Jamaican netball star Shimona Jok has expressed immense gratitude and excitement after penning a contract extension with the Melbourne Mavericks, which keeps her at the club for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season.
The re-signing marks another milestone in Jok’s inspiring journey from overlooked talent to one of the league’s brightest stars.
"It’s been talked about a lot, but to go from being without a contract last year to MVP to now re-signing with the Mavs until the end of next season, it’s really nice to have certainty as to where I will be playing in the future. I’ve grown not just as a player, but as a person. I’m so grateful to the Mavs for believing in me,” Jok shared.
After her former team, the Collingwood Magpies, folded and left her without a full-time playing spot in 2024, Jok took a leap of faith and joined the Mavericks as a Training Partner. Through relentless dedication and standout performances, she fought her way into the team’s core lineup and was later named the Mavericks’ inaugural Most Valuable Player.
In 2025, Jok secured one of the Mavs' 10 contracted positions and cemented her role as the starting goal shooter. She featured in all 14 games of the season and scored 635 goals—the third most in the league—and racked up 937 Net Points. Her standout season also included personal milestones such as her 100th national league game in Round Three and her 4000th goal in Round Four.
Mavericks General Manager Shae Bolton-Brown praised Jok’s journey and lasting impact.
"Shimona embodies everything we want this club to stand for...grit, growth, and heart. Her journey from Training Partner to MVP last year was nothing short of inspirational, and the way she came out again this year and put out consistent performances proves that 2024 was not just a flash in the pan," Bolton-Brown said.
"Without a doubt, she’s a Mavs fan favourite, and she epitomises what it means to be a Maverick. So we are thrilled to have her in our colours again in 2026," she added.
Jok, who has proudly represented Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls since 2017, has played on the global stage at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Netball World Cup. With her sights set on another four-year international cycle, she is more determined than ever to give her best for club and country.
"Obviously, from a team perspective, this season didn’t play out as we hoped, but every single day in this environment, I’ve flourished. I really believe in what we’re building here, so I can’t wait to have a short break, reset, and get stuck in again in 2026," Jok declared.
Jok’s commitment adds a crucial piece to the Mavericks’ 2026 roster, as she joins Kim Brown and Amy Parmenter as the club works toward a more successful future in the SSN.