But the ultra-competitive and highly accomplished defender is determined there will be no regrets and definitely no looking back after agreeing to sign with the Bloods for the 2022 BFNL season.

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The bold move reunites her with her former Kangaroo Flat coach Jannelle Hobbs, who led the Roos to premierships in 2016 and '16, with McGlashan as one of the undoubted keys to their success.

The 36-year-old leaves Dower Park as a six-time A-grade premiership player, having represented the Roos in more than 250 games in an association that started in the club's under-19s team in 2001.

Her arrival at Kangaroo Flat produced instant success, with that year's under-19s premiership adding to seven in total with the Roos for McGlashan.

A prosperous two-decade stint was punctuated by a few absences for the birth of her and husband Andrew's three children - Chloe, Olivia and Rory.

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After a disrupted few seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic and only a handful of games with the Roos' A-reserve team this year following the birth of Rory, McGlashan insists it's time for a new challenge.

She said the lure of again aligning herself with Hobbs and the chance to play an on-court leadership role in a majorly young South Bendigo A-grade team proved too appealing to pass up.

But they are not the only reasons the best on court player in the Roos' 2014 premiership triumph has found herself in new surroundings.

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McGlashan said the recent death of Kangaroo Flat and central Victorian netball legend Carol Bingham - the mother of close friend and fellow Roos legend Karly Elvey - had played a big factor in her decision to continue her career away from Dower Park.

"Ultimately, I went to Kangaroo Flat in 2001 because of Carol Bingham; I idolised her for years and she coached my sister in Country Cup, so I went there for her," she said.

"She always supported me and always backed me 100 per cent while she was coaching me, even after she retired.

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"Her passing this year made me reflect back a bit on what I wanted to do with the rest of my netball.

"I might not have many years left in me playing at the top level and I've had a real hard think about that.

"When Jannelle took over after Carole and Bonnie (Roberts) at Kangaroo Flat, we developed a really good relationship. We worked through quite a lot in those early years.

"We developed a lot of respect for each other and I really like Jannelle's coaching style and she appreciates my playing style.

"For now, coming to South is a really good fit for me as I would love to be coached by Jannelle again."

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McGlashan is similarly looking forward to reuniting with her good friend and 2016 Roos premiership team-mate Jamie-Lee Clohesy, who is returning to the playing court after a season off in 2021 due to pregnancy.

Their presence gives South Bendigo a pair of experienced heads at either end of the court, something that will be needed if the Bloods are to take the next step and challenge the likes of three-peat premiers Sandhurst, Gisborne and the duo's former club.

McGlashan, one of the league's premier defenders ever since her elevation to A-grade in 2003, said it was tough leaving Kangaroo Flat as it is where she and most of her netball friends thought she would see out her playing days.

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"It wasn't an easy decision - it's been my home since I was a kid, so it wasn't easy at all," she said.

"I spoke with a few people at the club a couple of weeks before it was announced, it felt like I was breaking up with them.

"I have a lot of amazing memories at Kangaroo Flat, they have always been a great club and the culture there was amazing.

"Now, I just think times have changed and for me, I have to look whether I fit there anymore.

"But it's the right timing. South is a friendly club and it has the right environment for my family and me at the moment with a lot of young children."

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McGlashan said she will relish the opportunity of a mentoring role with the Bloods' talented crop of young players.

"South Bendigo is a club that is developing and making its way up and I think there is room for me to give my input and use my experience to help," she said.

"I love guiding young players and love seeing people develop into the best they can be.

"I'm hoping I can bring that to South Bendigo and help the team."

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The former BFNL inter-league representative is joining a club that has taken great strides in the past three seasons, coming from seventh in 2018 to clinch its first finals berth in 19 years in 2019, and finishing the 2021 home and away season in fourth place.

McGlashan said it was no surprise or coincidence that South Bendigo's rise up the BFNL ranks had paralleled with Hobbs' tenure at Harry Trott Oval.

"Jannelle is a fantastic coach and a great leader - she is really positive and has a great structure," she said.

"I can definitely see that what she brought to Kangaroo Flat, she has taken to South Bendigo.

"Kangaroo Flat was already in a great position when she came across (at the end of 2011), but she brought something completely different.

"She taught me and the rest of the players a completely new game style and that improved my game.

"She's brought that same insight and amazing outlook to South Bendigo and I think with her at the helm it's only going to get bigger and better for them."

With the move completed, McGlashan, who insists she is as fit as she has been at any time over the last few years, is looking forward to a big pre-season among new team-mates.

While a much-anticipated first showdown as a South Bendigo player against Kangaroo Flat shapes as a mix of nerve-racking, exciting, challenging and business as usual.

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"I think I'll be nervous - I'm not sure I'll be able to look anyone in the eye until after the game," McGlashan said with a laugh.

"I get white line fever.

"I remember when Jamie (Clohesy) moved to South Bendigo and lining up against her after she was my team-mate the year before, I basically didn't look at her until after the game.

"I went out and played hard and tried not to give her anything.

"I guess one thing is, I haven't played with all the girls in the (Kangaroo Flat) A-grade side, girls like Ash and Abbey Ryan. I've played against them many times, so it will probably feel just as it always has.

"But I think it will be fun going up against some of my old team-mates. It will certainly be challenging."

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