Goodchild hopes to emulate Murray

JCU Townsville Fire development player Miela Goodchild will look to shadow Mia Murray during pre-season as she takes her first steps in the WNBL.

Widely regarded as one of the nation’s most exciting prospects, the 17-year-old, who arrived in Townsville yesterday following the commencement of school holidays, has been thrown into the dep-end ahead of the Wilmar Sugar Burdekin Blitz against Perth on Friday.

Despite capturing gold for Australia at the Under-17 World Championships, Goodchild readily admitted the WNBL is a steep learning curve, with a first-up encounter against Sami Whitcomb and the Lynx quickly on the agenda.

“I can learn from everyone, even the bigs, but I hope to learn a lot from Mia,” Goodchild said.

“She’s a very good player … her pull up jump is phenomenal.

“I thought it would be a while down the track that I’d be part of a team like the Fire, but I’m definitely happy that it’s come early and I’m part of the system.”

During the recently completed Under-17 Ocenaia Championships, Goodchild was a standout for Australia, earning selection in the All-Star Five as the tournament’s leading scorer.

Renowned for her outside stroke, the athletic guard said the experience to date had been surreal – including fitness testing a fortnight ago – but she is ready to take her chance.

“I just had to take this opportunity,” Goodchild said.

“It’s such an amazing experience to be playing with such great and talented players.”