The Melbourne Mavericks are thrilled to announce the signing of six dynamic athletes as training partners for the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season. This diverse and talented group balances experience and untapped potential, boasting athleticism and energy that will strengthen the Mavericks’ squad as they aim to build on their successes from last year.
Nyah Allen
Joining the Mavericks environment for the first time, Nyah Allen is a rising star in Australian netball, known for her versatility as both a Goal Attack and Goal Shooter. A product of the elite Victorian and Australian Netball Leagues, Allen made her mark with the Collingwood Magpies and has been lauded for her calm composure in super shot moments, as well as her agility and sharp shooting skills. Her potential is boundless, and the Mavericks are excited to see her make an impact in the upcoming season.
Jessie Grenvold
An emerging star from South Australia, Jessie Grenvold continues to impress with her versatility and high-pressure defensive play. After a standout 2024, where she debuted for the Mavericks and was named MVP of the Victorian Netball League, Grenvold is ready to elevate her game even further. Her knack for forcing turnovers and her game intelligence make her a player to watch this season.
Montana Holmes
Montana Holmes returns to the Mavericks after an outstanding season as a training partner in 2024. Known for her speed and work ethic through the midcourt, Holmes’ experience and competitiveness make will be crucial for the Mavericks' success in 2025.
Kristiana Manu'a
Returning to the Mavericks after a strong season as a replacement player in 2024, Kristiana Manu’a is a fierce defender known for her tenacity and game intelligence. With experience from the Giants Netball and elite pathways in both New Zealand and Australia, Manu’a brings resilience and leadership to the defensive end. Her ability to read the game and shut down her opponents makes her a key figure in the Mavericks’ defence for the 2025 season.
Uneeq Palavi
Uneeq Palavi, a standout player for Tonga at the 2023 World Cup, brings creativity and power to the shooting circle. Often compared to her mentor and role model Cat Tuivaiti, Palavi’s flair and dynamic presence both on and off the court are highly anticipated by the Mavericks. After debuting in the Suncorp Super Netball for the NSW Swifts, she returns to the Mavericks environment knowing what it takes to shine at the most elite level.
Emma Walters
Emma Walters will also be joining the Mavericks environment for the first time, however, she is no stranger to the elite netball pathway. A Victorian pathway athlete, Walters has most recently been living on the Sunshine Coast, playing for the Sunshine Coast Thunder in the Queensland Premier League, as well as representing the Sunshine Coast Lightning at the ANC (Australian Netball Championships) in 2022. Whilst recently recovering from injury, the midcourter has proven her versatility on and off the court, working as a zookeeper at Australia Zoo.
Head Coach Tracey Neville shared her excitement for the new group of training partners:
“We are delighted to welcome such an exciting and diverse group of athletes to the Mavericks for 2025. Each player brings a unique skill set and the type of competitive edge that will push our squad to new levels. Nyah’s versatility in the shooting circle, Kristiana’s defensive tenacity, Jessie’s game smarts, Montana’s work rate, Emma's versatility, and Uneeq’s creative flair – these athletes are going to bring so much to our environment. I can’t wait to see them in action.”
The Melbourne Mavericks look forward to integrating these talented athletes into the squad as they prepare for a competitive season 2.