With over 250 national league games between them, the players informed teammates and staff this afternoon that the 2018 season would be their last.

Brown played 100 games for the West Coast Fever after joining the club in the inaugural ANZ Championship season before returning home to Melbourne to be with the Magpies.

“I want to thank the Collingwood Magpies and my former club, the West Coast Fever, for giving me this amazing opportunity to play the game that I love at the highest level for over a decade,” Brown said.

“I have loved the comradery and the competitiveness, but most of all, I’ve loved playing with my teammates and this group that we’ve had here at the Pies.

“I will miss my teammates and my Magpie family, but the time is right for me now to step away and let the next group of young stars shine and take this team forward,” she said.

Bell became the first player to win three Premierships in the ANZ Championship and captained the Adelaide Thunderbirds in her final two seasons with the club. The 31-year-old also boasts two Netball World Cup gold medals with the Australian Diamonds.

 

The many different colours of a career I am so grateful for and proud of. If you had told me as a 17yr old I would be playing elite netball for the next 15yrs I wouldn't have believed you. To win premierships, represent my country and captain my club were all dreams I never thought possible. There were also times that were really tough but through all the highs and lows I am so happy I get to finish up still loving the game equally as much as when I started. My teammates, my coaches, my opposition and the clubs I have been apart of have all left such an impact on me and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities and friendships I have made. There are too many special people to mention but you know who you are. Netball has given me such a great foundation to enjoy the rest of my life and I am really excited to see what the future holds! #netball #friends #lucky

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She joined Collingwood for the 2018 season as one of Australian netball’s most decorated goalers.

“I’ve been on this amazing journey for 15 years and I’m excited to start a new chapter of my life away from netball,” Bell said.

“At the Swifts, the Thunderbirds and now the Pies, I’ve played with some incredible teammates, played under some great coaches and have experienced the highs and lows that netball has to offer, and I feel very lucky to have been a part of this great sport," she said.