The club’s inaugural captain will step away from game at the elite level following 15 domestic league seasons, spanning over four clubs – the Melbourne Kestrels, Melbourne Vixens, West Coast Fever and Collingwood Magpies.
Browne had planned to retire at the conclusion of the 2020 season, but unfortunately another injury setback brought this decision forward.
A 15-year career of glittering highs wasn’t without its challenges. Browne was accustomed to ongoing issues with her right knee, following two reconstructions in the years 2015 and 2019.
Scans this week revealed cartilage damage to the same knee which required repair 16 months ago.
Browne played seven matches of the 2020 season before reporting soreness following Collingwood’s round seven match against the West Coast Fever.
Since her domestic league debut in 2006, the 32-year-old has achieved almost everything there is to achieve in netball.
Browne earned 61 test caps for the Australian Diamonds and was the first two-time winner of domestic netball’s highest individual honour, the Liz Ellis Diamond.
Browne won gold and silver honours at the Commonwealth Games for the years 2014 and 2018, before announcing her retirement from the national team in in mid-2018.
She has played a total of 176 national league matches, making her national league debut with the Melbourne Kestrels in 2006 before joining the Melbourne Vixens in 2008.
In 2009 Browne made the move to Perth to play with the West Coast Fever for two terms before returning to the Vixens for the years 2011 – 2016. Browne was awarded Most Valued Player at the Fever and Vixens on two occasions.
The name Madi Browne will go down in history as one of netball’s most respected and decorated athletes.
“I’d like to thank Collingwood, the Australian Diamonds, and my former clubs for presenting me with the opportunity to make a career out of the game I love,” Browne said.
“Season 2020 was always set to be my last and I have cherished every minute I have been able to be out there on court.
“I have pushed my body to its absolute limits to play the game I love. Unfortunately, I have not had the fairy-tale ending to my final Suncorp Super Netball season, but I wouldn’t change my journey as it allowed me to grow into the person I am today.”
“It is sad to miss out on the best, which is competing at the elite level, but in making this decision I am looking to avoid the worst and take control of my life beyond netball.
“I have been able to achieve a lot in my career, something I have never taken from granted. Club captaincy, to win international honours, but the one that tops them all was to play side by side with Kelsey. Although it was only seven games, we both worked so hard to make this dream a reality.
“This isn’t the end. I will continue to be involved in netball in some capacity. I look forward to what the next chapter will bring.”
Collingwood head coach Rob Wright paid tribute to Browne for a stellar career.
“I feel so privileged to have coached Madi, she is a remarkable athlete and individual. She departs as one of the all-time great mid-courters of our game,” Wright said.
“The Australian Diamonds are the number one netball team in the world, and to win the Liz Ellis Diamond on two occasions shows the absolute calibre of her. She is a pretty special player.
“Although injury has not allowed her to play out the rest of the season, it’s heartening to see Madi make the decision and go out on her terms, which so few athletes get to do.”
Co-captain Geva Mentor added, “It’s hard to put into words when someone like the calibre of Madi Browne decides it’s time to hang up the dress.
“It’s been an honour to have the opportunity to play with her and more so to call her a good friend. Not everyone will be fortunate enough to have a person like Madi come into their lives.
“What she has managed to achieve on and off the court speaks volumes. Her legacy will live on. I have no doubt she will boss whatever is to come post netball and wish her every success.”
