Joining Razia Quashie and Vicki Oyesola as the latest addition to London Mavericks’ defensive lineup is versatile defender Chelsea Blackman, who swoops into London from the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
Blackman is accustomed to training alongside world-class defenders like Shamera Sterling and Latanya Wilson in Adelaide and brings with her an impressive resume. She’s won four national championships with the South Australian team and secured five Premier League grand finals with Contax Netball Club.
Beyond her on-court achievements, Chelsea holds a bachelor’s degree in sports and exercise science, which informs her intelligent and strategic style of play. Director of Netball, Tamsin Greenway, highlighted this, saying:
“She understands how to grind down players and go one-on-one and do something different. She’s rangy, and I think that was key for me. I wanted to make sure we’ve got different opportunities and different structures. It’s more complicated as a coach, but it gives you get out of jail cards when it’s tight.”
Greenway also emphasized how Blackman’s arrival complements the existing defensive stars, adding:
“One of the key things I learned about the league last year was, do you have different players to impact? I felt like we’ve got that across the court and I needed that on the defensive end. Raz and Vicki bring a certain style to the game, so bringing in an Australian with that kind of dogged mentality is really exciting.”
Blackman’s experience in top-tier, high-intensity systems like the Adelaide Thunderbirds was a crucial factor in Greenway’s decision to recruit her:
“When you hear England players talk about their time overseas, the first thing they mention is the intensity, and you can’t replicate that easily. I’m hoping Chelsea will bring that mindset into our environment, raising the standard and pushing everyone to the next level.”
With the arrival of Chelsea Blackman in the capital, the 2025 season promises to be a thrilling one. Fierce competition, renewed hope, and unforgettable moments are on the horizon. Mavericks fans, get ready—this season is bound to be one for the history books!