History! Super Netball’s newest team claim first-ever win after wild last-second stunner

After losing two players during preseason, the Melbourne Mavericks have delivered an against-the-odds inaugural win and handed the early premiership favourites, Sunshine Coast Lightning, their third consecutive loss. The 65 to 64 margin wasn’t without drama, as three players went down with ankle injuries and a last-second goal secured the victory.

The visibly emotional players celebrated their first win in club history with tears, smiles and applause as delighted head coach Tracey Neville watched on. Revealing that players have struggled with Covid during the week, she said, “The players have worked so hard for that performance.

“At the end, it was about heart and they definitely showed that on court.”

Watch every game of the Suncorp Super Netball Season live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

History! Super Netball’s newest team claim first-ever win after wild last-second stunner

Mavericks trailed for most of the match, and after losing Eleanor Cardwell for part of the final term to a rolled ankle, they were able to turn what could have been a disaster into motivation to snaffle the lead with 36 seconds on the clock.

The first quarter see-sawed, with neither side able to pull away until Lightning took a slim lead into the break. They maintained a steady grip for much of the sixty minutes, never able to extend it while also never quite relinquishing it.

The final super shot period was a nailbiter as the Mavericks drew to within one goal. For three minutes, the scores were on a knife’s edge, with the threat of another overtime game looking likely. That is until youngster Ash Ervin forced a wayward pass, and Lightning was able to give themselves some breathing room.

The reprieve was short-lived as the Mavericks equalised via a Gabby Sinclair super shot, and the final nail in the coffin came from Shimona Jock who sunk an easy one-point goal off their centre pass.

Despite the solid start, Mavericks made a change for the second quarter, bringing on newly signed defender, Kristiana Manu’a, who remains the only player to have been suspended from Super Netball play.

For this match, Manu’a remained mostly under the umpire’s radar. However, her defensive partner, Kim Jenner continues to be the most penalised player for her side, finishing with a game high 18 offenses.

Mavericks’ centre Molly Jovic was a standout for her side, and took MVP honours after delivering 25 goal assists, two gains, six pickups and a very tidy two turnovers.

PRIDE

Each year Super Netball celebrates Inclusion Round. For this match, Lightning and Mavericks used the Round to celebrate Pride and highlight that netball is an inclusive sport and a welcome place for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. As hosts, Lightning embraced the event with all the vibrancy of their rainbow bibs by having music from LGBTQIA allies playing all match, having activations in the fan zones and pride and trans flags on all assets. The athletes were also welcomed onto the court via the rainbow guard of honour.

MANU’A A MAVERICK

This week, the Mavericks announced Kristiana Manu’a as an injury replacement for Lauren Moore, who ruptured her ACL in preseason. For the last two seasons, the former Giants’ athlete has plied her trade in the New Zealand ANZ Premiership, so she will undoubtedly bring more dogged experience to the defence end. However, at 183cm tall, she does not bring height, which is something the Mavericks need to tackle the taller shooters of the competition.

— Katrina Nissen

THUNDERBIRDS MAKE STATEMENT

The Adelaide Thunderbirds showed no mercy on Giants Netball, handing them a 69 to 49 thrashing, their fourth from as many games. This leaves Giants as the only team in Super Netball yet to notch up a win, as coach Julie Fitzgerald struggles to balance on court experience with x-factor and youth, and find combinations that work.

Fitzgerald spoke during broadcast about her team’s resulting loss of confidence, and said, “I think mental toughness is a really big thing for us.”

“We really tried to build on our confidence (during the off-season) and now we are struggling with that.”

Giants’ captain Jo Harten alluded to the issue in a team huddle during the game, as she implored her team to struggle on. She said, “Yes it sucks, but we fight for each other.”

After a below par performance from the Giants’ shooters last week their task was no easier this week, against the league’s best defensive unit. Despite her shooting heroics last week, Matisse Letherbarrow was yet again relegated to starting on the bench in favour of Harten’s experience.

While Harten lifted her form, finishing with a respectable 16 from 24, including two super shots, she was an unfamiliar sight on the sideline midway through the second quarter when she was benched for Letherbarrow. The change didn’t have the desired effect, with the lead blowing out from six to 14 as a result.

Sophie Dwyer had no answers against the physicality of Matilda Garrett. Visibly frustrated, she finished with 10 turnovers as she struggled to find any space away from the defenders.

Thunderbirds have been frugal in taking the two point shot so far this season, scoring only three compared to Giants 33. They showed a renewed intent at attacking the long range shot in this game, with Georgie Horjus and Lucy Austin spending more time in the goal circle combining for four from seven super shots.

MVP Tayla Williams was a standout at centre for the Thunderbirds, efficient with the ball as she delivered 20 goal assists and added pressure in defence to finish with four gains.

The Giants uphill battle continues, as they wait for Maddie Hay to return from injury. Their lack of a solid wing attack, with neither Sam Winders nor Chelsea Pitman able to deliver for a full 60 minutes, has added immense pressure to superstars Jamie-Lee Price and Harten who are only able to do so much when those around them aren’t performing.

NETBALL FOR ALL

As part of celebrating Inclusion Round, as well as both teams wearing Pride bibs, Thunderbirds had an additional focus on multiculturalism given the diversity among their playing group. Across the match, four international sides were represented with Sunshine Girls Shamera Sterling, Latanya Wilson, Romelda Aiken-George and Jodi-Ann Ward, Silver Fern Sam Winders, English Roses Jo Harten and Chelsea Pitman and Australian Diamonds Matilda Garrett, Jamie-Lee Price, Sophie Dwyer and Laura Scherian.

— Georgia Doyle