By Milly McEvoy
London Mavericks captain Ellie Rattu thinks her side’s all natural method will certainly assist them to damage their fifth-place curse.
The group are under brand-new possession for the 2025 Netball Super League period while various other adjustments have actually seen Rattu take the lead for the very first time and Mavericks wear a brand-new colour.
While the similarity Vicki Oyesola, Razia Quashie and Emma Thacker are returning, Rattu will certainly be skippering brand-new faces consisting of Australian set Chelsea Blackman and Emily Andrew.
“It feels hugely different having a new franchise of sorts,” the Bedford indigenoussaid “We’re obviously still keeping the Mavericks name but moving on to our own entity is really exciting.
“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.
“We are really focusing on players as a whole. We recognise it is not just on-court stuff and it is all the support which is really important off-court.
“Whether that be psych or nutrition, or that feel of community and togetherness, which is something that we are really chasing after.
“Within the team, it has been great to have loads of team bonding and lots of sessions of fun and getting to know each other, and to enjoy each other’s company and be friends.
“Some of the best teammates are the ones you enjoy spending time with off the court.”
Mavericks are likewise taking netball to brand-new places with the group having fun in Essex and Brighton in addition to their Hertfordshire heartland.
Rattu will certainly have a possibility to lead her side out at Wembley Arena with Mavericks holding 2 of their home video games there.
It all contributes to a rejuvenated sensation around Mavericks, that have actually ended up fifth for the previous 6 periods.
Rattu included: “It is nice to have this new feel and new start to the league. It gives us a great opportunity to get rid of that old mindset of being there but not quite making it.
“We are really trying to put that to bed and it has been really exciting having pre-season games which are helping us to create that culture of belief and give ourselves some evidence for that.
“We are looking to be a team that is able to adapt to lots of things, we will obviously have our structures and we have our own game plan.
“But we also know there are teams we are going to have to play and learn on the spot. We have to be able to adapt so we are trying not to play ‘traditional’ netball as such.
“We are trying to create new ways and new opportunities to get to goal and bring a little bit of flair as well.”
