Seymour’s Elle McDonald climbed to the top of the Australian Netball League mountain with the Victorian Fury recently.
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McDonald and her teammates snared gold after defeating the NSW Waratahs in a thrilling grand final, eventually claiming victory 54-53.
The Fury led for much of the contest, but the Waratahs clawed back to take a three-goal advantage of their own into the final few minutes of the fixture.
But McDonald had full belief in her side, and they rose from the canvas to stand atop the dais for the eighth time since the competition’s inception in 2008.
‘‘It’s still sinking in, I’m so, so happy,’’ McDonald said.
‘‘It was right down to the wire, but I think all along I had so much confidence in us as a group.
‘‘The players, coaching staff and everyone behind the scenes did all the hard work to get us there, but when it’s that close it can really go either way.’’
There was a feeling of relief for the Fury mixed in with their jubilation after having nothing to show for last season’s minor premiership, although McDonald carried none of those demons after joining the outfit this year.
‘‘It was really important to the group to have a better finals campaign than last year after finishing on top and going out in straight sets to finish fourth,’’ McDonald said.
‘‘I have honestly loved every second of it, being part of a program I haven’t been able to before was great.
‘‘To be invited as a training partner and then after so much hard work and effort to get into the squad and get court time, has been a huge step and I’ve loved it.
‘‘There was lots of driving and early morning trainings, but I’d do it all again 10 times over for the opportunity and the rewards.’’
McDonald’s ANL commitments have kept her away from the day-to-day workings of the Lions’ Goulburn Valley League campaign, but she is excited to be back on deck for the remainder of the season.
‘‘Seymour have been really supportive,’’ she said.
‘‘Obviously it’s not ideal not having your head coach around at the club as often as they’d like, but the girls have really stepped up and I’m looking forward to getting back there.
‘‘The support from the girls, Netball Vic and my family has been amazing, and I’m just glad all the hard work paid off in the end.’’
Seymour’s A-grade outfit will not only be boosted by McDonald’s presence, but her newfound knowledge as well after playing netball at such a high level.
‘‘I think the structures and things like that can be implemented anywhere,’’ she said.
‘‘I’m looking forward to sharing that knowledge and experience.’’