The Melbourne Mavericks are thrilled to announce that Sacha McDonald has re-signed with the club, with the versatile attacker set to continue her journey at the Mavs after making her long-awaited Super Netball debut in 2026.
McDonald's journey to the elite level has been years in the making. Originally from regional Victoria and having progressed through the Victorian pathway, McDonald spent three years in the Melbourne Vixens environment, before expanding her game during a stint with London Pulse in the UK's Netball Super League.
Upon returning to Australia, McDonald was named the inaugural captain of the Mavericks Reserves program, before earning a Super Netball contract with the Mavs for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season, where McDonald finally realised her dream of taking the court in Super Netball. The milestone marked a deserved reward for one of the League's most persevering athletes, and saw her become an important contributor during the Mavs' record-breaking 2026 season.
A unique talent capable of impacting games both through the midcourt and under the post, McDonald provided valuable flexibility for the Mavs throughout the 2026 season. Her ability to seamlessly switch between wing attack and goal attack gave the Mavs additional versatility, while her athleticism, creativity and team-first approach made her an important part of the attacking unit.
McDonald featured in all 15 matches throughout the season, recording 76 goal assists, 114 feeds and 93 centre pass receives as she continued to develop her game at the elite level.
McDonald said she was thrilled to continue her career with the Mavs.
"This club has played such a significant role in my journey and I'm incredibly excited to be staying on," McDonald said.
"Having come through the pathway, captained the Reserves and then earned my opportunity as a contracted player, I feel really connected to what this club represents.
"Making my Super Netball debut this season was a special moment and something I'd worked towards for a long time. To experience that while being part of a group that achieved so much together in what was a really special season for the club made it even more meaningful.
"I'm excited to keep developing my game, continue learning from those around me and help the team build on what we achieved in 2026."
Mavs Head Coach, Gerard Murphy, said McDonald's versatility made her an important asset for the club.
"Sacha's story is one of resilience, patience and persistence," Murphy said.
"She has worked incredibly hard for her opportunity and when it came this season, she made the most of it.
"Players who can genuinely contribute both through the midcourt and in the shooting circle are incredibly valuable, and Sacha has shown she is more than capable of doing that at a Super Netball level.
"Just as importantly, she's a fantastic teammate and someone who embodies the qualities we want this club to be known for. We're delighted she'll continue her journey with the Mavs."
McDonald joins Reilley Batcheldor, Kim Brown, Tara Hinchliffe, Shimona Nelson, Amy Parmenter, Jamie-Lee Price and Zara Walters in recommitting to the Mavericks ahead of the 2027 Super Netball season.
