Mavs sign Sexton as training partner

BENDIGO’S Charlotte Sexton will have a new home in her second year as a Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) league training partner.

The 21-year-old defender has made the move to Melbourne Mavericks, after spending the 2025 season with crosstown rivals and premiers Melbourne Vixens.

Sexton, who hails from Bendigo league club Sandhurst and is a dual best and fairest winner with the city’s VNL club Bendigo Strikers, joins fellow defender Charli Hoey as the Mavs’ first two training partner signings for 2026.

Hoey, who hails from Geelong and recently signed with VNL club Hawks, was this year’s captain of the Victorian 19-and-under captain.

The pair brings elite-level experience, Victorian pathway pedigree and exciting potential to the Mavs’ high performance environment.

Sexton heads to the Mavericks after a standout 2025 campaign that included winning gold with the Australian 21-and-under team at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, where she started at goal keeper throughout the tournament.

She was a training partner with the Vixens and has spent the past two years as an integral part of the Vixens’ reserves team.

At 191cm tall, she adds valuable height, presence and potential to the Mavs’ defensive end.

A stellar 2025 VNL season ended with Sexton crowned as the Strikers’ best and fairest for the second straight season and being named in the championship team of the year.

With the Strikers only heading into their third season in 2026, Sexton is the only championship best and fairest winner in the club’s history.

Hoey is no stranger to the Mavs’ system, having played in the club’s inaugural reserves team (coached by Bendigo Strikers coach Tracey Brereton) that reached the grand final in their first season in the competition.

Mavs and Australian Diamonds’ assistant coach Nicole Richardson said the club was delighted to welcome both athletes into the fold.

“Charlotte and Charli are two of the most exciting young defenders in the country,” she said.

“They’ve both shown incredible growth, resilience and leadership through the Victorian pathway and national programs.

“Charlotte brings height, composure and international experience, while Charli offers versatility, tenacity and a deep understanding of the game.

“As a defence coach in particular I’m thrilled to work with them and help them take the next step in their development as a part of the Mavericks family.”

Sexton, the BFNL’s netball rising star winner in 2023, has twice represented Australia overseas.

She was part of a the national 21-and-under team which toured Fiji in 2024, before being part of history at this year’s Netball World Youth Cup.

The Young Diamonds win in Gibraltar ended a 16-year World Youth Cup drought.

They defeated New Zealand 63-48 in the final.

Sexton was recently announced the Bendigo Sports Star of the Year monthly nominee winner for September.

Further Mavs training partner announcements will be made in the coming weeks.