BELOVED Western Bulldogs veteran Robert Murphy will return to captain the reigning premiers this year.

“I will be captain ... it hasn’t been announced but there is an exclusive for you," Murphy told radio station SEN on Wednesday morning.

"Luke (Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge) and the club were steadfast in saying we'd like you to go around again.

"I was more than happy to take on the role again knowing full well we've got great leaders throughout the club as they showed last year."

Defender Easton Wood led the Bulldogs for the majority of last season after Murphy tore his ACL in round three.

The sight of Beveridge handing his premiership medallion to Murphy after the club's Grand Final victory over Sydney at the MCG was the one of the most iconic scenes of the year.

Murphy said discussions with Beveridge about the captaincy started last year so they could put a plan in place.

"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.

"The idea of having that mentor for the young captain coming through is something all clubs would look at."

Riewoldt has stood down as captain of the Saints after 12 seasons in the job, with Jarryn Geary expected to take over.

Murphy – who has played 295 games for the Bulldogs – is currently with the team on a pre-season training camp on the Sunshine Coast.

The 34-year-old said he should be right to play the JLT Community Series after making a full recovery from his knee injury.

"I shouldn't miss a beat," Murphy said.

"We've had a couple practice matches up here just amongst ourselves and I've got through those, so I should play the majority of the pre-season competition."

Murphy said he had no concerns about his knee.

"It's been quite a while now in terms of doing my knee, it's been over nine months already," he said.

"I haven't had any of the mental scars.

"It's been so long I'm raring to go."