The Melbourne Mavericks will celebrate Suncorp Super Netball’s (SSN) Inclusion Round this weekend, when they face the NSW Swifts for their final home match of the 2025 season at John Cain Arena.
Inclusion Round provides the opportunity for the clubs and the League as a whole to shine a spotlight on causes which each team values, with an emphasis on inclusion and diversity.
Netball Australia CEO, Stacey West, previously spoke on the importance of Inclusion Round.
“Netball Australia is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment, which recognises that people are the fabric of our sport, regardless of background."
For the second time in their short history, the Mavs have chosen to champion Pride, working to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. The team will don specially-designed Pride dresses on-court, and the Mavs team off the court will be running a range of inclusive match day activations.
This cause is of utmost importance to the team, as – being Mavericks by name and nature - they champion individuality and encourage everyone to bring their whole selves to their environment, both on and off the court.
Inclusion isn’t just something the Mavs talk about – it’s something they build into everything they do. No matter if its game day, training or a rest-day, honouring each individual for who they are is something they strive to achieve at all times.
Netball, as a game, is a celebration of authenticity, community and standing up for what matters. For the Mavs, this means honouring the individuals in our team that are active members of the LGBTQIA+ community, including star defender Liv Lewis and Team Manager, Leigh Southern. As a team, it is essential to show these members of our group - and everyone else - that they are loved and supported by the Mavs family.
Lewis, proud member of the Mavs and LQBTQIA+ communities, shared her excitement on the team’s chosen cause for Inclusion Round.
“A big part of the Mavs culture is an emphasis on inclusion – encouraging and empowering everyone to be themselves.
“We really try to celebrate diversity and individual differences within the Mavericks and beyond, so choosing to champion Pride is really huge for us.
“As representatives [of our sport] at the top level – being SSN - it is so important to act as role models in sending out important messages to wider netball and sporting communities. As the saying goes – ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’ – so by showing representation for Pride and inclusion, we are trying to make the most of this avenue to encourage all individuals to feel a sense of belonging, especially in the sporting world.
“We really want to send a message to the broader community, especially to younger generations, that no matter how you identify, you belong, and you matter.”
In line with this celebration, it is believed the Mavs will be the first team to take to the court in a specially-designed Pride dress – they debuted the design in their away fixture in Round 11 against the Queensland Firebirds – who were also celebrating Pride for Inclusion Round – and will wear it in front of their home fans for the first time this week.
Lewis provided input in the design process, speaking on the game-day addition positively.
“I am really happy with how they turned out – and it’s really special to be the first team to do it.”
The Mavs hit the court for Round 12 this Saturday at 7pm. Make sure you secure your tickets to watch them soar in their final home game of the season – whilst also supporting Pride - at John Cain Arena.
