Geelong defender Charli Hoey in Mavericks’ reserves selection, Cougars’ VNL chances

A surprise phone-call saw one of Geelong’s brightest young netball prospects Charli Hoey get the chance to step onto the SSN stage.

Charli Hoey in action for Melbourne Mavericks during the 2025 Suncorp Team Girls Cup on March 15.. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Geelong Cougars defender Charli Hoey had pretty good reason to sit out last week’s VNL season-opener.

Receiving a call from Melbourne Mavericks head coach Tracey Neville the Sunday prior, 18-year-old Hoey was quick to jump at the opportunity to join the Super Netball club for their pre-season tournament, the Suncorp Team Girls Cup, in Adelaide over the weekend.

Earning some court-time against Sunshine Coast Lightning on Saturday – a game the Mavs won 55-34 – Hoey will look to take what she learnt into several competitions this season.

“It’s a lot harder and a more competitive competition with a lot more physical bodies out there, the quicker pace of the ball,” Hoey said of the experience.

“I definitely think I’ll get a lot of takeaways I can bring back to my club (Cougars) that I can share with others.”

Hoey will get another chance to pull on the Mavericks' colours in May, named in the club’s inaugural reserves squad alongside fellow 23 & U Cougar Charlize Bellette.

The reserves competition, returning for a second edition, will see all Super Netball teams field teams following the Mavs’ entry this year, with a handful of Cougars also named in Melbourne Vixens’ squad.

The Mavs’ first game is against the Firebirds on May 3, though Hoey has been unable to train much with the side as her 19 & U Victorian commitments take precedent right now heading into next month’s national titles in Sydney.

Along with playing for Cougars, Hoey is hopeful she can step on court for Geelong Giants’ GFNL side later in their season, re-joining her home club after prioritising APS netball for Geelong Grammar last year.

The various competitions remain a fine balancing act for Hoey to navigate – she’s taken a gap year before starting uni studies in 2026.

Hoey said the key was knowing which team took precedent at any given moment, as she continually works to refine her defensive game.

“Not letting them get the sneaky little pass off, making sure I’m up with them, defending them, contesting that first ball,” Hoey said

“Just making sure a presence is there.”

Home court advantage for Cougars

Hoey’s return to Cougars’ duties on Sunday, coinciding with their annual Torquay game, is a significant boost for the 23 & Us against a tough Melbourne University Lightning side.

Both teams are coming off round 1 wins, while the Lightning reached a semi-final in 2024.

Hoey conceded last year’s Cougars’ 23 & U season “didn’t end how we wanted it to”, the team finishing sixth, but watching on from the sidelines in round 1 as the Cougars held off Southern Saints by five goals, Hoey was pleased by what she saw.

Charli Hoey (fourth from left) watches on the Geelong Cougars' under 23 side in VNL round 1. Picture: Grant Treeby/NV

Teen goalers Indi O’Connor and Bellette made strong debuts in round 1, shooting 17 at 94 per cent and 10 at 83 respectively, while Torquay local and reigning BFNL joint A-grade best and fairest winner Kirralee Collings has joined the Cougars’ ranks as a training partner.

“The team played really nicely, throughout the whole pre-season we’ve had the feeling we’re going to go out really strong and it was really good for the girls, we were down at some points, that they could keep going and managed to get the win in the end,” Hoey said.

Meanwhile, Geelong’s championship side will enter Sunday’s game hot favourites against a new-look and youth-led Lightning side.

The Cougars opened their 2025 championship campaign with a strong 14-goal win over the Saints last week, with two of their three new additions getting court time.

Hoey’s Geelong Giants’ teammate Alahria Smith, who returned to Cougars after a stint at Boroondara Express, has proven a strong addition to the midcourt.

“She just fit in seamlessly with the team, it was great to see her out there in the pink and purple,” Hoey said.

Meanwhile, goal shooter Elisa Hall, who also plays for Torquay in the BFNL, has stepped up from 23s to championship this year.

“Just watching last week, she did amazing,” Hoey said of Hall.

“I think it’s just adjusting to the different type of competition, champs is a lot more rougher; I definitely think Hally has it in her to play in that, I can’t wait to watch her grow and develop over the season.”

• Geelong Cougars’ 23 & U take the court at Wurdi Baierr Stadium from 1.30pm Sunday, with championship to follow at 3pm. A Geelong Flyers’ exhibition match will start 10.30am, with the Cougars’ development team playing from 12pm.

Tickets are available here.

Originally published as Geelong defender Charli Hoey in Mavericks’ reserves selection, Cougars’ VNL chances