The 2025 Super Netball Reserves season commences this weekend, with the Melbourne Mavericks Reserves set to make their anticipated competition debut.
In a quick turnaround at Waverley Netball Centre, the Mavs Reserves take on the Firebird Futures at 6.30pm AEST on Saturday (May 3), and then the Vixens Academy 5.30pm AEST on Sunday (May 4).
With a range of experience and knowledge, this team bring versatility, talent and excitement into the competition.
During preseason, the Mavs Reserves played two practice matches, claiming a win against New Zealand’s Northern Mystics, whilst being defeated by one to Vixens Academy.
In an exciting announcement for the inaugural Mavs Reserves team, goaler Sacha McDonald has been named as the team’s inaugural captain. McDonald was previously part of the Melbourne Vixens squad and also represented the Victorian Fury, before jetting to London to play for London Pulse in 2022. She has since returned Melbourne where she plays in the Victorian Netball League’s (VNL) Championships division for the Casey Demons, and has already showcased her talent through being selected in the Mavericks match day squad of 10 for their Round 3 clash of the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season.
McDonald will be accompanied by Zoe Davies as vice captain, who brings another layer of experience to the table. Davies was a Training Partner for Collingwood Magpies Netball in the SSN, and then - like McDonald - headed to the UK’s Super Netball League to play for Leeds Rhinos. Davies is currently playing in the VNL Championships division for the Bendigo Strikers.
Alongside these two, Melbourne Mavericks Training Partner, Emma Walters, will complete the leadership group.
Speaking ahead of this weekend, McDonald spoke on her pride of being named captain.
“It's something I'm really proud of, to be captain of the Mavs team. I didn’t expect it, given the quality of players and leaders we have in our group.”
McDonald added that she was excited to hit the court wearing a Mavs dress for the first time this weekend.
“It's nice to finally be able to put everything we've trained for out on court this weekend.
“I'm just excited for those [younger] girls to get their first opportunities. It's been a few years since I was a baby out on court and so it's now my job to take the leadership role and make them feel as comfortable as possible.
“It’s a short season but we will be going for the win, and we will learn game to game.”
Reflecting on her experience in the Mavs listed 10 last round, McDonald also spoke on the club’s culture.
“Being courtside made me really excited for the season. It brought it all to life and the Mavs environment is really closely linked with the Reserves and the main team. The culture has been very welcoming. I will try and learn from the leaders of the Mavs team and bring that into the Reserves.”
Catch Sacha McDonald lead out the Mavs Reserves this weekend as they launch their Super Netball Reserves campaign:
Saturday 3 May
Mavs Reserves v Firebirds Futures
Waverley Netball Centre
First centre pass: 6.30pm
Sunday 4 May
Mavs Reserves v Vixens Academy
Waverley Netball Centre
First centre pass: 5.30pm
FREE entry!
