Melbourne Mavericks Confirm New SSN Coaching Structure

The Melbourne Mavericks have announced Gerard Murphy as head coach and retaining Nicole Richardson as assistant coach, with both leaders signing two-year tenures.

This appointment ends a period of uncertainty for the Super Netball (SSN) club following the departure of inaugural coach Tracey Neville and locks in a new high-performance structure designed to challenge traditional coaching norms and ensure long-term sustainability.

Describing the move as a pivotal moment, focusing on the strategic benefits of the model, Mavericks general manager, Shae Bolton-Brown, said: “This is an exciting moment for our club. We’ve chosen a structure that plays to the strengths of both coaches and reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”

“Gez and Richo have demonstrated outstanding synergy during this interim period, and we’re confident this model will give our athletes the best possible platform for success,” Bolton-Brown said. 

The decision to adopt a “shared model” is a calculated move by the Mavericks’ organisation to leverage the distinct, complementary strengths of the coaching duo.

Murphy, who steps up from the highly successful Victorian Netball League (VNL) and Melbourne Vixens Academy program, brings a proven record in developing emerging athletes and implementing cohesive, system-based styles of play. His tactical and people skills, honed over 15 years in the Victorian pathway, provide a foundational knowledge critical to embedding a consistent high-performance culture.

In addition, Richardson, an elite coach with deep Diamonds knowledge, remains in an expanded Assistant Coach capacity. Her world-class technical and tactical expertise, particularly in defensive systems and international preparations for events like the Commonwealth Games, ensures the Mavs retain vital, top-tier insights while accommodating her national program commitments.

The existing successful working relationship between Murphy and Richardson from their time at the City West Falcons will be leveraged to foster immediate synergy and team cohesion.

The two-year commitment is a commercial move, reinforcing stability and clarity for contracted athletes, staff, and partners in the highly competitive SSN market.

The certainty provided by the tenure and the dual expertise model, which general manager Bolton-Brown, noted reflects the club’s belief in “challenging traditional norms” is intended to be a key differentiator in attracting and retaining top-tier talent as the club establishes its long-term brand identity.

Newly-appointed head coach Murphy expressed his honour in leading the team, eager to build a program that equally values connection and performance.

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