Ex-Seymour talent Elle McDonald is closing out a campaign with Adelaide Thunderbirds and, although her side is well out of finals contention in seventh, the former Lion is thriving in her new digs.
“I’ve really enjoyed the season, the move to Adelaide has been easy and it’s definitely helped having a great group of girls around me,” McDonald said.
“Being a new playing group we have a lot to learn individually and as a team.
“We’re hoping to get a few more wins and finish off the season on a high.”
McDonald spent a glittering few years in Seymour colours, which included a Wellman Family Medal in 2015 and a GVL premiership in 2019, before parting for the city.
Named as a training partner for Melbourne Vixens last year, the malleable midcourter broke her way onto the court to feature in her third title-winning campaign in two years after also clinching the Australian Netball League flag with Victorian Fury.
And although 2021 isn’t looking likely to bear the same fruits, McDonald isn’t looking back.
“I thoroughly enjoyed every part of being with the Vixens, being fortunate enough to be a part of that grand final-winning team,” she said.
“But it’s amazing to be a part of Suncorp Super Netball each week.
“Every time I step out on the court for the Thunderbirds I feel as though I am improving — I am super lucky to be living my dream, playing netball every day.”
A tumultuous season filled with hubs, bubbles and lockdowns has forced many of the Super Netball franchises to make mad dashes across state lines just to play.
But, while she acknowledged others’ sacrifices, that hasn’t been McDonald's story.
“Adelaide has been very lucky in the sense we’ve stayed put for most of the season,” she said.
“We know that teams in Sydney and Melbourne are away from their families and appreciate what they’ve done so the season could continue.
“In the last few rounds, it will be great to get out on the court and play my style of netball and just have fun out there.”
With three rounds left to play, McDonald's sole focus will be prising the most out of the tail end of her debut Thunderbirds season.
However, she did have one other thought on her mind.
“Hopefully the GVL can get going again, the Seymour sides are doing well and it would be good to see them carry on.”
● McDonald’s Thunderbirds take on Sunshine Coast Lightning at Nissan Arena today from 6:30pm.
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