The Melbourne Mavericks are thrilled to confirm the appointment of Gerard Murphy as Head Coach and Nicole Richardson as Assistant Coach, marking a bold step forward for the club’s high performance program.
Following an extensive recruitment process, the Mavericks have adopted a coaching structure designed to deliver long-term success and stability. Gerard Murphy will lead the program as Head Coach, bringing more than 15 years of coaching experience across the Victorian netball pathway. His resume includes head coaching roles with Geelong Cougars in the Victorian Netball League (VNL), the Victorian Men’s Open team, and most recently, the Melbourne Vixens Academy in the Super Netball Reserves competition. Murphy has consistently delivered success, including multiple VNL premierships and national-level appointments, and holds Netball Australia High Performance accreditation.
Murphy’s coaching journey has been built on creating cohesive playing groups, developing emerging athletes, and implementing system-based styles of play, along the way building a resume that sets him up to have the tactical and people skills to coach at SSN level. His leadership philosophy is grounded in connection and collaboration, qualities that have made him a respected figure in both men’s and women’s netball. Significantly, Murphy and Richardson have previously coached together at another successful VNL club, City West Falcons, demonstrating a strong working relationship that will underpin this shared model.
Nicole Richardson will continue as Assistant Coach with expanded responsibilities. Richardson is an elite coach with deep Diamonds knowledge and significant national-level experience. Her technical and tactical expertise, particularly in defensive systems, combined with her insight in preparing for the Commonwealth Games with the Diamonds, will ensure that the Mavs will benefit from her world-class insights while maintaining balance with her international commitments.
Mavs General Manager, Shae Bolton-Brown, described the appointments as a pivotal moment for the club.
“This is an exciting moment for our club. We’ve chosen a structure that plays to the strengths of both coaches and reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Gez and Richo have demonstrated outstanding synergy during this interim period, and we’re confident this model will give our athletes the best possible platform for success.”
Newly-appointed Head Coach, Murphy, expressed his enthusiasm for leading the program.
“I’m honoured to take on this role and lead a program that values connection as much as performance. The Mavs have a strong identity, and I’m looking forward to building on that with a system-driven approach that supports athlete development and team cohesion.”
Assistant Coach, Richardson, shared her excitement about continuing in an expanded role.
“I’m excited to continue my work with the Mavs in a capacity that enables me to build on the legacy and strong foundations established over the past two years, while also balancing my commitments with the Diamonds. Gez and I have already developed a great working relationship, and I believe this shared model will bring out the best in our athletes and our program.”
Both coaches have agreed to two-year tenures, reinforcing stability and clarity for athletes, staff and stakeholders.
The Mavs thank all players, staff and partners for their professionalism and patience during this recruitment process, with this leadership model reflecting our belief in challenging traditional norms to create a high performance advantage.
