Local netball fans will be excited to learn that the Melbourne Vixens will be completing their tour of regional Victoria this Thursday evening March 5, heading north for the inaugural stand-alone Suncorp Super Netball pre-season derby, taking on cross-town rivals the Melbourne Mavericks in Bendigo as part of the 2026 Bound 4 Bendigo showcase.
Held at Red Energy Arena, the event marks the first time a Vixens vs Mavericks pre-season clash will be staged as a standalone derby, delivering elite netball to regional Victoria ahead of the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season.
Off the court, the day will include coaching and umpiring workshops, providing valuable development from professionals for the Bendigo netball community. The two clubs will also be combining forces to put on a junior clinic, looking to develop the next generation of Netball superstars!
Thanks to the support of the City of Greater Bendigo and the Victorian Government, the day will also feature a Victorian Netball League curtain raiser, with the Bendigo Strikers taking to the court in an intra-club showdown to kick off proceedings – further strengthening the pathway connection between community and elite netball.
Both games will be live streamed via the Vixens’ YouTube channel, ensuring fans not able to make it in person can tune in to what promises to be a fantastic night of Netball. Melbourne Vixens Head Coach Di Honey said that the team is excited to return to Bendigo and embrace the local support.
“We’re really looking forward to heading to Bendigo to take on the Mavericks. It’s not just about testing ourselves on the court – it’s also a fantastic chance to connect with the local community and the fans who make netball so special.”
“It’s always special to play the Mavericks here in Victoria. Being a local derby, the intensity is always high, both teams know each other well, and every contest is fought hard. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase elite netball and test ourselves under pressure.”
Earlier in the day, the Bendigo Strikers will take centre stage in front of their home crowd, using the occasion as a crucial lead-in to their VNL campaign.
Ahead of this festival of netball, Bendigo Strikers Captain Elle McDonald said the opportunity to play at home in front of a strong, local crowd is invaluable.
“Playing at home is always special. To do it in front of our local supporters gives the group a real lift and helps us build momentum heading into the season.”
“It’s really important for us to have this hit-out in Bendigo before Round 1. Pre-season training is one thing, but match intensity is completely different. This gives us a chance to put our combinations under pressure and fine-tune those connections across the court.”
City of Greater Bendigo Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt said netball fans are in for a real treat, with the Bendigo Strikers inter-club game kicking off proceedings before the Melbourne Vixens go head-to-head with the Melbourne Mavericks in a thrilling local derby at Red Energy Arena this Thursday. Hosting this standalone derby reinforces the City’s commitment to supporting major sporting events and giving Greater Bendigo fans the chance to experience elite netball on their own doorstep.”
With elite competition, emerging talent and grassroots development – Bound 4 Bendigo shapes as more than just a pre-season fixture. Expect plenty of local support and a highly contested game with Bendigo providing the perfect stage for an exciting day of netball action ahead of the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball Season. For more details and tickets visit https://melbournevixens.com.au/community/2026-pre-season-bendigo