Keep it simple, stupid.

The well-known KISS acronym, which works off the principle that the best systems are the simple ones, appeared to be in full-swing in the Western Bulldogs’ rooms prior to their match against the Brisbane Lions.

“Blokes who get rewarded will keep going. We need to keep rewarding the run that doesn’t get it.” – Bob Murphy

Often when a player is mic’d up, it’s hard to know exactly what they’re talking about, but the message captain Bob Murphy was delivering to his charges was clear as day: run hard.

“Keep an eye out for the ones who do it and don’t get rewarded,” Murphy could be heard telling defender Easton Wood, during Channel 7’s Saturday Night Footy coverage.

“Blokes who get rewarded will keep going. We need to keep rewarding the run that doesn’t get it.

“It’s infectious. Keep rewarding it.”

Murphy had a similar message for half-forward Tory Dickson, who was encouraged to work up and down the ground to create space for the Dogs’ other forwards.

“Terrorise them, TD. Up and back, mate.”

That message was communicated to the entire playing group: “no-one flat-footed.”

Thankfully for Bulldogs fans, the players were able to execute the plan, winning the ball in close and then running the Lions off their feet.

The Dogs finished the match with more possessions – both contested and uncontested – as well as more running bounces and inside 50s, and were able to isolate the likes of Jake Stringer (five goals) and Tom Boyd (four) in one-on-one contests inside 50.

There’s no doubt his teammates’ hard-working display – which culminated in a 72-point victory – would have please Murphy, who is reminded to work hard every day when he arrives at Whitten Oval.

“I actually have Jerry [Seinfeld]’s [three rules] in my locker — work your arse off, fall in love, pay attention,” Murphy told the Herald Sun earlier this year.