THE incredible footy exploits of Ulladulla's Ebony Murray continue to go from strength-to-strength, after she recently helped her Australian team to glory at the 2019 Invitational Oztag Challenge.
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Murray, who helped her Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs win the Group Seven WLT title in 2014, was selected in the Australian team for her first time following her strong play at the Coffs Harbour national championships with the Vipers - a team she has played six times for.
"It's pretty special to be able to pull on the green and gold jersey in a sport that I love to play," Murray, who has been an Australian shadow player in the past, said.
First up for Murray and her Tagaroos open women's side at Maroubra's Heffron Park was the Pacific Islands - who they defeated.
"The games started off slow as it was the first time the team had played together, but we definitely improved throughout the day," she said.
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On their way to the final, the green and golds then defeated Lebanon and drew with China - setting them up for a showdown with latter in the decider.
"We had a draw against China in the round games, so we knew they were going to come out firing and we needed to start strong and that's what we did," the Vincentia High School alumna said.
"It was a great game, it all came together and we got a few tries up that put us in the lead - which we never relinquished, winning 5-1.
"It was awesome to get the win with a great bunch of girls and enjoy a special achievement.
"To reach an Australian team for any sport is a huge achievement - I'm so honoured to be able to put on the green and gold jersey and represent Australia."
Upon reflecting on the achievement, the multiple time Group Seven WLT leading point-scorer, was stoked with how the team came together in a short space of time.
"Personally, I think I played alright - obviously always room for improvements and things that you could have done better," she said.
"But as a team, we all played really well, and can't wait for the future with the team.
"We head to New Zealand next year for the Trans Tasman in April."
Before then though, Murray, the daughter of Conjola horse trainer Graeme Murray, will pull back on the Bulldogs colours.
"I can't wait to be back in the Doggies colours with my girls," she said.
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"It was amazing to have a year off and focus on my studies but excited I'm to be back playing and to just have some fun again."
2020 marks a big year for the Bill Andriske Oval based club, with Murray's former WLT coach David Hatch taking over as president.
"It's important for any club, not just the Bulldogs, to be successful from the top down to the bottom," she said.
"A sports club is like a family and you need to all get in and help each other out.
"I'm excited for the Bulldogs future, it's always been a great little club and it's only going to get better now with the new committee and David Hatch as president."
Fellow Group Seven products James Scott (Stingrays of Shellharbour) and Jayden Harris (Albion Park-Oak Flats) were also in action at Maroubra at the weekend, helping their under 21 men's Australian side take out their division of the Invitational Oztag Challenge.