But the Magpies' disappointment at losing Thwaites has been offset by signing midcourter Kelsey Browne, who has left two-time reigning champions Sunshine Coast Lightning to return to her home state.

It continues a busy off-season of player movements that includes the retirement of former Australian and Queensland Firebirds captain Laura Geitz, the surprise axing of Natalie Medhurst from the West Coast Fever and current Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett's shift from the Sunshine Coast to the Giants.

"Leaving Lightning was probably one of the hardest decisions I have had to make," Browne said in a statement on Wednesday.

"While I've loved every minute of my time on the Sunshine Coast, I have missed my family immensely over the last two years.

"I think it's time I get back home and be with my loved ones."

Browne's departure from the Lightning comes hot on the heels of Bassett's, while they have also lost captain and defensive rock Geva Mentor.

The return of New Zealand veteran Laura Langman will bolster the side's midcourt, but the Lightning have ruled out a play to add fellow Silver Ferns shooter Maria Folau as a replacement for Bassett.

Like Langman, Folau has been granted permission to play in the newly branded Super Netball competition while still representing New Zealand, but is yet to confirm where she'll land.

Fellow Diamonds shooter Thwaites returns to the Vixens where she played in the club's inaugural three seasons and won a premiership in 2009.

"It's a nice synergy that the Vixens was kind of the start for me, so I kind of feel like I'm coming home," the 41-Test veteran said.

Vixens coach Simone McKinnis anticipates Thwaites' 15 years of domestic experience will add plenty after the side's fifth-placed finish this season.

Australian Associated Press