Ryde, who made several appearances for the Vixens, has been sidelined for the season with a fracture of the right knee.

Gooden is no stranger to the Vixens environment as she progressed through the Netball Victoria pathway and in 2016 was named a Melbourne Vixens Training Partner before she joined the Magpies last year.

“She has worked extremely hard this pre-season and was ready to make an impact on the Suncorp Super Netball stage,” said Melbourne Vixens coach Simone McKinnis OAM.

“We are delighted to welcome Sam back to the Vixens.

"We believe she is the next best shooter in Victoria and we’re looking forward to adding her to the Vixens line up in 2018, she said.

The 21-year-old was set to commence her second season with the club as a training partner for the Magpies. 

Gooden said it was a difficult decision to leave the Magpies after two years with the club.

“I have loved my two years at the Magpies and I’ll be forever grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this team,” Gooden told Magpies Netball.

“It was a very difficult and emotional decision for me to leave, but I know this a great opportunity for me and my career, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

Gooden won't have to wait long to face the Magpies as the Vixens host the opening game of the season against them Saturday afternoon.