Elle McDonald is returning to Seymour in 2026, with the Lions unveiling the England international as head coach for next season.
When one star midcourter leaves, another one arrives.
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That might just be the Seymour Football Netball Club variation of the saying regarding doors opening and closing, given it’s exactly what has played out over the past few weeks.
While the recent news of Casey Adamson’s departure would have been bittersweet for the club, with the current A-grade coach set to take her chance with the Giants in the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season, the Lions have phoned up an old friend that is more than capable of filling the void.
In one of the biggest signings in recent Goulburn Valley League history, former Lion Elle McDonald will return to The Den in 2026 in a move that should have opposition sides quaking in their boots, with the capped England international to take the helm in Adamson’s absence next season.
SFNC president Peter Elliott said McDonald’s return was a landmark moment for the Club.
“Elle is one of the finest players to ever come through Seymour and the Goulburn Valley more broadly, having proven herself on the national and international stage,” he said.
“To have someone of her calibre return to lead our netball program is an enormous boost for the entire club.
“She brings a wealth of experience from the very top levels of the sport, but just as importantly, she knows our club, our community and what it takes to win in the GV.
“Our young netballers will have a role model who has competed against the best in the world and come back to share that knowledge here at The Den.
“Elle has been a premiership coach and player for Seymour before, and we are confident she can help drive even more success for the Lions in 2026 and beyond.”
McDonald returns to Seymour as an internationally capped player, having appeared three times for England Roses. Picture: England Netball
Boasting an impressive resume that includes the 2015 Wellman medal and best on court honours in both the 2015 and 2019 A grade premierships at GVL level, McDonald played for both the Melbourne Vixens, winning a premiership, and Adelaide Thunderbirds in the SSN before making the move back to her birth country, signing with Leeds Rhinos in England’s Netball Super League in 2022.
It was a move that bore fruit, with McDonald called up to the England Roses, making her debut in 2023 against Jamaica, earning three international caps, before relocating to the Cardiff Dragons for the 2024 and 2025 NSL seasons, claiming the Cardiff MVP and Players’ Player awards in the most recent season.
McDonald will inherit a formidable Seymour lineup next season, with the current A-grade squad storming home with 10 wins and a draw from their final 11 games of the regular season, before blowing Shepparton Swans out of the water at the weekend in the first elimination final with a 19-goal win, masterminded by Adamson, who Elliott also paid tribute to.
“Casey has made a tremendous contribution to the Seymour Football Netball Club and we are extremely proud to see her take the next step in her career,” he said.
“She has been an outstanding leader and mentor for our players and a driving force in developing our next generation of talent.”
“Casey has given so much to the Lions both on and off the court, and we wish her every success with the Giants.”
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