Homegrown netball star signs on again with Power

Wonthaggi Power has secured Zac Mabilia as head coach again for the 2027 season, with the Australian Kelpies midcourter signing on to lead both the club’s A and B Grade netball teams.

Bec Wright will also return alongside him, giving the Power continuity on the sidelines as Mabilia continues a playing career that’s taken him from South Gippsland all the way to the national team.

Wright told the Sentinel-Times that Zac’s commitment to the club where he began playing junior netball meant a lot.

“Despite playing at an elite level and coaching in Melbourne, Zac continues to invest his time and knowledge back into Power,” she said.

“He brings a wealth of experience, sharing the latest training methods and drills, while inspiring both coaches and players through his professionalism, organisation and deep understanding of the game.

“His ability to communicate, teach and coach with such patience and effectiveness has made a real difference to our playing group.”

The coaching announcement also comes as the Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association recognised Mabilia’s journey through the sport and praised his achievement as the youngest athlete to debut for the Australian Kelpies.

It all started at just seven.

Growing up in South Gippsland, Mabilia began playing locally before his representative ambitions required opportunities further afield, which led him and his family to make trips to Melbourne when he outgrew the opportunities available close to home.

He progressed through Victoria’s junior pathway, captaining national championship-winning teams and representing Australia at 17-and-under level on his first tour to New Zealand.

More international opportunities followed after that.

In 2024, he was selected in Australia’s 20-and-under team for the Men’s Netball Nation Series in Singapore, and at just 18, he also formed part of Australia’s history-making Fast5 World Netball Series-winning team.

His performance at the 2025 Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association National Championships then earned him an invitation to the Kelpies selection camp.

Across three days, the association said Mabilia demonstrated an understanding of the game that earned the selectors’ confidence and secured his national team place.

The midcourter covers centre, wing attack and wing defence, with the association highlighting his ability to win possession and turn defensive pressure into attack.

“He is a huge asset to our club, and a wonderful example of what it means to give back to where it all began,” Wright said.

Back at Wonthaggi, the club also praised Wright’s contribution, describing her composure and knowledge as valuable assets, and also emphasised her energy on the sidelines.