IT has been a big year of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) that saw a host of new faces enter the league. While many may have been elevated training partners due to the extended bench, there are a couple of players who made their long-awaited SSN debut with one boasting international experience. Draft Central has composed a countdown of the Top 15 SSN debutants for 2020 and entering the countdown at number 10 is Elle McDonald.

The Melbourne Vixens midcourter proved to be a real impact player, able to come on and effectively ply her trade in either centre or wing attack. Her cool, calm and composed temperament on court allowed her to weave the ball through the defenders and enter the circle with ease time and time again. Despite only having limited court time McDonald showcased her array of talents ranging from her variety of passes to her quick footwork to evade defenders and create an attacking option. Her overall strength was a huge positive for the Vixens with the centre court player not able to be pushed off her line and instead bodying up to her opponents and welcoming the physicality.

She was a real workhorse across the court cutting and driving with great conviction to open up the space and provide that point of difference for the Vixens frontline. The 25-year-old was a commanding presence at the centre pass able to burst out of the blocks while her second phase play was also impressive. McDonald was cautious with ball in hand treasuring each possession and used her spatial awareness to dictate the flow of the game. She was not often overawed by the occasion, stepping up to the plate and delivering as shown when thrust into the action after Liz Watson went down with an ankle injury and filling in for Kate Moloney, albeit momentarily. Her ability to just come out and play her role enabled her Vixens teammates to go about their business and implement their game plan such was her consistency and fluidity in the way she plays.

Although not the quickest player on court it was her overall decision making that stood head and shoulders above the rest, able to deliver the right pass at the right time and with accuracy. Her connection with Mwai Kumwenda and Caitlin Thwaites under the post steadily developed with the midcourter showcasing her confidence to let the ball go both on and off circle edge while her timing also shone through. McDonald has a big bag of tricks with her strong hands and balance a couple of key factors and elements that really came to the fore despite only taking the court on five occasions. Her level-headed approach to the game enabled the Vixens to punch through defensive units while her innate ability to reset play when needed and not force the ball into congestion was also pivotal.

She finished the season with 37 goal assists along with one intercept and three deflections credit to her defensive efforts and ability to run both ways. Only new to the SSN scene, the fact that she only registered eight turnovers throughout her time on court is a testament to her netball smarts and silky ball movement to make the most of her opportunities.

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Elle McDonald ready for the next step