Seagulls coach Sarah McCorkell confirmed former Australian Diamonds defender Demelza Fellowes had finished playing with the club due to work commitments.

Fellowes is the marketing and sponsorship manager with Fiji Rugby Union.

McCorkell said losing the ex-Queensland Firebirds and Melbourne Vixens player was “disappointing” but the club understood her situation.

"This work change happened before the season and Demelza was still excited about joining the club and was committed and made it work for a few games," she said.

"But she had a short-term contract and at the end of the two months they extended the job and she still wanted to make it work but the rugby draw conflicted with our games.

"It would have also been almost impossible to travel back from Fiji for five weeks.

"And at the end of the day everyone's jobs and careers come first and it was a really good opportunity that she was offered."

McCorkell, after her side’s 29-goal win against Portland on Saturday, said the team was not overwhelmed by Fellowes’ departure.

“One really good thing with the team on Saturday was the girls all had smiles on their face even before the game,” she said.

“We talked about the year that has happened with ins and outs and said it’s not the end of the world.

“We’ve been trying to bring the fun back into netball and making sure we are all enjoying it. And I loved seeing the girls having a laugh and smiles on their faces.”

Goalie Carley Thomas has also made a return for the Seagulls ahead of the finals.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in south-west.