Demelza McCloud returns to trans-Tasman netball next season with the Southern Steel, the Adelaide defender signing for the southern franchise along with former Silver Fern Sheryl Scanlan.

McCloud's ANZ Championship career began with the Canterbury Tactix in 2008, before she moved to the Queensland Firebirds in 2009 and the Melbourne Vixens in 2010 as back-up for injured Australian international Julie Corletto.

While she missed the 2011 league, the 1.88m McCloud has been in impressive form lately, leading her Matrics team to a one-goal win in last night's South Australian state championship final.

McCloud reunites with former team-mate Jodi Brown at the Steel, and has connections with both Steel coaches, having played alongside co-coach Natalie Avellino and being coached by Janine Southby at the Otago Rebels in 2007.