Elle McDonald returns to The Den

The Seymour Football Netball Club (SFNC) has announced the biggest netball news the Goulburn Valley has seen in years.


Elle McDonald will return to The Den as Head Netball Coach for the 2026 season, after a stellar overseas career that included international caps for England.


McDonald is a Wellman Medallist, dual A Grade premiership player and coach with Seymour, a Victorian Fury and VNL Team of the Year representative, and a Melbourne Vixens premiership player. She secured a Super Netball contract with the Adelaide Thunderbirds before moving to the UK, playing with the Leeds Rhinos and Cardiff Dragons and represented the England Roses in international competition.


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.”


Mr Elliott also paid tribute to current Head Coach Casey Adamson, who will step down at the end of the season to take up a Super Netball contract with the GWS Giants.


“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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Big news has emerged from Seymour following the conclusion of the 2025 Goulburn Valley League season. Re-signings, new signings, and key appointments have Lions fans excited for 2026. History will be made at The Den, with Senior Co-Coach Ben Davey re-appointed for another season. Davey will become Seymour’s longest-serving senior coach, marking seven years in the role. Club legend Bernie Habermann previously held the record with six seasons. Jack Murphy will also continue as Senior Co-Coach after a sensational first year on the field, taking on additional responsibilities with great success. Seymour President Peter Elliott said the club was thrilled to have continuity in the football department heading into 2026. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have Ben and Murph re-commit for another year, and it’s set to be a huge season at The Den,” he said. “Ben is a legend of our club – a dual senior premiership player, Reserves premiership coach, and now our longest-serving senior coach in history, while Murph is fresh off another Best and Fairest. “Both Ben and Murph are high-quality, local people who will drive our club to new heights next year. “While this season didn’t go as planned, our list is hungry and can’t wait to get back on the track.” A couple of star recruits will bolster the Seymour midfield when pre-season kicks off. “With most of our senior list re-committing early for 2026, we’ve been able to add some exciting new players,” Mr Elliott said. “Xavier Dimasi returns to where he made his senior debut, following time in the VFL at Box Hill and a dominant period at Whittlesea. “He’ll be joined by Jaron Murphy, his former partner in crime from Whittlesea and a great player in his own right, who will add plenty of run and carry to our senior side.  “On behalf of the Seymour community, I’d like to welcome Xavier, Jaron and their families to The Den and we’re all looking forward to seeing them strut their stuff.”
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