MATCH INFORMATION
Who: Melbourne Mavericks v Sunshine Coast Lightning
When: Saturday 5 April
Where: John Cain Arena
Time: 7pm AEDT
Tickets: Via Ticketek
Doors open at 5:30pm AEDT and be in your seat by 6:35pm AEDT to witness Delta's performance!
Round 1 of the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season is finally here, with the Melbourne Mavericks gearing up to host the Sunshine Coast Lightning at John Cain Arena on Saturday 5 April.
With an uproar of excitement ahead of the Mavericks’ second year - and with a pre-match performance from Australian icon, Delta Goodrem - this game will set the tone for the 2025 season.
In the 2024 Super Netball season, the Mavs and Lightning went head-to-head in Rounds 4 and 12. After two close matches the Mavs took home the win by a single goal on both occasions.
The sides also faced each other at the 2025 pre-season tournament - Team Girls Cup - in March, where the Mavs came home to finish the game strong, notching a 55-34 win.
Mavs head coach, Tracey Neville, said she was excited but wary of her competition ahead of her side's Round 1 clash.
“I always think it’s a great competition against Lightning. We have obviously always come out the victor [so far] but with the superstar front line that they’ve got, we’re always aware that we really need to get ahead of the game from the start.”
Lightning will no doubt be bringing a competitive game for Round 1, and besides chasing the W, have plenty of other cause for motivation. Liz Watson - Australian Diamonds captain and dominant midcourter for the Lightning - is set to notch her 150th national league game when she takes to the court on Saturday night, with her side no doubt keen to get the points and celebrate her milestone in style. The Mavs will also come against former teammate, Kristiana Manu'a, who recently took up the offer of a Permanent Replacement Player contract with the Lightning, replacing Ava Black who suffered an ACL tear in pre-season.
The Mavericks have grown their connection on and off court since the 2024 season and are going to really showcase their teamwork entering this new season. Sasha Glasgow is an exciting watch for Round 1 against the Lightning, who will likely run out in a Mavs dress for the first time on Saturday.
Glasgow said there was a really great feel around the group, throughout the pre-season and leading into Round 1.
“The girls have been super supportive, what I love about this group is we are authentically ourselves...it is probably the most comfortable I have felt in myself and my identity, [and] I think a lot of the girls feel that way. The vibe is unmatched entering the second season.”
Not only is Glasgow fuelled by the energy of her teammates, she is also growing in confidence in her own abilities as she prepares to return to the SSN court.
“The last four or five months for me has been such a progression in getting my skills back and feeling more confident in my abilities - I just feel like I am ready," Glasgow continued.
Come and be a part of history as we usher in year two of the Mavs - with Delta Goodrem! - this Saturday night at John Cain Arena.
