McDonald, who co-coaches Seymour's A-grade netball outfit, helped the Melbourne Vixens clinch a grand final berth on Saturday in the major semi-final clash against Sunshine Coast Lightning.
Despite playing their home match at Lightning's USC Stadium, the Vixens were ruthless and claimed a 63-47 victory.
The classy performance has sent the minor premiers through to their maiden Super Netball grand final.
Vixens coach Simone McKinnis did not shy away from how proud she was of her grand final bound team.
“I’m exceptionally proud,” McKinnis said.
“I’m proud of them, I’m proud of everyone that’s worked with the Vixens.
“It’s a group that’s had some heartache in terms of finals in Suncorp Super Netball, but they’re a group that have learnt and grown and matured and taken those learnings to where they are now with an opportunity to win a Grand Final, so I’m super proud of them.”
And again, it was the effort of the Vixens’ first-year player McDonald that earned praise from her coach and teammates.
Following her sublime match last week, McDonald slotted into the centre position during the third term to replace the injured Kate Moloney.
Without showing a hint of nerves, the 2019 A-grade premiership coach was composed in the midcourt role while Moloney was treated for a rolled ankle.
McDonald finished with three goal assists and three feeds from her brief time spent on the court.
“I don’t like people getting injured, but they’re things you can’t do anything about,” McKinnis said.
“I’ve got faith in the squad, faith to put players on . . . Elle stepped on and did it.
“I was probably reluctant to put her (Moloney) back on, but I was guaranteed that it definitely was just a little stinger and she worked hard across the line.”
The Vixens will play the winner of next weekend's final between Sunshine Coast Lighting and West Coast Fever.
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