The Melbourne Mavericks are thrilled to announce that exciting midcourt talent, Zara Walters, has signed with the club, with the former Melbourne Vixens player set to bring her talent, versatility and winning experience to the Mavs ahead of the 2027 Super Netball season.
One of the competition's brightest emerging midcourters, Walters arrives at the Mavs after three seasons in the Vixens program, where she developed within one of Super Netball's most successful environments. A Premiership player and the Vixens' 2024 Rookie of the Year, the 22-year-old has established herself as a hard-running, highly competitive athlete capable of making an impact across wing attack, centre and wing defence.
Originally from Colac, Walters progressed through the Victorian pathway, representing Australia at underage level before making her national league debut in 2024. Having been a part of the past three Super Netball Grand Finals, Walters will bring valuable lessons from one experienced and successful team, to a club coming off a breakout season, and it's most successful on-court performance in its short history to date.
Walters enjoyed another strong campaign in 2026, appearing in 17 matches and producing 128 goal assists, 137 centre pass receives and 597.5 Net Points while competing in a talented Vixens midcourt unit.
The move reunites Walters with Mavs Head Coach, Gerard Murphy, who coached the Colac product for four years through the Geelong Cougars Victorian Netball League (VNL) program, and worked closely with her throughout her rise to Super Netball level. Murphy was coaching Walters when she earned her first Vixens contract in 2024, having long identified her as a player capable of succeeding at the elite level.
Walters said the opportunity to join the Mavs and reconnect with Murphy made the move particularly exciting.
"I'm incredibly excited to be joining the Mavs and starting this next chapter of my career," Walters said.
"The club achieved some amazing things last season and it's clear there's a really strong culture, ambition and belief within the group.
"I've known Gez for a long time and worked with him throughout some really important stages of my netball journey. He knows my game well, but more importantly he knows me as a person, and I think that's really valuable when you're looking to keep growing and developing as an athlete.
"I'm excited by the opportunity ahead and can't wait to get stuck in with the group and contribute to what the club is building."
Murphy said securing Walters was an exciting addition for the Mavs.
"I've worked with Zara for four years and know her game, her character and her potential extremely well," Murphy said.
"I coached her through the Geelong Cougars program and had the privilege of watching her earn her opportunity at the Vixens, so it's incredibly exciting to now welcome her to the Mavs.
"She's a fierce competitor, an outstanding teammate and someone who has consistently improved every season through her willingness to learn and work hard.
"Despite still being early in her career, Zara brings experience from a highly successful program and understands the standards required to perform at the highest level.
"We're really excited about what she can bring to our environment and believe she has enormous upside. I have no doubt she'll be a fantastic addition to our club."
Walters joins Tara Hinchliffe, Shimona Nelson, Amy Parmenter and Jamie-Lee Price in committing to the Mavs ahead of the 2027 Super Netball season.
