Vitality Rose Eleanor Cardwell returns to the NSL after signing with Manchester Thunder

Last playing for Manchester Thunder in 2022, Cardwell was instrumental when Thunder went undefeated all season, winning their fourth championship title. Making the move overseas to join Adelaide Thunderbirds in Australia for the 2023 season, she made a huge impact, helping the club to make history and win the SSN (Suncorp Super Netball) premiership trophy for the first time.

In 2024, she opted to make a move to newly formed Melbourne Mavericks, under the helm of former Vitality Roses and Manchester Thunder Head Coach, Tracey Neville. Cardwell has spent the past two years at Melbourne Mavericks, during which a knee injury sustained in October 2024 saw her miss the 2025 season.

On her departure from Melbourne Mavericks, Cardwell said: “It’s obviously been a really difficult year for me personally, not being able to take to the SSN court at all. As so many people know, the journey to return to play from injury is physically difficult, but emotionally it’s really hard too, and for me, it’s been compounded by not being surrounded by my family and close friends back home.”

On her return to the UK, Cardwell said: “Being back on British soil is an incredible feeling as I’ve really missed home. Anyone who knows me, knows how much of a homebody I am, and how much I have missed my family. So, I’m excited to be back. I can enjoy my life away from the court as-well as on the court, and I just can’t wait to be back in the black and yellow as that is home for me.

“Being over in the Suncorp Super Netball has sharpened my game. I feel like I have become a smarter netballer, I’ve learnt different ways to play the game and how to really use my strengths as an athlete and harness and use them against any opposition.

“I would say I’ve not yet reached my peak. I think there is always ways to grow, and when you set yourself a peak, you set a roof there, so there’s no point setting that. I think there’s plenty more growth, especially after my injury. I’m excited for the netballer that I can now become, and harness the strengths I’ve created as a player, using my brain a lot more and hopefully playing a bit more goal shooter will be really exciting because I’ve not done that in a very long time.”

Karen Greig, Manchester Thunder Franchise Director and Head Coach, said: “I’m so happy to have Eleanor back home with us. When I put the feelers out to see what her plans were and it was met positively, I was delighted. We all know the strengths Eleanor has on the court. She is a target in the circle, is mobile and fearless on the shot at any range and when firing is unstoppable.

“I’m most excited to see what El will bring back to our environment having experienced three years in the Suncorp Super Netball, in those professional settings and how she will integrate that into our club as we navigate professionalism. Welcome home El!”

Cardwell concluded: “This moment in my career feels really special. I think the past year has been a real struggle for me. Not taking to the court [in 2025] really isn’t ideal. I’m ready to enjoy my netball and enjoy my life, and really see how much I can test myself now in the Netball Super League, pushing myself and those around me. I think it’s an incredibly exciting opportunity, and I have a big smile on my face which hasn’t been there for awhile.”

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Image: Ben Lumley