Essendon Football Club is excited to welcome Courtney Murphy to its AFLW side following a trade with the GWS GIANTS.

The Bombers secured the athletic tall in exchange for Pick No.65 in the 2024 AFLW Draft on the first day of the 2024 AFLW Trade Period.

At age 24, Murphy, boasts a strong athletic background, having played college basketball in the United States for five years at Seattle University and Long Beach University.

A Sunshine Coast native, Murphy grew up playing football in her teens before switching her focus to basketball. She returned to the football field in 2023, joining the Brisbane Lions before being traded to GWS. Standing at 183cm, Murphy made her AFL debut with the GIANTS in round two of 2024.

Essendon AFLW List and Recruiting Manager Georgia Harvey acknowledged Murphy’s versatility and athleticism, viewing her as an asset to the Bombers.

“Courtney is an exciting footballer with a notable mix of height, agility, and competitiveness,” Harvey said.  

“Her elite basketball background has provided her with a range of transferable skills that have benefited her on the football field, and we’re looking forward to adding her to our program.” 

“She has continued to progress in her football journey, and we look forward to developing her further at the Bombers”.

Murphy expressed her enthusiasm about joining the Bombers and contributing to the team’s ongoing success.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Essendon, a club with such a strong vision and incredible supporters,” Murphy said.

“The opportunity to be part of a team on the rise is exciting, and I can’t wait to bring my skills and energy to the group.

“I’m ready to work hard, embrace the culture, and contribute to the team’s future success.”