One of the best midcourters the Goulburn Valley League has seen in the past decade, the former Seymour star has spent the best part of three years plying her trade in the UK.
But after three seasons in the Netball Super League - the UK’s elite competition - McDonald is returning to Australia.
The ex-Lion announced her decision to move back with fiancée, Tongala native Corey Nexhip, via social media on Tuesday night.
“After three unforgettable years playing netball in the UK, I’ve decided it’s time to head home to Australia,” she said.
“I’ve loved my time with the Cardiff Dragons over the last two seasons. I will miss my home away from home and the little family I’ve made in Wales.”
McDonald departed for the UK at the end of 2022 following a stunning career in the GVL and Suncorp Super Netball.
She won the Wellman Family Medal in 2015 and the GVL A-grade premiership four years later, then ascended into the national scene, inking a training deal at Melbourne Vixens.
The malleable centre/wing broke into the side and won a premiership with the Vixens before heading north-west to join the Adelaide Thunderbirds for two years in late 2020.
Then came a change of scenery.
McDonald, born in England, moved to her birth country with Nexhip to join Leeds Rhinos where she was an immediate hit.
Bestowed vice-captaincy at Leeds in her debut NSL season, the former Seymour star finished seventh with the Rhinos and also featured internationally for England, awarded three caps for the Vitality Roses.
Later, she joined fellow NSL club Cardiff Dragons for the 2024 and 2025 campaigns.
With the season wrapping up on Sunday, McDonald’s announcement included thanks to those at Leeds, England Netball, her fiancée, and finally, her family.
“Thank you to my family for their unwavering support all the way from Australia. I have missed you so much and can’t wait to be back home with you all,” she said.
“Although I’ve been away from home, my time in the UK has reconnected me with my family here and I am so grateful to have created so many special memories.
“(I’m) definitely not finished playing the game I love, but ready for the next chapter back in Aus.”
It’s unclear at this stage where McDonald will relocate to in Australia.
But if it is within the Goulburn Valley, one club is going to get one heck of a late-season signing.
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