Melbourne Vixens are excited to announce that co-captain Sharelle McMahon is pregnant and expecting her first child with husband Brek.

"It's still a bit hard to believe but Brek and I are absolutely delighted with the news and really excited for this new chapter of our lives," McMahon says.

Three months into her pregnancy, McMahon will withdraw from the Melbourne Vixens for the 2012 ANZ Championship season, putting on hold her return to the court following a serious achilles injury in March last year.

McMahon was quick to acknowledge the support of the Melbourne Vixens and Netball Victoria.

"It was a little emotional telling the girls this morning and I know I'm going to miss being part of the playing group, but the support from everyone at the Netball Victoria and the Vixens including the players, staff and board has been fantastic," she says.

Netball Victoria acting CEO, Russell James says although it is a disappointment for the Melbourne Vixens and their fans, the netball community will be very excited for McMahon.

"We want to extend our congratulations to Sharelle; this is a very exciting time for her and her family. Netball is a family sport from grassroots to the elite and we aim to provide opportunities for women to perform and lead fulfilling lives off the court.

"We can't wait to welcome our newest member and of course we will be lobbying for a mother/daughter rule to be constituted to ensure McMahon's legacy extends for many years to come," James says.

In light of McMahon's announcement, Netball Victoria will formally apply to the Trans-Tasman Netball League (TTNL) for a replacement player for this year's season which commences on the 1st April.

Under ANZ Championship Competition Rules, a team may permanently replace a player in its squad if they are no longer able to play due to serious injury or illness, including pregnancy.

The Melbourne Vixens list management committee, which includes Coach Julie Hoornweg, will now have the task of identifying the best available player to replace Sharelle.

Vixens coach Julie Hoornweg, who has coached Sharelle for seven years, said Sharelle's change of circumstances provided a great opportunity for another athlete.

"We congratulate Sharelle on this wonderful news and while it is a great loss for the team, it opens up an exciting opportunity for another athlete. While Sharelle leaves big shoes to fill, we are confident that will secure the next best available player to compliment the current playing list."

With McMahon on the sidelines for 2012, the Melbourne Vixens will have a new leadership make up for the first time since 2008.

"An announcement on the new leadership structure will be made in the coming weeks. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time coaching Sharelle. It's been a wonderful opportunity to coach such a fantastic player and I wish her all the best," says Hoornweg.

McMahon will no longer train with the Vixens squad, however she will remain contracted to the Vixens and involved with the team in an ambassadorial and coaching support capacity.

"I am determined to help the team in some way during the season and I'm working closely with the coaching and management team to ascertain exactly how that will work for the upcoming season. Whatever my role, I will be the team's biggest supporter on the sideline," she says.

McMahon, a 118 capped Australian player and former captain of the Australian Diamonds who is notorious for her high achieving attitude and ability to 'bounce back', says her pregnancy does not mean her retirement from netball.

"I am keeping my career options open ended and have no intention of retiring, I am just focussing on staying healthy during my pregnancy," McMahon says.

The Melbourne Vixens expect a quick decision regarding a replacement player with an announcement to be made in the coming weeks.