The Melbourne Mavericks Reserves have kicked off their inaugural Super Netball (SN) Reserves season on a high, notching back-to-back wins in a Round 1 double-header against the Firebirds Futures (62-49) and Vixens Academy (55-48).
The Mavs Reserves are an exciting watch, showcasing the new and upcoming stars of Victorian netball. With the Mavs Reserves now the second Melbourne team in the SN Reserves competition, it opens even more opportunity for young players.
Inaugural head coach of the Mavs Reserves, Tracey Brereton, expressed her excitement for the program and the addition of an eighth team to the competition.
“I think its’s fantastic. They’ve got two pathways to put their hand up and be noticed, and that’s all we want for Victoria, to get as many athletes as possible in our pathway recognised.”
The first week of the competition has already created a buzz about the Mavs Reserves.
“We had a pretty tough order to start with a double-header against the Firebirds and Vixens, but to walk away with two wins - I know the girls are pretty chuffed,” said Brereton.
The whole Mavericks environment has made the Reserves team feel at home.
“There was a couple of big crowds on the weekend, and the support from Tracey Neville [Mavericks head coach], Nicole Richardson [assistant coach] and the main Mavs team is really exciting,” Brereton continued.
“It is a very inclusive environment, and I know the girls breathe in so much confidence to know that they are a part of the Mavs family.”
The SN Reserves competition is an intriguing space as not only is it filled with talent, it ranges in experience and ages.
“You obviously have those experienced players scattered [throughout], with the Training Partners coming down, but also names like Sacha McDonald and Zoe Davies. It is important to have their leadership as you can see the younger players really look up to them and love being guided by them.”
This Sunday, May 11, the Mavs Reserves head west to face the West Coast Fever Reserves at the Gold Netball Centre in Perth.
“It will be a tough game against Fever - they were in the pilot program last year, and along with the Thunderbirds, they were a very strong team,” said Brereton.
Both the Mavs and Fever opened the season with impressive wins – Fever defeated the Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts by eight goals. Both sides they will both be looking to keep their momentum going, making it an exciting contest for Round 2.
The match begins at 10.30am.
