"A very Mavs move": uncovering a Victorian netball gem

Harriet Millard

In a world that zigs, Melbourne Maverick have zagged. Where the usual names dominate top-flight SSN netball, they have dug into Victoria’s netball system to uncover a hidden gem with a distinct netball philosophy. Gerard Murphy has been appointed to Head Coach - a move that reflects the club’s bold, progressive identity.

Credit: May Bailey

Murphy steps into top flight SSN for the first time, but brings more than 15 years of experience across Victoria’s high-performance pathway. From Geelong Cougars to the Victorian Men’s Open team and the Melbourne Vixens Academy, Murphy has quietly built a reputation for developing talent, but also for building connected teams, and implementing system-driven styles of play.

For the Mavericks, he represents a rare find - a coach whose skills and vision had gone largely untested at the top-flight but whose potential was impossible to ignore.

Murphy’s previous partnership with Mavericks assistant coach Nicole Richardson at City West Falcons, strengthens the club’s shared coaching model. Richardson, with Australian Diamonds experience and tactical expertise, continues in an expanded assistant role, adding world-class defensive insight while balancing national team commitments.

Mavericks general manager Shae Bolton-Brown emphasised the club’s approach:

“This is a very Mavericks move — spotting talent others might overlook, backing it, and giving it a chance to shine. Gez is exactly the kind of coach who can grow into top-flight netball while bringing a fresh, connected approach to our program.”

Murphy said he was excited to step into the opportunity:

“I’m looking forward to leading a program that’s system-driven, connected, and reflective of the Mavericks’ identity. This is about nurturing talent, testing it at the highest level, and seeing what it can achieve.”

Both coaches have signed two-year agreements, giving the program stability while reinforcing the Mavericks’ maverick approach to elite netball.