The 34-year-old has long been described as the heart and soul of the Bulldogs but has been resigned to helping his team off the field after suffering a season-ending ACL injury in April.

Murphy has played 297 games for the club since debuting in 2000 and has arguably been the club's most consistent performer in that time.

Even the most cold-hearted Swans fan could not help but feel for the absent Bulldogs captain on Sunday afternoon at the MCG. 

Wood, 27, described Murphy as the club's "guiding force" and pointed to the role he had played in galvanising the team through a year containing all sorts of trials and tribulations.

"Bob's a pretty special person to this club and very much so to me as well," Wood said.

"He is 'us'. He is so much of our guiding force. There's no way we're without him. 

"I'm certain I'm not the person I am, or, we're in the position I am without his influence."

Wood will stand in Murphy's place when he leads the Western Bulldogs into battle against the Sydney Swans in Saturday's big dance against the Swans. 

Wood said Murphy's ability to motivate and placate was a huge asset for the team to take advantage of, particularly considering the build-up surrounding the biggest game of their lives.

"I've mentioned before that he's got this amazing intuition and ability to get a read on how the group feels," he said. 

"He's so eloquent in how he's able to deliver his message. His message always resonates it always hits the mark and he never misses.

"He's such a calming influence. With him there, I feel better, I feel calmer. I can't even imagine what the younger boys would feel like."