Having laid strong foundations across all elements of the Melbourne Mavericks, Shae Bolton-Brown and the club have agreed now is the right time hand over the reins as the Mavericks continue to position themselves as leaders on and off the court, building strong partnerships with all stakeholders, especially within the wider netball community in Victoria.
Shae has played an enormous role in helping to establish the Mavericks since the club entered the League in 2024, as the club’s inaugural General Manager, helped lead the development of the club’s identity, culture, community connection and growth both on and off the court.
SEN Teams CEO, Richard Simkiss, thanked Bolton-Brown for her contribution to the club’s establishment and growth.
“Shae Bolton-Brown has been pivotal in helping build and grow the Melbourne Mavericks from inception, and we thank her for the leadership, drive and passion she has brought to the role,” Simkiss said.
“Shae’s leadership has extended beyond helping build a netball club; she has played an important role in shaping SEN’s vision for women’s sport, bringing together culture, brand and commercial partnerships in a way that supports long-term growth and impact.
“She has helped establish the Mavericks as a club that brings together elite performance, community engagement, commercial sustainability and brand growth, creating strong foundations that will continue to support the future success of the club and women’s sport more broadly.
“Shae’s contribution will always be recognised, remaining etched in the Mavericks’ history and we thank her for everything she has given to the club. She will always be a Maverick, and we look forward to her remaining a strong part of our Mavericks family as we go forward.”
Bolton-Brown said the decision followed discussions with SEN Teams and reflected the right time for both parties as the club enters its next phase.
“Three years ago this club didn’t exist; no brand, no players, no members, no history. We set out to shake up the game and shake it up we did.
“What we’ve collectively built since then is one enormous Maverick movement. We’ve been unapologetic in doing netball differently, and it’s been a joy to see what started as an idea gain such momentum – particularly this season.
“Being Maverick doesn’t leave you. My role changes but my commitment to growing women’s sport and platforming the extraordinary athletes in this game doesn’t.
“I am incredibly grateful to every Maverick – player, fan, employee and partner – who has made this last three years unforgettable.”
In just three years, the Melbourne Mavericks have become one of the fastest-growing clubs in Australian sport, surpassing 2,600 members and building a passionate supporter base across Victoria and beyond.
The club has achieved several significant milestones throughout the 2026 season, including inaugural victories over both the Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever.
The Mavericks have also strengthened their long-term future through the appointment of a new head coach on a multi-year agreement and the establishment of a long-term training and high-performance base at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC).
Simkiss said the club’s future remained exceptionally bright.
“In just three seasons we have built one of the most engaged supporter bases in the league, surpassed 2,600 members, secured our first finals appearance and established a long-term home at MSAC,” Simkiss said.
“We’ve appointed a new head coach on a multi-year agreement, recorded landmark wins against the Vixens and Fever this season and built strong foundations both on and off the court.
“We’ve also developed a significant footprint across the Victorian netball community, building relationships with clubs, volunteers, participants and supporters who have embraced the Mavericks from day one.
“The progress of the club has exceeded expectations, and we have a clear vision for what comes next.
“We have outstanding people throughout the organisation, strong commercial support, an incredibly strong playing roster that continue to build together; there is enormous momentum everywhere.
“We’re incredibly excited about the future of the Melbourne Mavericks.
“We thank Shae for her enormous contribution in helping build and establish this club. She will be forever recognised for her contribution and will remain part of our Maverick culture ongoing. We wish her every success in her next chapter.”
