Eleanor Cardwell: Full Circle — From Manchester to Australia and Back Again

Eleanor Cardwell’s netball journey has taken her from the heart of Manchester Thunder Netball to the intensity of Australia’s Super Netball, and now, after two seasons abroad, she’s returned to the home of netball. But her comeback hasn’t been without challenge, as a knee injury has tested her resilience once again.

(Image Credit to Manchester Thunder)

When Eleanor Cardwell steps back onto the netball court in the AO arena, Manchester, in front of thousands of netball fans anticipating her arrival, it must have felt like a homecoming and a chance to connect with the club that shaped her netball career. For fans, it was the return of their own world-class shooter whose passion and energy has always lit up the netball court.

During her first season with Manchester Thunder, Cardwell quickly became known as one of the team’s most fearless and reliable shooters. She wasn’t just consistent under the post; she delivered under pressure. The 2022 season stands out as a career highlight, with Thunder going unbeaten all year on their way to the championship title. Cardwell’s performances didn’t go unnoticed either, with her picking up both the Fans Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season awards, showing just how much she was valued by everyone around the club. That same year, she also rewrote the history books, first setting the mark for most goals in a Superleague game against Surrey Storm.

But during her pursuit of challenge and growth, Eleanore took the big leap that many netball players dream of- She joined Australia’s Super Netball League. For two seasons, she's tested herself against some of the highest-skilled defenders, helping to sharpen her skills and proving to the world that she could not only compete but thrive in one of the toughest netball environments. Her time down under in Australia elevated her game and was an experience that only a few other English players have had.

Now, after her incredible adventure in Australia, Cardwell is back in yellow and ready and raring to go. There is something so special about seeing a homegrown talent come full circle. She's bringing back not only her skillset but the incredible lessons she's picked up from overseas.

Yet, her comeback story hasn't been the fairytale everyone thinks. A meniscus tear in her knee had interrupted her comeback, testing her body and mind in only a way sports could ever do. For many players, such a setback would cast a shadow, but Cardwell has never been one to shy away from adversity and kept her spirits high/ Her career has been defined by resilience and this moment was simply another challenge that she overcame.

Looking ahead, her presence at Manchester Thunder holds a huge significance- not only is Eleanor expected to be a vital weapon in attack once fully up to gameplay, but she also brings knowledge of international experience that will be able to inspire teammates and most definitely young fans. Thunder are not just welcoming back a shooter, they're welcoming back a leader, a role model and a player whose journey embodies the dedication of the game.

As mentioned, Eleanor Cardwell’s story feels like it has come full circle: from Manchester to the world stage in Australia, and now back to where it all began. The chapters ahead are unwritten, but if her past has taught us anything, it’s that she’ll face them with the same strength, passion, and drive that have carried her career so far.

Article written by Erin Sims