The Melbourne Mavericks are proud to confirm their 2026 Leadership Group, led by Amy Parmenter as captain for the third consecutive year - a role she has held since the club’s inaugural season. Parmenter is joined by Tara Hinchliffe as vice-captain, with Molly Jovic returning as co‑vice‑captain in 2026 in a non‑playing capacity.
Mavs General Manager, Shae Bolton‑Brown, said the trio epitomises the standards and care the Mavs want to be known for.
“This group reflects the identity we’ve built since day one - connected, relentless and team‑first play, both on and off the court,” Bolton-Brown said. “Amy has been a constant driver of our standards and culture, Tara has already earned enormous respect for her professionalism and voice, and Molly remains a heartbeat of our environment even in a non‑playing role.”
“We’re thrilled with the balance of experience, voice and connection they bring as we attack the 2026 season.”
Parmenter’s re‑appointment continues a steady leadership evolution for the Mavs, with the midcourter again entrusted to set the tone on and off the court.
“It’s a privilege to lead this club I care so deeply about,” Parmenter said. “Our group has grown together since day one and we’re hungry to take the next step.”
“I love that leadership at the Mavs is shared between Tara, Molly and myself – we all bring different strengths and styles of leadership to the table, and I’m excited to keep building something our fans can be proud of.
“We have recruited really well this year, and I think there are some exciting new additions across the court. I’m really looking forward to seeing how we all develop, and after some practice matches in Canberra last weekend, I’m really excited about what this group can do.”
New to the Mavs in 2026, recently‑signed defender Hinchliffe also steps in to the role of vice‑captain after quickly embedding herself in the Mavs environment and earning the trust of her teammates. Hinchliffe has a strong portfolio of leadership experience behind her, having been vice-captain at both the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning.
“It may sound cliched, but from the moment I walked in, the environment really stood out in how welcoming it was to me. A lot of us are new not only to the Mavs but to Melbourne, but there’s times where it’s hard to believe I’ve only been here for a couple of months,” Hinchliffe said.
“To be voted vice‑captain by this group is a real honour. My role is to elevate our voice in the contest as well as off the court, and to help make sure our best becomes our normal.”
Jovic resumes her role as co‑vice‑captain for a second straight year and will contribute in a non‑playing capacity in 2026, after the recent announcement that she is expecting her first child.
“Even though it’s been known internally for a while now that I won’t be taking to the court with the Mavs this year, to still be voted into the leadership group – and for the Mavs to be so keen for me to take on this role – is really humbling,” Jovic said.
“I know people always say they ‘won’t be a stranger’ to the team when they announce they are stepping back from an on-court role, and I love how this role will definitely keep be accountable to that!” Jovic laughed. “Being part of this leadership team means staying connected to the heartbeat of the group - even from the sidelines, and I’ll keep supporting our standards, our game craft and our connection.”
The Mavs’ 2026 campaign is underway with pre‑season preparations in full swing, ahead of home matches at MSAC v the Vic Men on February 7, and West Coast Fever on February 18.
