- He was forced into early retirement due to concussions.
- He has announced big personal news with his partner Rose
- The image she chose has left many fans with questions.
Collingwood championship winner Nathan Murphy has shared some very positive news on social media, but the way he has done so has raised a lot of eyebrows.
The Collingwood star retired earlier this year due to a series of concussions.
The 24-year-old defender made the decision based on advice from a panel of medical experts.
Murphy suffered his 10th concussion during the Magpies’ grand final win over Brisbane, marking his final professional game.
Throughout his seven-year career, he played 57 games.
In his retirement he found new joy when he announced that he will be a father with his partner Rose.
However, the photo she chose raised many questions.
Instead of posting a picture with Rose, she posted a photo holding the ultrasound alongside her smiling golden retriever Juno.
Nathan Murphy shared the news of his pregnancy with his golden retriever Juno
But it’s not Juno who’s pregnant, but Murphy’s partner, Rose, who is expecting his child.
“Did you get the dog pregnant?” asked one of her followers.
“Wow! Makes sense that Murphy retired for medical reasons. Get this man some help. Dogs are friends, not lovers,” another joked.
“It’s not legal in most countries,” added another football fan.
“Love is love. Congratulations to you both,” posted another.
While another fan added: “It’s a weird setup here, but to each their own, right?”
It’s good news for Murphy, who had a great football career ahead of him until he suffered a concussion.
“I feel like it’s the right time and the right decision to hang up my football boots,” Murphy said previously.
‘I love football, but my priority is my future and making sure I live a full and healthy life.
‘I would like to thank the Club, coaches, teammates, staff and the Magpie Army for all their support throughout my playing career and for allowing me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream of playing in the AFL.
‘To my family and friends: I could not have gotten through this journey without your continued love and support, for which I am so grateful.
“It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have been able to experience Premier League success with this group and this club. I hope I’ve made the diver proud and I’m grateful to the many people and supporters who have helped me along the way.
Murphy, left, won a title with the Collingwood Magpies but was forced to retire early.
‘I will always cherish the memories and friends I made at our great Club.’
While there were plenty of jokes about the photo, there were also plenty of genuine well-wishes.
“Congratulations! The dog also seems very excited to have a new human,” one follower posted.
“Wow! This is the greatest achievement in my opinion. My sincere congratulations to both of you,” another posted.
“Congrats Murph, you were the difference, the Pies failed to advance this year, we miss you so much but we’re glad you found life outside of football,” another added.
Although Murphy’s immediate future was uncertain, Collingwood quietly extended his contract last year until 2025. Following their decision, the club paid the remainder of his contract.