Mavericks Kick Off Super Netball Season with Dominant Win Over Giants
The revamped Melbourne Mavericks have made a resounding statement to open the new Suncorp Super Netball season, securing a commanding 61-52 victory against the Giants in Bendigo. This marks the franchise’s first-ever Round 1 win, signalling a promising start after both teams missed out on the top-four finals in the previous year.
The clash at Red Energy Arena was highly anticipated, not only for the start of a new season but also due to significant changes within both camps. Both the Mavericks and the Giants are fielding new coaches this season. However, it’s the Mavericks who have undergone a more substantial personnel overhaul, bringing in four new elite players to bolster their squad for the 2026 season.
New Signings Shine in Maiden Outing
Among the new recruits for the Mavericks, two former Giants players, Diamonds superstar Jamie-Lee Price and maternity cover Maddie Hay, were instrumental in the team’s nine-point triumph. Their seamless integration into the mid-court proved to be a significant advantage for Melbourne. Adding to the strong performance was captain Amy Parmenter, who celebrated her 100th Super Netball match with a tenacious display at wing defence, proving to be a constant thorn in the side of the Sydney-based Giants.
Jamie-Lee Price, in particular, was a standout performer, amassing an impressive 21 goal-assists and rightfully earning the player of the match award. Speaking after the game, Price acknowledged the initial challenges of a new team finding its rhythm.
“It was a pretty hectic game, there were lots of errors from both teams,” Price told Fox Sports. “You can definitely tell that we’re a new team and are trying to figure each other out, but I was really proud of how we stuck with it and I thought we did a really good job.”
Mavericks Build Momentum Throughout the Match
The Mavericks established an early lead, holding a three-point advantage at the end of the first quarter. They managed to extend this lead to six points by halftime, heading into the break with a score of 30-24. The offensive combination of Shimona Nelson and former Sunshine Coast Lightning goaler Reilley Batcheldor was particularly effective in the shooting circle during the first half.
Under the guidance of new coach Gerard Murphy, who stepped into the role previously held by Tracey Neville, the Mavericks demonstrated their depth in attack. Murphy introduced Uneeq Palavi, a Tongan international securing her first full-time Super Netball contract this season, into the goal shooter position. Palavi made an immediate impact, contributing 11 goals from 15 attempts, crucially including five two-point super shots that significantly boosted the Mavericks’ scoreline.
Resilient Giants Push Back, But Mavericks Hold Firm
The Giants showed flashes of their potential, mounting a strong comeback in the third quarter. They managed to narrow the margin to just one point, putting the pressure back on the Mavericks. However, a clutch two-point super shot from Reilley Batcheldor helped Melbourne regain momentum and re-establish a five-point buffer, ending the third quarter with a score of 43-38.
Despite determined efforts from the Giants’ key players, including shooters Matisse Letherbarrow and Sophie Dwyer, and their formidable New Zealand goal defence Jane Watson, the Victorian outfit proved too strong. The Mavericks maintained their composure and extended their lead in the final quarter, ultimately securing a comfortable and well-deserved victory in their season opener. The win sets a positive tone for the Mavericks as they aim to build on this strong performance throughout the remainder of the Super Netball season.
