Vixens Academy | Round 7 preview

Stick around after the 2pm Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) Melbourne Vixens vs Melbourne Mavericks Round 13 game at John Cain Arena to watch the Reserves games at 4.15pm featuring stars of the Victorian netball pathway.

Having lost just one game this season (by 1 point last week to reigning premiers West Coast Fever Reserves), the ladder-leading Melbourne Mavericks have shown they are the team to beat in 2026. Throughout the short season they've navigated multiple injuries, (Claudia Mawson shoulder; Millie Roach ankle; and Chloe Duke knee), and uncovered an Australian Diamonds camp invitee in Charlotte Sexton, in their quest to win the title after placing 2nd in 2025.

Melbourne Mavericks Reserves’ starting goal shooter will likely be Ashlea Mawer, who won a record six-time MVP awards in the Tasmanian state league before relocating to Melbourne in 2025. A high volume goaler with a quick shot, Mawer has been increasingly playing across goal attack in the Victorian Netball League (VNL) – a testament to her agility – combining with her Reserves teammate Jessica Tetley in the ladder-leading Hawks Netball VNL team.

Depending on SSN commitments, Uneeq Palavi may alternatively appear in the starting lineup, having played in two Reserves matches so far this season. A goaler with flair and unpredictable movement, Palavi is coming off a player of the match performance in Melbourne Mavericks’ first ever SSN win over West Coast Fever last week.

Studying both Mawer and Palavi’s unorthodox yet dominant style of play will be crucial for Vixens Academy goal keepers Maggie Caris and Gabby Dwyer prior to this game.

At goal attack, Mavericks have been starting SSN training partner Teal Hocking, who is in career-best form. With her playmaking and confidence to go to post, Hocking applies strong scoreboard pressure from goal attack – up to 30 points in VNL matches – and at 91% accuracy in the 2026 VNL season. She is also Melbourne Mavericks Reserves’ most prolific two-point shooter.

Also providing impact in goal attack Melbourne Mavericks Reserves this season is Jessica Tetley (who also covers wing attack) and Emma Winfield – players who have both stepped up for their respective VNL teams (Hawks Netball and Melbourne University Lightning) over the last two seasons.

Doubling up on Mawer in this match will not be an option for Vixens Academy. Expect Taylah Brown to apply strong hands over pressure from wing defence, and Ruby Pekin-Schlicht and Ruby Turner to cut off circle drives to nullify Mavericks’ multiple goal attack options.

Melbourne Mavericks Reserves have started either Tetley, or SSN-contracted WA/GA Sacha McDonald, at wing attack this season. Known for her strong drives, secure hands, and long range shot, McDonald has been a prominent player in the Netball Victoria pathway for years, earning her first training partner gig with the Melbourne Vixens in 2019, before playing in the UK Netball Super League, and signing her first full-time SSN contract with the Melbourne Mavericks this year.

2026 Melbourne Mavericks training partner Ruby Shannon has played almost every minute of the Reserves season at centre. A petite and speedy player, she provides crafty movement and an unrelenting work rate.

Versatile athletes Eryn Stocker and Mackenzie O’Dwyer offer additional midcourt cover off the bench. Stocker is having a great season for Hawks Netball in the VNL, while 18-year-old O’Dwyer continues her ascent through the pathway, having co-captained the 2026 Victorian 19/U State Team and making the 2026 Australian 19/Under Squad.

Vixens Academy captain Ally O’Connor and Casey Dunstan’s strong bodies and work in defence will pose a challenge to these midcourters in this game.

Usually starting at wing defence for Melbourne Mavericks Reserves is second-year player Mia van Wyk. A flashy and physical defender, van Wyk won Player of the Series in the 2025 Fire5 (Fast5 format) netball tournament playing against netball legends including Kim Green, Laura Langman, and Cathrine Tuivaiti.

19-year-old Reserves training partner Mia Aitken provides an alternative style of wing defence play. Like O’Dwyer, she co-captained the 2026 Victorian 19/U State Team, and was recently selected in the 2026 Australian 19/Under Squad.

Preliminary movements and precise ball placement will be key for Vixens Academy’s attacking middies Zali Anderson and Georgia Moody to overcome van Wyk and Aitken’s elevation and tenacity.

Melbourne Mavericks Reserves have one of the most unassuming defenders in 19-year-old Charli Hoey, who typically starts in goal defence. A 2026 Melbourne Mavericks training partner, Hoey reads the ball exceptionally and offers elite closing speed to consistently pull in multiple gains each match.

Hoey will either partner with new Australian Diamonds squad invitee Charlotte Sexton (depending on SSN commitments), or athletic Indya Forde who has multiple years of Reserves experience, at goal keeper.

Vixens Academy shooters Bella Hodgson and Sahara Ball will need to exercise their height and versatile movement in this match. Both players provide a valuable second phase option if required and aren’t afraid to attack the long shot in the power five.

With a place in the top four within reach and bragging rights in the second annual Victorian SN Reserves derby up for grabs, expect a fighting performance from Vixens Academy in this final home and away game for the season.

Following this week, all SN Reserves teams will compete in a finals weekend from Friday 12 June – Sunday 14 June at Sydney’s Netball Central.

Vixens Academy vs Melbourne Mavericks Reserves

Sunday 7 June, 4.15pm, John Cain Arena (following the Round 13 Melbourne Vixens vs Melbourne Mavericks game). Admission is included with all SSN tickets to this match.

Stream all Super Netball Reserves games via Kommunity TV/Code Sports and keep up to date with scores via Play HQ.