Murray missing but likes Fire’s chances
MIA Murray won’t be on the court for the Townsville Fire this season, but the three- time championship-winner believes they have the squad to remain a WNBL powerhouse.
Murray has been a fan favourite during her seven seasons in Townsville, but she has opted to take a break from playing for the Fire’s 2018- 19 campaign.
The 286- game veteran leaves some big shoes to fill having been a key figure in the club’s three titles in four seasons, but Murray said she’d liked what she’d seen of the current squad during the preseason.
The Fire have recruited strongly, including the likes of Opals star Tess Madgen and WNBA draftee Ally Malott, and Murray felt they had the talent for a successful championship defence.
“I’ve popped my head in at training a couple of nights and it’s a super exciting group, very competitive, and plenty of shooters on the floor which is what I always like to see,” she said.
“I’m very excited for the first game of the season for them and I’m sure they’ll put in a good season.”
Murray will still be a familiar face around the club in a community engagement role which includes overseeing the Fire’s school holiday camp at Townsville Stadium over the past few days.
The former Fire vice- captain has also spent time as an assistant coach at a junior level and she said she was happy to share her knowledge with the next generation of basketballers.
“The game’s given me so much and it’s taught me so much that I’ve been able to take into the workforce, talking about teamwork and using effective communication, which are tools that kids can use in everyday life,” Murray said.
“We’ve got kids coming back ( for the school holiday camp) and it’s great to see their development over the years. There’s some kids that were so timid and shy at the start and now they’re really coming out of their shells.
“Even after games last season they’d come up and say hello, so it’s great to see that they’re getting a familiarity with the players as well and building a good rapport with the team.
“Basketball’s been a great platform for me and I’m just happy to be passing that on.”
Fire point guard Mikhaela Donnelly said the school holiday camp was a nice break from preseason training with less than three weeks until their season opener against Dandenong.
“I work in schools back in Brisbane as well so I really enjoy hanging out with the kids, teaching them new things, and watching them have fun and learn at the same time,” she said.