Team Guide: London Mavericks

With a fresh name and new owners, London Mavericks will hope to usher in a new era with a return to the playoffs.

Mavericks are the UK's only exclusively female-owned professional sports team, and Camilla Buchanan's side will have their sights set on claiming the title for the first time since 2011.

Mavericks missed the playoffs last time out but with a thread of Vitality Roses running through the side and the addition of some Australian impetus at either end, they are ready to make up for lost time.

Head Coach 

Since joining the franchise in 2008, Camilla Buchanan has become synonymous with Mavericks. The head coach picked up a Super League title as a player in 2008 and was previously named club vice-captain and assistant coach before taking charge of Mavericks for the 2023 season.

Captain

Mid-court dynamo Ellie Rattu will skipper Mavericks into a new era as her side prepare for their season in the Super League, supported by  vice-captains Vicki Oyesola and Emma Thacker.

A fixture of Jess Thirlby's England squads, Rattu has marked herself as one of the Super League's premier performers since making her NSL debut with cross-town rivals London Pulse, thanks to her tireless work rate and versatility.
She said: "Being able to be part of the fabric of creating our new culture and setting the goals and aspirations for this club has been really exciting, especially as a captain. It feels like everybody is on the same journey to make this club really good."

Star Player

Emma Thacker is set to spearhead Mavericks' march into the upcoming season of the Netball Super League.
Able to operate at goal shooter and goal attack, Thacker has quickly endeared herself to the Mavericks faithful after making the switch from Loughborough Lightning last term thanks to her versatility and ability to shoot from anywhere in the circle.

Still just 21, and with a Super League title already under her belt, Thacker brings experience and maturity beyond her years.

One To Watch

Fresh off the back of a memorable debut Super League campaign with London Pulse that saw her claim the NSL Young Player of the Season award, Izzi Phillips is set to continue her ascent on the other side of London.
The 18-year-old mid-courter became a regular for Pulse despite playing Super League while finishing her A-Levels last season, but has continued to rise to every challenge thrown her way.

New Name

A new arrival from Down Under, Emily Andrew is out to make her mark in her debut Netball Super League season.

The Australian shooter spent last year as a training partner with Melbourne Vixens in Suncorp Super Netball and is relishing taking the next step in her career after joining Mavericks.

Andrew can play as both a holding shooter and in a moving circle, and her versatility and accuracy under the post will be an invaluable part of Mavericks' attack.

Venues

Mavericks will play across four venues in the south east, including OVO Arena Wembley.
They will also play at their regular haunt Hertfordshire Sports Village, as well as expanding to the Brentwood Centre and Brighton Centre.

First home game

Mavericks will welcome Leeds Rhinos to the Brentwood Centre on the 23rd March. Tickets can be bought here.