Sexton named Mavs’ 11th player

BENDIGO netballer Charlotte Sexton’s progression through the Melbourne Mavericks ranks has taken another great leap forward after being named as the club’s 11th player for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season.

Sexton, a dual best and fairest with Bendigo Strikers in the club’s only two seasons in the Victorian Netball League, joins the Mavs senior program after 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 also named in the VNL championship team of the year.

Sexton joined the Mavs late last year as a training partner, after spending the 2025 SSN season in the same role with the championship-winning Melbourne Vixens.

The 11th player position provides an opportunity for an athlete outside the senior list to integrate into the Mavs’ high performance environment, attend all team sessions and be embedded in match preparation.

It is viewed as a critical link between the Reserves program and SSN.

Highlighting the importance of the role, the Mavs’ 11th player last season, talented defender Jessie Grenvold, earned a full contract with the Mavs for this season.

Sexton will now be available for elevation to the Mavs’10-player should the squad require support during the season.

The 22-year-old defender said she was excited at the prospect of a further opportunity with the Mavs.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step into position of the 11th Player,” Sexton said.

The Mavs environment has already been such a positive place to grow, and I’m excited to continue learning from the club’s coaches and playing group.

“Being able to take the next step with a Victorian–based team – and one with strong Bendigo connections – makes this even more special.”

Sexton, who hails from powerhouse BFNL club Sandhurst, will play for the Mavs Reserves team in 2026, after being a key member of the Vixens Reserves team the past season.

Mavs general manager Shae Bolton–Brown said the club was thrilled to be able to provide Sexton with further opportunity.

“Charlotte has been one of the most exciting young defenders coming through the Victorian pathway,” she said.

“Her growth over the past two seasons has been impressive, and her height, athleticism and international experience make her a natural fit for this role.

“We’re thrilled to welcome her into the senior program and can’t wait to see her continue to develop as part of the Mavs family.”

The Mavs will open their 2026 SSN campaign this Saturday at Red Energy Arena in Bendigo, taking on Giants.

A huge line-up of netball will include the Strikers’ championship and 23-and-under season openers against Boroondara Express.

Game times: Strikers 23-and-under (12.30pm); Strikers championship (2.30pm); Mavs v Giants (5pm).

Tickets for the season-opener are now available for purchase via Ticketek.