The 25-year-old checked in for the Vixens after captain Kate Moloney turned her ankle late in the first quarter of Tuesday's clash against Giants Netball in Brisbane.

The Vixens went on to win the match by nine goals, retaining their spot at the top of the competition ladder.

"So I definitely felt the love when I got off the court and looked at my phone, and I think everyone was just really happy to see me out on court and doing what I love," McDonald said after the game.

McDonald launched her representative career in Ballarat as a member of the Ballarat Pride 19-under Victorian Netball League squad.

McDonald is the second former Ballarat VNL player to make her debut for the Vixens this season. Taylah Honey was the other.

Former Ballarat VNL development coach Kerry Lightfoot said she was very proud of her former player.

"It's so fabulous when you see kids you have coached work through," she said.

"She hasn't had an easy road, she was never the kid who got selected first but he is such a great team player and when given the opportunity, people realise what a valuable team member she is."