Mcdonald sets sights on London
Edenhope star sporting export Sacha Mcdonald will be playing elite-level netball in the United Kingdom from early February next year if preparations go to plan.
The talented goal attack and her Melbourne Vixens teammate and close friend Tayla Honey are hoping to jet off to Europe later next month for a tilt at international professional competition.
Mcdonald, 21, starved of court time during the COVID-19 pandemic, has signed with London Pulse in the United Kingdom’s Vitality Netball Superleague, which features elite teams from England, Wales and Scotland.
She said from her family farm at Edenhope yesterday that her last consistent season was in 2019 and she was excited and looking forward to her new adventure.
“Even in 2019 I was injured for part of the season so it’s been a long time since I’ve played a full year. I’m now hoping for a nice consistent pre-season, a big season and then perhaps a good off-season break,” she said.
“We’ve hoping to leave mid to late November but still have a few things that need to be ticked off.
“It will be a big change for me. I have been pretty local in terms of netball and I’m really excited to plunge into it. Making the decision together with a good friend and the encouragement of everyone else has lightened the load a lot.”
Mcdonald started her high-level netball pathway at 12, making various state junior teams.
She has been in the Vixens squad for the past ‘three or four’ years and a member of Netball Victoria’s Victorian Fury representative side.
“I’m really excited and it will be a really nice changeup. I will learn as I go, but that will be part of the fun,” Mcdonald said.
“We’ll get straight into it when we get there and I suspect my next court session will be with London Pulse.
“The club has been wonderful and provided us with everything we need.”