CARLTON president Stephen Kernahan has launched an impassioned defence of Marc Murphy, saying the Blues captain is unfairly compared to the AFL's outstanding leaders.
The Blues great said Murphy, in his second season as skipper, lacked the same support around him that Geelong provides Joel Selwood, or that Hawthorn and Essendon offer Luke Hodge and Jobe Watson.
"You look out in the League and I think he gets compared to Jobe Watson, Luke Hodge (and) Selwood," Kernahan told SEN's Crunch Time.
"I look at Selwood when I go to the football – I'm not talking about 'Murph' here – but when they're under the pump, him, (Jimmy) Bartel and (Steve) Johnson for five minutes, their attack on the footy (is ferocious).
"That's where I think our leaders and our team need to get better."
Kernahan, who captained the Blues in 226 of his 251 career matches, turned up the heat on Carlton's entire leadership group to help dig the club out of its 0-3 hole.
"Murph's a young leader, it's his second year as captain, and he'll get better and better at it," Kernahan said.
"Our whole leadership's got lift. I mean (coach) Mick's (Malthouse) came to the club saying we've lacked a little bit of leadership in that area.
"Chris Judd's been outstanding in what he gives, but Judd can't keep delivering – he's 30 years of age and coming off an Achilles (injury)."
Meanwhile, at a pre-match function ahead of the Blues v Demons clash at the MCG, Kernahan revealed his replacement as president would be announced after the club's next board meeting later this month.
Kernahan said the job will go to one of the Blues' two vice-presidents – Mark LoGiudice or Ryan Trainor.
"As the lead up to (our) 150th celebration on June 14, we'll have a smooth, easy transition in the ensuing months after that for the new president," he said.
