Young GIANT Courtney Murphy says Sunday’s surprise AFLW debut was an incredible once in a lifetime experience.
A former basketball star who only returned to footy last season after five years playing college basketball in the US, Murphy joined the GIANTS in last year’s trade period following a season with the Brisbane Lions.
The club’s travelling emergency for the first two games of the season, Murphy was given a special surprise the night before Sunday’s round two clash with the Tigers in Melbourne, with skipper Bec Beeson revealing the 24-year-old ruck/forward would be making her AFLW debut.
“Cam [Bernasconi] was going over who was playing and he asked ‘Beeso’ [Beeson] to tell us who was debuting, and she said I was, and it was so great,” Murphy said of the special news.
“It was definitely a shock, especially being the night before the game, but it was so special. The girls' reactions meant the world to me and it made me so excited to play.”
Another special moment for Murphy came the following afternoon when her debut AFLW jumper was presented by former Brisbane Lions teammate – and now GIANTS teammate- Mikayla Pauga.
“It was really special because we’ve been through quite a bit together,” Murphy said.
“Me and Mikayla go way back to Sunny Coast footy back in the youth days and we played together as high school girls. Then we both came from ‘Brissy’ and moved to Sydney together. So hearing her words meant the world to me and it was so special to have her present that jumper to me.”
Murphy said the rest of her teammates also made the debut one to remember.
“They were incredible. I wouldn’t want to debut with anyone else. They made the experience so much easier and made me really excited for the game, rather than feeling nervous. They all got around me so much.”
Two familiar faces in Sunday’s crowd made the moment even more meaningful for Murphy, with her parents Cheryl and Daniel flying to Melbourne from their home on the Sunshine Coast for the occasion.
“That was really special. I haven’t had my family watch me play sport for a while, especially with me being overseas, so that was really special having them there on Sunday,” she said.
While her debut didn’t end with a win as the GIANTS fell short by 11 points to the Tigers, Murphy said it was amazing to realise her AFLW dream.
“It was absolutely incredible to make my debut,” she said.
“The girls made me feel so special and loved on the day and it was such an awesome experience and hopefully I can be out there more.
“Debuting is a once in a lifetime thing and it was great to be out there and learning from everyone who has been playing for years and adjusting to the fast-paced game and the system and taking it all in.
“Knowing the level that’s required now makes me even hungrier to keep grinding and working every day and trusting the process that my time will come.”
The GIANTS will now host the Gold Coast Suns at Manuka Oval on Sunday at 5:05pm.
GIANTS fans can purchase tickets to Sunday’s match via Ticketek.
