By Jackson Russell
SEYMOUR Lions coach Elle McDonald has won a Super Netball premiership in her first season at the elite level as her Melbourne Vixens took home the top prize in a nail-biting 66-64 win over the West Coast Fever on Sunday.
McDonald made her debut for the Vixens in August after signing on as a training partner at the start of the year and being called into the team’s extended squad.
McDonald said winning the Super Netball premiership had yet to sink in.
“It’s honestly such a surreal feeling. I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet but I’m so incredibly proud of the group and everyone at the Vixens. It’s been a journey and it’s definitely been worth it,” she said.
“It’s such a special moment for the whole team and having Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip retiring, I think that made it even more special.
“It was emotional, we’ve been through a lot this year and it just shows that we’ve all come such a long way, and it was special to be up there holding the trophy.”
While McDonald did not get any court-time in the grand final, she said the premiership was a reward for the entire team’s hard work over the entire season.
“Just to be part of it and up here in the hub has been an incredible experience, and I think the team success is a credit to myself and the other training partners who have pushed themselves and each other, and brought out the best in everyone. We definitely feel a part of it and super happy,” she said.
“I’ve got so many messages of support from people back home watching it and to be part of this year, everyone knows it’s been a struggle to be away from home for so long, but that feeling of winning a premiership has made it all worth it and it’s nice to have those messages of support from friends and family.”
