The Melbourne Mavericks are gearing up to celebrate another milestone this weekend – not only is it the second Melbourne Derby of the 2025 Super Netball Season (SSN) against crosstown rivals, the Melbourne Vixens, but Kim Brown (nee Jenner) will take to the court for her 100th SSN game.
Hailing from Townsville, Brown began Beginning her SSN career with the Queensland Firebirds, debuting 2017. Starting out as a Training Partner, before being elevated to a full contract in 2018, Brown looks back on her debut as one of her most cherished memories of her 99-game SSN career to date.
“I've got highlights throughout everything, [but] I think one that I always go back to, though, is my very first game. Being able to walk out there in front of my family and in front of an amazing crowd as well was something that I dreamed of, and then being able to actually have that come true was incredible, and is still a really incredible memory that I get to look back on.”
After six years as an invaluable member of the Firebirds’ defence, Brown found herself crossing the country to take up a position on West Coast Fever’s roster in 2023.
By 2024, Brown completed almost a full-circle navigation of the country, moving to Melbourne and joining the Mavs for their inaugural season. Making her Mavs debut in Round 1 of the 2024 SSN season – the Mavs’ first-ever game as a club – Brown has gone on to play every match the Mavs have contested since. Utilising her exceptional defensive skills and unyielding work ethic, Brown went on to be named as the Runner Up MVP at the club’s inaugural Awards Night.
In January of this year, Brown signed a contract extension until the end of the 2026 SSN season, making her the first player to commit to the club for its first three seasons, making her well and truly as Mavs trailblazer.
Brown’s defensive prowess extends beyond the SSN court, competing in the green and gold when representing Australia at three Fast5 Netball World Series. Her swift thinking and ball-winning ability assisted the team to take out the Fast5 Championship in both 2022 and 2024.
Speaking ahead of her milestone match, Brown said it was incredible to look back at her national league journey so far.
“It’s a very exciting to hit such a big milestone,” Brown said. “It’s something that when I first started my career it seemed so far away, so it's amazing [in that] it gives me that opportunity to look back and reflect on all those years I've played, and the good and the bad of that too.”
“It's been such a good journey here [at the Mavs] and I've loved every minute of the last two years,” Brown continued, reflecting on her favourite memories of the 22 times she has pulled on a Mavs dress in the SSN so far. “Moments like those really tight, one-point games against the Sunny Coast were incredible, and you know that's why we played netball for, that competition. So, I love that the thrill of those [kind of games] - and the the ending was great too!”
Congratulations, Kim on an epic career to date – we can’t wait to see you run out onto the SSN court for the 100th time this weekend. Bring on the next 100!
