Gabby Sinclair has gained a reputation for her exceptional accuracy in shooting since joining the Melbourne Mavericks, with an impressive 74% success rate from two-point range, which is 10% higher than her closest rival.
Despite her success, Gabby’s path to the teal dress has been marked by uncertainties. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges that early setbacks have helped her develop resilience and self-belief, enabling her to confront challenges with confidence.
“Even early in my netball career, facing disappointments like not making state teams and being dropped after making ANL teams, I believe these experiences have shaped me into a resilient individual,” Gabby shares. “I’ve always surrounded myself with supportive people who believe in me, and that’s been crucial in overcoming obstacles.”
Gabby Sinclair celebrates her 50th national league match in Round 2, 2024. Image: May Bailey/Clusterpix Sports Photography
The Black and White Dress
Gabby’s professional netball journey began with the Collingwood Magpies in 2019 after serving as a training partner since 2017.
“I got my first SSN contract with the Magpies. We were a very young group initially, and we faced challenges due to injuries to our experienced players,” Gabby recalls.
“As an athlete, the pressure of not winning games can be tough. However, every experience teaches you valuable lessons and contributes to personal growth,” she adds.
The Green Dress
In 2022, Gabby’s contract with the Magpies was not renewed, leading her to explore opportunities in Europe. While in Spain, she received an unexpected offer from the Cardiff Dragons to play in England’s Netball Super League.
“An injury to a player opened a spot for me in the Cardiff Dragons team. It was a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself in a new country,” Gabby shares.
Gabi Sinclair has eyes only for the circle. Image Marcela Massey
What Gabby looked forward to the most was rediscovering her love for netball.
“My main goal was to start enjoying and loving netball again. The previous season had been challenging for me personally, so being in Cardiff provided a fresh environment with new coaching staff and teammates,” she explains.
“Learning from and supporting my teammates to succeed were the aspects I enjoyed the most about my time with the Dragons,” Gabby adds.
By incorporating high-performance standards from her Suncorp Super Netball experience, Gabby contributed to the team’s growth and development in Cardiff.
Gabby Sinclair at Collingwood. Photo: Marcela Massey
The Teal Dress
In late 2023, Gabby received an offer from Tracey Neville, the head coach of the Melbourne Mavericks, to join the newly formed team.
“I was intrigued by the vision Tracey had for the Mavericks and the opportunity to be part of a new club with potential,” Gabby explains. “Despite the challenges of forming a new team and logistical planning, I was drawn to the idea of starting fresh and building something special.”
Back in Melbourne, surrounded by familiar faces, Gabby embraced the challenge of playing with a team plagued by injuries at the start of the season.
“Our focus is on taking it week by week. Playing alongside familiar teammates like Molly and Shimona has helped me integrate into the lineup smoothly,” Gabby notes. “The team’s dedication and unity have been pivotal in our recent successes.”
Gabby Sinclair under the post for Mavericks – she’s now played with Shimona Jok (nee Nelson) at two different clubs. Image: Aliesha Vicars
A key component of the Mavericks’ growth is fostering a positive training environment, a philosophy championed by head coach Tracey Neville.
“Tracey creates a fun and engaging atmosphere for training, which enhances our performance,” Gabby observes. “Her coaching style has been instrumental in my development as a player, offering valuable insights that differ from the Australian approach.”
The Mavericks’ playing style emphasizes relentless defense and efficient ball movement in attack.
“Defensively, we aim to apply pressure early and unsettle our opponents. In attack, we strive to be clinical and capitalize on scoring opportunities,” Gabby explains. “Recently, we’ve seen an improvement in consistency across games, which is encouraging.”
Captain Amy Parmenter also plays a crucial role in shaping the Mavericks’ identity and fostering a positive team culture.
“Amy leads by example on the court and off, setting high standards for the team. Her approachability and willingness to support others contribute significantly to our team dynamics,” Gabby highlights.
Looking ahead, Gabby looks to strengthen team connections and deliver consistent performances throughout the season.
“I aim to improve my connections across the court, specifically with goalers and the center position,” Gabby shares. “Maintaining consistency in my role, especially in scoring two-point shots and facilitating ball movement, is a priority for me.”
Gabby Sinclair on the drive. Image: May Bailey/Clusterpix Sports Photography
As the season progresses, Gabby remains focused on elevating her game and contributing to the Mavericks’ success while nurturing her interests off the court to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
“Balancing netball with other passions is essential for overall well-being. I’ve returned to studying women’s health, a field of personal interest, and enjoy traveling and exploring during my off-seasons,” Gabby concludes.
Sinclair is the supershot queen, with an accuracy of 74% – 10% higher than anyone else. Image: May Bailey/Clusterpix Sports Photography
