Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Jessie Grenvold will make her Super Netball finals debut this weekend as the Melbourne Mavericks continue their historic maiden finals campaign, with the rising defensive star drawing inspiration from an AFL premiership winner close to home. The 23 year old defender has credited her father, former Essendon premiership player David Grenvold, for helping her stay focused ahead of Sunday's do or die minor semi final against West Coast Fever.
The Mavericks are preparing for the biggest match in club history after reaching the finals for the first time since entering the competition in 2024.
AFL experience providing valuable guidance
David Grenvold was part of Essendon's 1993 AFL premiership team, and his experience of performing under pressure has become a valuable resource for his daughter.
Jessie Grenvold revealed that her father regularly provides advice and perspective as she navigates the challenges of elite sport.
"He likes to joke that he's my own personal coach, which is unbeknownst to me," Grenvold told AAP.
"He is very good at reassuring me so that I just stick to the process. He doesn't let me get carried away with all the bells and the whistles, the what ifs, and what might happen.
"Obviously the fundamental game is very different, but I think the fundamentals of any team sport can be very similar."
The defender's calm approach has been evident throughout the season as she has become one of the competition's breakout performers.
Key role in Mavericks' historic season
Grenvold's impact has been crucial to Melbourne's rise into the finals.
After joining the Mavericks ahead of their inaugural campaign in 2024, she stepped into a starting defensive role when experienced teammate Tara Hinchliffe suffered a season disrupting knee injury.
Her ability to adapt quickly and deliver consistent performances helped stabilize the Mavericks' defence during a critical period of the season.
Grenvold's courageous intercepts, defensive pressure, and game changing plays have established her as one of the league's emerging talents.
The strong form was rewarded with a maiden call up to the Australian Diamonds squad, a milestone she admitted came as a complete surprise.
Diamonds selection caps breakthrough year
Grenvold revealed she almost missed the life changing call informing her of her national selection.
"I was so surprised. I did not see that phone call coming at all, so much so that I missed the phone call twice," she said.
"I was actually filming the Mavs podcast I hosted with teammate Reilley Batcheldor, and we were just in the middle of an episode."
The selection highlights just how rapidly Grenvold's profile has grown during the 2026 season.
What began as an opportunity to fill a vacancy in Melbourne's defensive unit has developed into one of the most impressive breakout campaigns in Super Netball.
Fever clash carries huge stakes
The Mavericks now face a major challenge against the West Coast Fever in Sunday's minor semi final.
The winner will keep their premiership hopes alive and advance to face the loser of the major semi final, while defeat will end the season.
For Melbourne, victory would represent another significant achievement in what has already been a landmark year for the young franchise.
The club has exceeded expectations by reaching the finals and establishing itself as a genuine contender far sooner than many predicted.
Thunderbirds target another grand final appearance
The other finals fixture sees reigning champions Adelaide Thunderbirds face the Melbourne Vixens in the major semi final.
The winner will progress directly to the grand final, while the losing side will receive a second chance through the preliminary final.
Thunderbirds defender Latanya Wilson said a premiership this season would carry special significance, particularly because of teammate Shamera Sterling Humphrey's journey following the birth of her child last year.
Wilson praised Sterling Humphrey's openness and resilience while balancing elite sport and personal challenges.
"Growing up, Shamera was always my idol, so I'm always inspired by her, just how she goes about her business and gets the job done," Wilson told AAP.
Wilson also expressed disappointment that Adelaide's finals clash will not be played at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre due to a scheduling conflict.
Instead, the match will take place at the smaller Adelaide 36ers Arena.
Venue operator chief executive Martin Radcliffe explained the clash resulted from adjustments made to the Super Netball calendar to accommodate the Commonwealth Games schedule.
As the finals begin, all eyes will be on emerging stars like Grenvold and established champions such as Wilson and Sterling Humphrey as the race for the 2026 Super Netball title intensifies.