Madi Browne can retire safe in the knowledge that as well as having accomplished a stellar netball career she may have helped educate a future Australian prime minister.
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Collingwood Super Netball co-captain Browne was forced to call time on her netball story on Wednesday after scans revealed she required more surgery on her knee, which has already undergone reconstructions in 2015 and 2019.
The 32-year-old was already planning to step away from elite level netball at the end of the season after 15 years, winning the 2014 title with the Melbourne Vixens.
The midcourt ace also played 61 matches for Australia before her retirement from international netball in 2018, and is the only player to have twice won the Liz Ellis Diamond as the best Test representative.
"It would have been nice to see out the season but it was always coming so it's just been brought forward a little bit," Browne told AAP.
"People are saying congratulations and commiserations but I'm OK."
Browne spent last year in rehabilitation alongside her younger sister and another Diamonds and Magpies star Kelsey, who also had a knee reconstruction.
In a bizarre twist, Kelsey also hurt her knee again this week ending her season, although scans revealed she strained the ACL rather than tore it again.
Madi joked that her family had likely put the orthopaedic surgeon's child through private school.
"It's genetics - in the family Dad's done one or two, mum's done one, I've had two and Kels has had one and then the scare so we don't have great knees in the Browne household," Madi said.
"Hopefully we've been sponsoring the next prime minister of Australia going through private school - I hope we're taking care of Australia's future."
Browne bows out of the sport with a gold and silver Commonwealth Games medal and also premiership success with timing not working out to play in any World Cup tournaments, but said a highlight had been Kelsey joining her this year at the Magpies.
While Collingwood have struggled and sit last, playing seven games together has been special to the siblings.
"To play with my sister is definitely up there - I've been there her entire netball life and entire netball journey so I've seen what's gone on behind the scenes," Madi said.
"To step into that circle and look down at her at wing attack, I was pinching myself as I not only get to do the sport I love but I get to do it with the person I love the most."
Browne will remain in the Queensland Super Netball hub along with Kelsey rather than return to Melbourne where their treatment options are limited due to coronavirus lockdown.
Australian Associated Press
