Sexton becomes a permanent Mav

CHARLOTTE Sexton says she is grateful for the trust shown in her by the Melbourne Mavericks, after being elevated from the club’s 11th player to a permanent replacement player.

In a massive vote of confidence in the Bendigo-born and bred defender, the Mavs last Thursday announced the 22-year-old would join the club’s contracted squad of 10 for the remainder of the season.

Sexton replaces Tara Hinchliffe, who has been ruled out for the season, following a devastating ACL injury sustained in round 3.

Her promotion came ahead of the Mavs’ round 8 clash against the NSW Swifts at John Cain Arena last weekend.

Sexton – a two-time championship best and fairest with her VNL club, Bendigo Strikers – initially joined the Mavs’ senior program

following an outstanding 2025 season in which she won gold with the Australian 21-and-under team at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, starting at goal keeper throughout the tournament.

She was named as the Mavs’ 11th player on the eve of the season, before being elevated into the match day squad in round 4 and making her SSN debut in Round 5 against the Sunshine Coast Lightning.

Sexton played her most significant minutes yet in the Mavs’ one-goal win over Queensland Firebirds in round 7, where she was injected at goal keeper to help counter the influence of 201cm shooter Mary Cholhok.

She said the promotion was a moment she had been working towards since joining the Mavs environment.

“I’m really grateful for the trust the club has shown in me,” Sexton said.

“The support from the playing group and coaches has been incredible, and I’m excited to keep learning and contributing however I can to the team.”

Mavs general manager Shae Bolton-Brown said Sexton’s elevation was a reflection of both opportunity and performance.

“Charlotte has stepped up every time she’s been asked this season,” Bolton-Brown said.

“She prepared thoroughly as our 11th player, took her opportunity when she was brought into the match day squad, and has shown composure and competitiveness at SSN level.

“While we’re still devastated for Tara, we’re pleased to be able to reward Charlotte with a permanent place in the squad.”

Sexton originally hails from Bendigo Football Netball League club Sandhurst and was a winner of the league’s Rising Star award in 2023.