Mavericks pick four Strikers stars

FOUR clubmates at Bendigo Strikers have been selected in the Melbourne Mavericks squad for this year’s Super Netball Reserves action.

Gun defender Zoe Davies, goaler Teal Hocking, and Mackenzie O’Dwyer were named in the squad of 12.

Another Striker, Emma Walters – who is a Mavericks training partner – was also chosen, pending Super Netball League commitments.

Further links to the Mavericks and Strikers are on the coaching front as Tracey Brereton will be in charge of the Mavs reserves team.

It’s a busy year for Brereton as she is also coaching the Strikers championship and 23-under teams in Victorian Netball League matches.

Brereton said the reserves competition was crucial on the pathway to prepare and compete in Super League or at a higher level of netball.

“This Mavericks squad has a lot of talent. I am excited to see how we develop and grow, not just as a team but as individual players,” Brereton said.

Melbourne Mavericks searched far and wide to identify and select players for the squad.

Clubs represented in the Mavs reserves team are Bendigo Strikers, Boroondara Express, Casey Demons, Geelong Cougars, Hawks Netball, and Southern Saints.

The Mavericks are the eighth Suncorp Super Netball-affiliated team in the SN Reserves competition.

Mavericks assistant coach and head of pathways, Nicole Richardson, also spoke about greater opportunities on the netball pathway.

“Super Netball Reserves is the premier competition for emerging netball talent,” Richardson said.

“We are thrilled to provide an opportunity for players aspiring to reach the top level.”

The Super Netball Reserves season starts in May.

The first hit-out for the Mavericks’ newest team will be on 3 May at Waverley Netball Centre against Firebirds Futures.

A seven-round season will feature Adelaide Thunderbirds, Giants, NSW Swifts, Queensland Firebirds, Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts, Vixens Academy, and West Coast Fever.