In an exciting update for GIANTS fans, the club is delighted to confirm the re-signing of Tilly McDonell for season 2025.
McDonell, a standout player and fan favourite, has committed to another year with the club, set to bring her dynamic energy and exceptional skills to the court for a seventh season.
The announcement comes off the back of McDonell’s most consistent season in the orange and charcoal yet, with the Hawkesbury junior the go-to goal keeper for Julie Fitzgerald in season 2024.
The 185cm defender ranked second in the league for defensive rebounds in the 2024 season tallying 25, while also collecting 15 intercepts and 42 deflections to rank third in Nissan Net Points for the GIANTS.
A barometer for energy and entertainment – both on and off the court – GIANTS fans and teammates alike will be pleased to see the defender re-commit.
McDonell said it feels great to be back on board for another year.
“It’s an absolute privilege to play for this club and to wear the orange dress,” she said.
“This club means everything to me. I know it’s cliche, but I swear I have an orange heart.
“My team, the support staff and our members are all top-tier, and I am just so proud to be a part of it all.”
The fan-favourite looks ahead to 2025 full of optimism and excitement.
“2024 wasn’t the most ideal year for our team, which was incredibly disappointing to be honest. However, there's nothing like a good amount of disappointment to fuel the fire for next season,” McDonell said.
“Heading into 2025, I am so excited about the development of our defensive unit. I feel that we developed substantially across the course of the season, and we had some unreal possession gains between us all.
“We have the guts, energy and connection, now we just need to solidify our structures and game smarts as a unit.”
McDonell first signed with the club as an 18-year-old for the 2019 Suncorp Super Netball season. Her one-year contract extension means the now 24-year-old is the third longest serving player on the club’s list, sitting behind co-captains Jo Harten and Jamie-Lee Price.
“My role in our team is shifting as I get older – and wiser - into one where I now lead our defensive unit with both energy and constant communication,” she said.
“I aim to lead by example with my effort in training and off-court behaviours and continuously support and uplift my teammates.”
GIANTS head coach Julie Fitzgerald said she is pleased to announce the re-signing of McDonell.
“She has had a fantastic season, and it is really exciting to have her re-commit to the club,” Fitzgerald said.
“Tilly has been with us since she was 18-years-old and to see her make her mark this year and develop into the athlete she has become is really special.
“Her dedication to the club and sport is evident in everything she does both on and off the court and she truly exemplifies what it means to be a GIANT.
“I have no doubt that her presence will undoubtedly energise our squad and fans as we aim to reach new heights in 2025.”
McDonell is the first off-contract GIANT to recommit for season 2025, while Sam Winders announced last week that she will be returning home to New Zealand.
2025 GIANTS Netball Team
Sophie Dwyer
Jo Harten
Maddie Hay
Matisse Letherbarrow
Tilly McDonell
Jamie-Lee Price
Amy Sligar
Jodi-Ann Ward
