McGlashan, who has played in seven premierships in total with the Roos, will join her former coach Jannelle Hobbs at Harry Trott Oval.

The pair were part of two premierships together at Kangaroo Flat in 2014 and 2016 before the multiple-premiership coach's move to South Bendigo ahead of the 2018 season.

McGlashan's signing provides a largely young Bloods A-grade line-up with the services of one of the league's premier defenders of the past two decades and a welcome boost of premiership experience.

Hobbs, who last month re-signed as coach for a fifth season, hailed the signing as 'huge for South Bendigo'.

"We're obviously super-excited as that is one thing that we are definitely missing, that tall, athletic circle defender," she said.

"The experience and knowledge Alicia brings to the very young side we have will just be invaluable.

"You just can't beat that finals experience and to have that at South will be huge.

"Those six A-grade premierships is the sort of success we want at South.

"It was obviously a huge decision as Alicia has been at Flat for a long time, so it will be a big change for her.

"But she is definitely looking forward to a new start."

In addition to again linking up with Hobbs, McGlashan will be reunited with her 2016 premiership team-mate Jamie-Lee Clohesy, who is making a return to the playing court after a season off in 2021.

Clohesy will resume her role in the goal circle alongside young gun Chloe Langley, who has re-signed with the Bloods after this year taking out the best and fairest award for the second straight season.

For McGlashan, 2022 will mark a return to A-grade netball for the first time since 2019 as a member of Kangaroo Flat's grand final line-up.

After a season lost to netball for all players in 2020 due to COVID-19, and time-off to give birth to her and husband Andrew's third child, she returned to play in the Roos' A-reserve team in 2021.

The Roos finished the A-reserve home and away season undefeated on 11 wins.

Hobbs said McGlashan's arrival had been warmly welcomed by the playing group.

"She would be one of the best defenders I have ever coached and I have coached a lot of players over the years," she said.

"She's very athletic and intimidating out on that court and an amazing defender."

McGlashan, a former BFNL representative and best-on-court in the Roos' 2014 grand final win over Golden Square, will slot nicely into the Bloods defence alongside mainstay Stephanie Goode.

Her inclusion will allow Hobbs to release 2021 season captain Keiarah Brooks back into the midcourt after being used in defence in the latter part of the season.

McGlashan has played in 10 A-grade finals in total, winning premierships with the Roos in 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2016.

She played in a 19-and-under premiership in 2001.

READ MORE:

Hobbs staying the course with South Bendigo

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: