Jemma Donoghue joins London Mavericks

Jemma joins the squad as a permanent replacement for Chelsea Blackman following her unfortunate Achilles rupture.

We wish Chelsea a smooth and speedy recovery and thank her for her continued support from the sidelines.

Jemma arrives with a wealth of experience and a proven track record at the elite level. Most recently, she served as a training partner with the NSW Swifts, one of Australia’s premier netball clubs, and previously competed in the Suncorp Super Netball League with Giants Netball. Jemma has also represented Australia on the international stage in the Under 21s team.

A tenacious and intelligent defender, Donoghue brings both grit and tactical awareness to Mavericks’ defensive end. She is no stranger to the Netball Super League, having represented Leeds Rhinos in the 2023 season alongside Vicki Oyesola.

Jemma also shares a personal connection to England—born in Chelsea to English parents, her return to the UK carries special significance. Her dual-national heritage and familiarity with British netball culture will no doubt ease her transition back into the league.

Director of Netball, Tamsin Greenway said:

“It’s been a challenging few weeks with injuries and the different styles of players we’ve lost, but Jemma ticks all the right boxes for us. She brings a fast, dogged, one-on-one defensive style with great range in the circle, which fits perfectly with the way we want to play. Once we knew she was available, it was a no-brainer—she made the decision quickly, jumped on a flight, and committed to joining us, which really reflects what the Mavericks are all about.

“Jemma’s someone I’ve had my eye on since she played in the Super League with Leeds Rhinos in 2023. She’s an absolute quality player with a commanding presence in the circle, great speed across the court, and outstanding athleticism. On top of that, she’s had valuable experience in SSN environments and with Australian age-group teams, so she brings a real level of professionalism and intensity. She’s a perfect fit for what we’re building here, and the team is really excited to have her on board.”

While she brings valuable Super League experience, Donoghue will face fresh opposition this weekend as she lines up in Mavericks colours for the first time against the NSL’s newest side, Birmingham Panthers.