Emerging defender Matilda Garrett and versatile midcourter Elle McDonald will join the Thunderbirds ranks next season after signing with the club.
Thunderbirds’ High Performance Manager Pitre Bourdon said the club was thrilled to welcome both Australian athletes, stating they would bring great energy to the side both on and off the court.
“Matilda is an emerging defender with plenty of talent. We’ve seen what she is capable of during her time with Collingwood and we think she’ll add significant spark to our defensive end,” Bourdon said.
“Elle’s an incredibly versatile player with strong netball smarts. We love that she has the ability to play all three midcourt positions and gives us great flexibility.
“They’re both quality people as well as quality players so we know they’ll be great additions to the club and we cannot wait to start working with them.”
Garrett, who was named in the Origin Diamonds Development Squad last month, said the opportunity to play at the Thunderbirds would reunite her with several familiar faces.
“I do know a couple of the girls already having played with Hannah (Petty) and Sammy (Gooden) at the 2017 World Youth Cup,” Garrett said.
“Sammy is one of my closest friends so it’s a dream come true for both of us to be playing in the same team.
“Tania was also my head coach for the World Youth Cup Team, so I’m really excited to be coached by her again.”
McDonald, a member of the Melbourne Vixens’ 2020 premiership side, said she could not wait to see what the team could produce on court in 2021.
“I am so excited to be joining the Thunderbirds. I am really grateful to get this opportunity and can’t wait to see what the team can do,” McDonald said.
“I was over the moon to see that Tania had reached out to me. It was great to chat with her and get some insight about her vision for the upcoming season and it made me keen to be a part of it.
“I have always really enjoyed coming to Adelaide as I have played netball here before. I am looking forward to this new adventure and can’t wait get to know the girls.”
The addition of Garrett and McDonald brings Adelaide’s list to eight athletes, with two more signings still to come to round out the ten.
