years, one of which was lost because of the knee injury. He said he could still contribute in a leadership role, especially in helping develop the younger teammates who would eventually take on the role.

"You want to do some thinking about what's best for the team and whether you're the best man for the job, because ultimately we're just servants of the footy club," Murphy said.

"You've got to ask yourself a few questions about whether you think you're the right person for it, whether you've still got the energy for it and the guys coming through.

"As a servant of the footy club, I'm kind of guided by what the players and what the club need.

"I can certainly see the benefit of a Nick Riewoldt situation having been captain (of St Kilda) for so long, and that's where I sort of argue the difference there, I've been in the job for two years, one of those with an asterix next to it.