Mavs break new ground in Bendigo with giant win

MELBOURNE Mavericks can look back on its first SSN home game in Bendigo with fondness, launching the 2026 season in style with a nine-goal win over Giants at Red Energy Arena last Saturday.

A frenetic 61-52 win capped a dream coaching debut for new coach Gerard Murphy and a memorable 100th SSN game for skipper Amy Parmenter, as the new-look Mavs notched up their first round one victory in their three seasons in the national league.

It has immediately fuelled hopes of a vastly improved 2026 season, following a seventh-place finish and 4-10 win-loss record last year.

 

While the Mavs led for the bulk of the contest, they were never able to fully shake a persistent Giants until the final term.

After an even first quarter, the Mavs stole a handy break during the second term, before the Giants narrowed the margin to six goals at half-time on the back of some rousing two-point super shots.

The introduction of shooter Lucy Austin and a revamped midcourt worked wonders early for Giants, who narrowed the margin to one with four consecutive goals to open the term.

But the Mavs just as quickly wrested the momentum back, with Uneeq Palavi launching three clutch super shots to quickly restore the margin to seven.

 

From there the Mavs, despite the odd scare, were able to hold sway for a rousing win.

It was the fast start to the season they were looking for after a significant overhaul of their playing roster.

Five players notched up their first game in Mavs colours, including two – Diamonds midcourter Jamie-Lee Price and maternity cover Maddie Hay – who were former Giants.

Price, with 21 goals assists, was a thorn in the Giants’ side all night, as was Parmenter at wing defence.

Another recruit Tara Hinchcliffe (ex-Sunshine Coast Lightning) was the defensive standout with six gains.

Murphy, who has replaced inaugural coach Tracey Neville at the Mavs, was thrilled to get the first win on the board at the earliest opportunity.

“It rolled out pretty much the way I thought it would,” he said.

 

“I thought maybe a 10-goal win is probably a good outcome for where we are at, given the pre-season and watching the match-ups.

“We got pretty close to it, apart from a bit of turbulence at the end, so I’m really happy.”

The introduction of Palavi, who has earned her first full-time SSN contract this season, proved decisive.

Her 11 goals from 15 attempts included five crucial super shots, exciting the Bendigo crowd.

While the Mavs are still a work in progress, it’s their potential that most excites midcourt star Price.

“It was a pretty hectic game, there were lots of errors from both teams,” Price said.

“You can definitely tell that we’re a new team and are trying to figure each other out, but I was really proud of how we stuck with it and I thought we did a really good job.

“The greatness in this team is that we have got a 10 that we can just chuck on at any stage and they will come on and make an impact at any stage.

“I think we will definitely use that this year.”

Adding a special layer to the win, the Mavs were proud to get it done for their inspirational captain Parmenter.

“It’s always good to get a win in the milestone games, but Parmy is such a special player,” Price said.

“She is all passion, al heart and she is our leader.

“She really showed that, especially at the first centre pass – she was everywhere.

“But she’s amazing. I’m really proud of her and I’m glad we got the win for her.”

The Mavs will look to back-up their impressive start this Sunday against Swifts at Qudos Bank Arena, part of a double header of SSN action, with Giants taking on Melbourne Vixens.