The Brisbane Lions have signed Courtney Murphy as a Rookie for the 2023 AFLW Season.

A former Brisbane Lions Academy product hailing from the Sunshine Coast, Murphy has been involved with AFL for much of her life.

In 2016, she was a part of the Queensland Youth Girls squad that competed in the Youth Girls AFL National Championships.

Murphy has been in the USA for the last four years, playing in the collegiate basketball system.

Playing for three years at Seattle University, Murphy transferred to Long Beach State University in 2022, but says whilst she has loved her time in the American basketball system, she’s missed her footy.

“To be able to say I’m a Brisbane Lion and play the sport I’ve missed, feels like my childhood dream is coming true,” she said.

“I’m excited to get to work and bring a premiership home to Brighton Homes Arena.

“A huge thank you to the coaches for giving me this opportunity to be part of a terrific program.”

Known for her three-point shooting and athleticism on the basketball court, Murphy stands at 183 centimetres tall and will look to provide plenty of height to the Lions line-up now being the tallest player on the list.

Previously coached by Brisbane Lions AFLW Head Coach, Craig Starcevich, Murphy has played much of her junior football with a number of current Lions players.

“Courtney is someone we’ve kept in contact with while she was pursuing other athletic endeavours in the US,” Starcevich said.

“She felt as though the time was right to come home and we are thrilled to welcome her back into the AFLW system.

“Having spent time with our Academy and playing high-level junior football, we feel she will reintegrate back into the game relatively quickly.

“Her physical attributes and athleticism are something that is an exciting prospect for us and we are looking forward to having her build toward a big preseason.”