‘Proud moment’ as Strikers share spotlight with SSN Mavs

BENDIGO Strikers head coach Tracey Brereton says the opportunity to play their round 1 clash as a curtain raiser to a Suncorp Super Netball fixture will be a proud moment for the club.

The Strikers, who are aiming to back up last year’s breakout season in which they reached the championship semi-finals, will host Boroondara Express in their VNL season opener on Saturday 14 March at Red Energy Arena.

The match will be a curtain raiser to the Melbourne Mavericks’ round 1 Suncorp Super Netball clash against GIANTS.

Brereton will have a strong interest in both games, after being reappointed as coach of the Mavericks Super Netball Reserves team for 2026.

That team will feature two Strikers players.

The season opener against the Express will be another chance for the Strikers to gain valuable big-match exposure as they enter their third season in the state’s premier netball competition.

They will also play a practice match as a curtain-raiser to the Melbourne Vixens-Melbourne Mavericks pre-season match at Red Energy Arena on Thursday 5 March.

The Strikers-Express curtain-raiser reinforces the strong connection between the Mavs and the Bendigo netball community, showcasing the pathway from grassroots and VNL-level netball through to the highest level of the sport in Australia and the world’s best netball league.

Adding to the local significance, Bendigo-born athletes Charlotte Sexton and Teal Hocking will line up for the Strikers.

Sexton is also a Mavs training partner, while Hocking is a member of Mavs Reserves.

Former Mav Kristiana Manu’a will also take the court for the Strikers, bringing valuable elite experience to the VNL contest.

In her third season as Strikers head coach, Brereton said the club’s links with the Mavs highlighted the strength of the Bendigo netball pathway and its direct link to the SSN environment.

She hailed the opportunity to play before a SSN fixture as a proud moment for the club and region.

“To see local Bendigo athletes like Charlotte and Teal playing for the Strikers on the same court and same day as a round 1 SSN match is incredibly special,” Brereton said.

“It shows young players in this region that there is a genuine pathway from local netball to VNL and right through to Suncorp Super Netball.

“Bendigo has a strong netball culture, and this night celebrates just that.”

The Strikers will launch the championship season with a host of fresh faces, led by recruits Elle McDonald, Hayley Howard and Dayna Williams.

Two-time 23-and-under best and fairest and last year’s league MVP Shae Clifford and goal shooter Mia McCrann-Peters will step up from the under-age team, while Harriet Gall makes a welcome return after missing all last season with an injury.

Tickets for the Mavs v Giants round 1 match are on sale now via Ticketek.

Fans are bring encouraged to arrive early to support the Bendigo Strikers and enjoy a complete night of netball.

A valid ticket to the SSN fixture is required to attend the VNL curtain-raiser.