Mavericks make history as Super Netball finals loom

Melissa Woods | June 7, 2026

A day after securing their first Super Netballs finals berth, the Melbourne Mavericks have notched a rousing breakthrough derby win over the Vixens.

The defending champion Vixens boasted a 5-0 win over the Mavericks, but that record was up-ended at John Cain Arena in their Sunday afternoon round 13 clash.

Playing in their third season, the Mavericks shocked their cross-town rivals 59-50, with the victory especially sweet after being denied in extra time in their round-three clash.

The result means Adelaide Thunderbirds have clinched the minor premiership with a round to play, with their nearest rivals, the Vixens, trailing by eight points.

The Mavericks arrived for the match already on a high with their top-four berth locked in by Sunshine Coast Lightning’s 66-59 loss to the Queensland Firebirds on Saturday.

While the Vixens will finish second, the Melbourne newcomers are now tussling with West Coast Fever for third spot.

The Mavericks got off to the best possible start, racing to a 15-10 lead at quarter-time with the likes of Diamonds midcourt duo Jamie-Lee Price and Amy Parmenter dominating.

The Vixens, who suffered an ugly 61-42 loss to the Thunderbirds last round, struggled with their connection, while Jessie Grenvold kept the defensive pressure up in the goal circle.

With goal-keeper Emily Mannix entering the match and stemming the flow of goals, the Vixens showed their class to win the second quarter,  the teams locked at 25-25 at halftime.

But with penalties mounting the Vixens were unable to maintain their momentum and the Mavericks again kicked away in the third quarter and led 44-40 heading into the final term.

A Sophie Garbin goal saw the Vixens draw level at 50-50 midway through the quarter, but the Mavericks piled on seven straight goals, with five scored by Uneeq Palavi, to steam ahead.

The Tongan international only played the final term but finished with 12 goals from 13 attempts, while Shimona Nelson set up the win with 40 goals from 43 attempts before being rested.

Garbin led the scoring for the Vixens with 30 from 32 attempts.

Price, who joined the Mavericks from the Giants this season, was named player of the match and said it was a special victory.

“It feels great. I feel like we keep creating history and that’s the special thing about it because this club is so long,” Price told Fox Sports.

“We just keep making ourselves proud every week.

“Last night’s result obviously allowed us to secure the top-four position, which is amazing, as I feel like a lot of us haven’t played finals for a really long time.

“We showed out there we were able to play freely and have some fun.”