Maddie Hay has announced her retirement from elite netball following the conclusion of the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season.
Joining the Mavs as a replacement player on the eve of the season, Hay quickly became an integral part of the club's record-breaking campaign, playing all 15 games and starting at wing attack in every match.
A proven performer throughout her national league career, Hay finishes with 98 elite-level appearances. In her final season, she led the entire SSN competition for centre pass receives (313) and ranked fifth in the league for goal assists (230), underlining her influence and consistency through the midcourt.
Hay said she would always be grateful for the opportunity to finish her career at the Mavs.
“Thanks to my partner Josh for being on this journey,” she said at the club’s awards night. “Thank you to this club for taking a risk on me. You all backed me. It was a slow burn to start with.
“I can’t talk highly enough of everyone at this club. It is so hard to leave because this was so good. It’s only so hard because it was the best time ever.
“I feel so ready for what is next. I might be getting off the train early and I will feel like I’m missing out a lot.
"I'm so beyond grateful I had the opportunity for this experience at the Mavericks.
“It was more than I could have ever imagined. I enjoyed it so much and grew so much as a player and a person. I'm so desperately sad to leave but also so happy with how my career finished up and very keen to start the next chapter.”
The Mavs would like to thank and congratulate Maddie for her outstanding contribution to the club and to Australian netball, and wish her every success in the next stage of her journey.
Paying tribute to Hay, Mavs captain Amy Parmenter said: “I’ve known Maddie since I was 14 years old. She has been there throughout my career. She has been someone I have looked up to. She has the ability to bring people together. She is an incredible person to have in your team.
“The impact you have had in such a short time is incredible. The way you played this season is some of the best netball I have seen you produce. I am so glad you have finished your career in the way you want. You have become Gez’s favourite, he always says you’re the funniest.
“We are so proud of you and so glad you are going home to so many exciting things.”
"What netballers want to do is go out on your terms and you have done that. You leave an incredible legacy."
