The Melbourne Mavericks are thrilled to announce that star goal shooter, Shimona Nelson, has re-signed with the club, committing her future to the Mavs as the club looks to build on its most successful season to date.
One of Super Netball's premier shooters, Nelson has become synonymous with the rise of the Mavs since arriving at the club ahead of its inaugural season. Her journey from training partner to contracted player, inaugural club MVP and one of the league's most feared goalers has mirrored the growth of the Mavs themselves.
The Jamaican international played a pivotal role in helping the Mavs reach new heights in 2026, as the club secured its highest ladder finish and first-ever finals appearance. The season was highlighted by a club-record nine wins and a four-match winning streak as the Mavs continued to establish themselves as a genuine force in the world's best netball league.
In the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season, Nelson led the Mavs' attack with 577 goals – the fifth-highest total from any shooter in the League, accumulating across the regular season and finals - from 15 appearances at an outstanding 92% shooting accuracy. She also contributed 28 rebounds and amassed 704.5 Net Points, underlining her impact as the focal point of the Mavs’ shooting circle.
Further accolades for Nelson came in Round 14, when she became just the second player in Suncorp Super Netball history - behind six-time League MVP, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard - to score 5,000 goals, further cementing her place among the competition's elite shooters.
The Mavs' Official Foundation Partner, Lumo Energy, will also continue as Nelson's player partner.
Nelson said the decision to remain in Mavs colours was an easy one.
"This club has become home for me," Nelson said. "From the moment I arrived, I've felt supported by the players, coaches, staff and our amazing fans. We've built something really special over the past few years, and I genuinely believe we're only scratching the surface of what this group can achieve."
"To be part of the club's most successful season so far and make history together was so special. I can't wait to get back to work with this group and keep pushing for even bigger things in the seasons to come."
Mavs Head Coach, Gerard Murphy, said retaining Nelson was a significant piece of the club's future.
"Shimona is one of the premier shooters in world netball and we're delighted she'll continue her career with the Mavs," Murphy said.
"Shimmie has really worked on developing her game in 2026. She is so powerful and a huge asset for us. We can't wait to see her combine all her tools and attributes to be an absolute weapon for the Mavs in 2027!”
"What we achieved last season showed what this group is capable of," Murphy continued. "There's a strong foundation in place and continuity will be incredibly important as we continue building. Having players like Shimona committed to that journey gives us great confidence about where this team can go next."
Nelson joins Tara Hinchliffe, Amy Parmenter and Jamie-Lee Price in re-signing with the Mavs ahead of the 2027 Super Netball season.
