Medhurst, who is currently on maternity leave from Collingwood after having a baby boy in July, told her Collingwood teammates this week that she had decided to retire.

The 36-year-old had been pushing for a 2020 netball return but due to current COVID-19 state border restrictions and a condensed season she was unable to re-join the Magpies squad.

Medhurst earned 86 Test caps, winning three World Cup titles and a Commonwealth Games gold medal, and is the third most-capped national league player, with 235 matches and 4,415 goals.

Medhurst began her career in her home state with the Adelaide Thunderbirds in 2004, moved to the Queensland Firebirds in 2010, then onto the West Coast Fever in 2014 before finishing her career with the Collingwood Magpies, who she joined last year.

She has been just as committed off the court, involved with the Australian Netball Players' Association since 2006, taking on the role of president for the past two years.

"To have worn the green and gold once was a tremendous honour and to have worn it as many times as I did, is something I am incredibly proud of," Medhurst said.

"It is such a small group of women that have worn the dress and I am very privileged to be amongst that group.

"The decision to retire is not one I take lightly but it's certainly the right time.

"I have a beautiful family and I am in a very happy place. I know that I am leaving the sport having given it my absolute all throughout the years."

Australian Associated Press