EVERYONE in the football world would love to see Western Bulldogs captain Robert Murphy return from his season-ending knee injury, according to Hawthorn’s Sam Mitchell.

Mitchell said the 295-game Bulldogs veteran was held in high regard across the competition, and hoped he could bounce back from the ACL injury he sustained in Sunday’s match against the Hawks.

“I think everyone in the footy world would love to see him come back, but that’s going to be something for him and his family (to decide),” Mitchell said on Tuesday.

“I’ve been really lucky to have quite a good few conversations with him over the last couple of years in particular.

“He’s just such a quality person.

“What you see in the media, what you read in his articles... what you see and what you read is what you get.”

While Mitchell said Murphy’s loss was no doubt a big one for Dogs on the field, he believes Murphy’s influence off the field will be just as important for the Dogs throughout 2016.

"I think it’s one of those things that’s so unfortunate… but he’s going to have a huge impact on what they do off the field now, rather than on the field," Mitchell said.

"I think the Bulldogs are still going to be in a good place having someone the quality of Bob Murphy hanging around their footy club, for hopefully at least the next 12 months."