Super Netball news: Horror injury to Melbourne Mavericks’ star forces match to be abandoned

New Super Netball franchise Melbourne Mavericks’ inaugural season has suffered a major blow, with a star recruit sustaining a leg injury which forced their pre-season match to be abandoned.

New Super Netball franchise Melbourne Mavericks have been dealt a cruel pre-season injury blow after goal shooter Sasha Glasgow fractured her lower leg in a practice match against the Sunshine Coast Lightning, which had to be abandoned on Saturday night.

Glasgow was taken to hospital and the Mavericks confirmed she had undergone successful surgery on Sunday to repair the fracture, but have yet to place a timeline on her recovery.

The goaler was injured during the second quarter of the new team’s first hitout against Super Netball opposition in the pre-season tune-up at Waverley Netball Centre in what the club described as a “contested play for the ball”.

Photos posted on social media from the match show privacy screens were erected around Glasgow as she was treated on the court.

After a long delay in play following the injury, the Mavericks said the decision had been made between both teams to cancel the rest of the match in the interest of “player welfare”.

Officials hold up privacy screens while medical staff attend to Glasgow.

“After a prolonged stoppage to provide medical assistance, the match was abandoned in consultation with both teams to prioritise player welfare,” the Mavericks said on Sunday.

“Sasha underwent successful surgery today to repair the fracture, and we will provide further updates on her recovery timeline in the coming days.

“We wish to thank the Sunshine Coast Lightning for their care and understanding and the Waverley Netball Centre staff, who went above and beyond with their assistance.”

Glasgow had lined up in the Mavericks’ starting seven at goal shooter alongside her England Roses teammate Eleanor Cardwell.

Melbourne Mavericks Instagram story.

The Mavericks Instagram story.

It was the goaling duo’s first hitout for the Mavericks, having been rested from the squad’s run against the Victorian men’s team at Waverley last week after international duties.

Glasgow only joined the team to start preparations for their 2024 campaign after returning from Roses’ duty at the Netball Nations Cup in England less than three weeks ago.

The 25-year-old signed with the Mavericks after three seasons with the West Coast Fever.

Mavericks’ coach Tracey Neville said earlier this month she had set high expectations for the team’s maiden Super Netball season with the target of making finals.

Originally published as Super Netball news: Horror injury to Melbourne Mavericks’ star forces match to be abandoned