Thomas Murphy Biography

Tom Murphy announces his retirement effective from the end of the season.

"I feel very fortunate to have played footy over the last 10 seasons with both the Hawthorn and Gold Coast football clubs," Murphy said.

"The journey has gone very quickly, but I leave with many great memories and friends.

"I hope, in my time here, I've played my role in establishing the Gold Coast Suns. I wish the team all the very best for the future and look forward to watching the club go on to bigger and better things in the years to come."

Gold Coast has signed Hawthorn defender Tom Murphy, an unrestricted free agent.

"Tom not only brings great experience from Hawthorn to the club, but we believe he will play a vital role in continuing to develop our group on and off the field," Suns' general manager of football operations Marcus Ashcroft said.

The heartbreak story of this year's grand final, Hawthorn defender Tom Murphy, joins Gold Coast Suns as a free agent.

"I will be forever grateful to everyone at the Hawthorn Football Club, I really enjoyed my time there but I'm now really looking forward to continuing my career with the Suns," Murphy said.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson thanked Murphy for his time at the Hawks.

"Tom has made a valuable contribution during his eight years at Hawthorn Football Club and I'm sure he will be an excellent leader and teacher for the younger players at Gold Coast," Clarkson said.

"He is much admired and respected by our playing and coaching group and we wish him well in his next AFL opportunity."

Tom Murphy had just left training when Alastair Clarkson tapped him on the shoulder to let him know he had been dropped from the 2012 Grand Final side.

"I found out [Thursday] at about one o'clock; 'Clarko' grabbed me after training," Murphy said at the Grand Final parade.

"I got the old tap on the shoulder that everyone tries to avoid. He didn't really need to say much. It's just an awkward situation for both of us.

"At the end of the day, it's something you just need to get out of the way so we can concentrate on the game ahead."

Tom Murphy has become the heartbreak story of Grand Final week after being dropped from the side to face the Sydney Swans to make way for returning skipper Luke Hodge.