Super Netball 2024: Mavericks sign former Diamonds defender as injury replacement for Moore

With ‘two key injuries’ disrupting the Mavericks start to the Super Netball competition, a former Diamonds defender has signed on as a replacement for Lauren Moore, bringing ‘invaluable’ experience to the club.

The Melbourne Mavericks have turned to a former Diamond as they attempt to notch their first Super Netball victory on the Sunshine Coast.

After sealing the signature of South African international Rolene Streutker as a permanent replacement for injured goaler Sasha Glasgow, the Mavs have inked a deal for the remainder of the season with former Diamonds defender Kristiana Manu’a as a replacement for Lauren Moore.

Moore tore her ACL in the Mavs’ final match of the pre-season Team Girls Cup, with development player Jessie Grenvold stepping into the match-day squad for the opening rounds.

But the Mavericks have picked up New Zealand-born Manu’a on a permanent replacement deal, the former Giants and Wellington-based Central Pulse defender brining a fierce and uncompromising style of play to the Mavericks’ defensive end.

Coach Tracey Neville said it was exciting to welcome Manu’a to the club.

“Her wealth of experience at both the international level and in Suncorp Super Netball is invaluable, especially as we navigate the challenges posed by two key injuries,” Neville said.

“Kristiana’s signing couldn’t have come at a better time for us.

Kristiana Manu'a playing with the Diamonds. Picture: Michael Bradley.

“In just two weeks of training with us, Kristiana has already made a significant impact. Her leadership, communication, and energy have already made an impact on the defensive end. We are excited to see her continue to grow with the team and make her mark on the court this season.”

Manu’a said she was thrilled and grateful to join the Mavericks for the remainder of the season.

“After returning from New Zealand, I didn’t expect to play in the SSN (Super Netball) again, so I’m thankful to the Mavericks for making it possible.

“The team environment has been fantastic, and I believe this squad has immense potential. It’s a privilege to reunite with former teammates and learn from new faces.

Lauren Moore tore her ACL in the Teams Girls Cup. Picture: Getty Images

“While the circumstances surrounding my signing are bittersweet with Lauren’s injury, I hope to honour her by making the most of this opportunity.”

Manu’a joins Olivia Lewis and Kim Jenner at the defensive end and while she brings a hard competitive edge and plenty of experience, the Mavs still lack height to combat the tallest shooters in the league.

While goalkeeper Lewis has incredible hops, she stands at just 184cm, while goal defence Jenner is 185cm and Manu’a, who has the ability to play both positions in the circle and push out to wing defence if needed, is 183cm, or six foot in the old language.

All three are tall in the real world but with Neville forced to think laterally last week to push 195cm goaler Shimona Jok into defence to combat 198cm West Coast Fever weapon Jhaniele Fowler, the Mavs will still need plenty of defensive work to go on outside the circle to prevent too many one-on-one mismatches.

Manu’a flew to the Sunshine Coast on Friday with her teammates ahead of Saturday night’s clash against the Lightning at UniSC Arena.

Originally published as Super Netball 2024: Mavericks sign former Diamonds defender as injury replacement for Moore