Netball fans in Bendigo are set for a blockbuster afternoon on March 14, with a Victorian Netball League (VNL) curtain raiser confirmed ahead of the Melbourne Mavericks’ Round 1 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) clash against the Giants in Bendigo.
Local VNL side the Bendigo Strikers will take on Boroondara Express before the SSN clash, giving the Bendigo community the opportunity to see elite pathway netball on court before the Mavs launch their SSN campaign.
The curtain-raiser reinforces the strong connection between the Mavs and the Bendigo netball community, showcasing the pathway from grassroots and VNL-level netball through to the highest level of the sport in Australia and the world’s best netball league.
Adding to the local significance of the match-up, Bendigo-born athletes Charlotte Sexton and Teal Hocking will line up for the Strikers. Sexton is also a Mavs Training Partner, while Hocking is a member of Mavs Reserves, highlighting the strength of the Bendigo netball pathway and its direct link to the SSN environment.
Former Mav, Kristiana Manu’a, will also take the court for the Strikers, bringing valuable elite experience to the VNL contest.
Fans attending the Mavs v Giants Round 1 match will be able to access the VNL game as part of the match-day experience. A valid ticket to the SSN fixture is required to attend the VNL curtain raiser.
Bendigo Strikers Head Coach – who is also the Mavs Reserves Head Coach - Tracey Brereton, said the match was a proud moment for both the club and the region.
“To see local Bendigo athletes like Charlotte and Teal playing for the Strikers on the same court and same day as a Round 1 SSN match is incredibly special,” Brereton said.
“It shows young players in this region that there is a genuine pathway from local netball to VNL and right through to Suncorp Super Netball. Bendigo has a strong netball culture, and this night celebrates just that.”
With emerging VNL talent and elite SSN action sharing the court, the event promises a full celebration of netball and an exciting start to the 2026 season for Bendigo fans.
Tickets for the Mavs v Giants Round 1 match are on sale now via Ticketek, with fans encouraged to arrive early to support the Bendigo Strikers and enjoy a complete night of netball.
