Murray likes what she sees
Three-time JCU Townsville Fire championship winner Mia Murray has provided her seal of approval for the reigning champions ahead of the 2018/19 Chemist Warehouse WNBL season.
Having spent seven years playing with the Fire – and 13 overall in the WNBL – the 30-year-old has opted to sit out the 2018/19 season but remains with the club as their Community Engagement Manager.
Overseeing the Fire’s 2018 School Holiday Camp, the 2014/15 Rachael Sporn Medallist was probed as to her thoughts on the new-look team ahead of round one.
“I’ve popped my head in at training over a couple of nights and it is a super exciting group,” Murray said.
“Very competitive and plenty of shooters on the floor which is what I always like to see, so I’m very excited for the first game of the season for them and I’m sure they will put in a good season.
“We will be unfurling our championship banner from last year (in round one) which is always exciting but we want to get as many fans in the stands as possible to see our girls perform.
“We just know how much we get from the fans – they’re like a sixth man for us – they get us across the line.”
During her seven seasons in Townsville, Murray became a fan favourite of the Fire faithful with her dynamic play at both ends of the floor and pure shooting from beyond the arc.
An architect of the Fire’s dynasty, the 286-game veteran said she was relishing her time off the court after making the decision to sit out the up-coming season.
“Basketball has been a great platform for me and I’m just happy to be passing it on,” Murray said.
“It’s huge to have role models and Townsville is so lucky to have a team like the Fire at their disposal.
“We’re so accessible – we go into schools and really engage in the community – but from my point of view, I grew up watching the likes of Rachael Sporn, Jae Kingi and Suzy Batkovic…and that’s just what I wanted to be like.
“So it’s really important for girls to look up to the players who are out here today getting it done.”
The Fire are poised to unveil their championship banner in round one when they host Dandenong at Townsville Stadium on October 14.
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