Melbourne Mavericks star Molly Jovic will miss the 2026 Super Netball season after announcing she’s pregnant with her first child.
The midcourter, who is due in July, joins the likes of Swifts star Paige Hadley and Fever goaler Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard on the sidelines due to maternity leave.
Get all the latest netball news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
“Although I’ll miss being on court, I’m excited to focus on my family for this next period of time,” Jovic said.
“I’m also incredibly grateful for the support from the club and my teammates. I can’t wait to cheer them on from the sidelines this season, and at this stage the plan is to return to the court in 2027.”
Netball Australia launch 10-year plan | 02:13
Mavericks netball boss Shae Bolton-Brown said the club would support Jovic and the first baby of their squad.
“We are so excited for Molly and Cameron, and the soon-to-be addition to their family,” she said.
“We will of course miss Molly on the court, but her contribution to the Mavs is about so much more than her netball. Her leadership and her off-court presence are equally invaluable, and whilst her looking after herself and her family will of course be her number one priority, we know that she will be no stranger around Mavs trainings, games and events in 2026.
“We are a young club in so many ways, and so we are thrilled to welcome the first Mavs baby into the fold.”
The club will announce Jovic’s replacement player shortly.
As it stands, 2026 will see a number of new mums return to the court including Vixens defender Emily Mannix, Thunderbirds star Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Swifts midcourter Maddy Proud and Hadley’s maternity replacement Gina Crampton.
They’ll join the likes of Romelda Aiken-George, Mary Cholhok and Jane Watson who already juggle life as a mum with professional netball.
Discussion about this post