LOCAL netballer Zac Mabilia was recently selected in the Kelpies squad for the 2025/26 International Season.
The midcourt player was an invitational player for the Kelpies’ selection camp during the 2023/24 season, and a reserve for the side in the 2024/25 season.
Under new coach Jane Woodlands-Thompson, Mabilia will be starting a new training program and is looking ahead to January, as the Kelpies are already locked in for the South Africa Series.
Mabilia was thrilled to receive the news of his selection.
“We went through a selection camp, and then they rang the athletes to inform them of their decision,” Mabilia said.
“It was a really exciting phone call. I was injured during the camp, so I didn’t get to fully finish selection and I was surprised with the result.”
Mabilia said it was an exciting time to be selected, as works are underway to establish the first men’s World Cup in 2028.
Originally from Wonthaggi, Mabilia moved to New South Wales for university and has been playing with the state team.
Having now played for both Victoria and New South Wales, Mabilia feels confident going into his next challenge with the Kelpies.
“A lot of the Kelpies players are from Victoria and New South Wales, so I have either played with them or against them in the M-League or Fast Fives,” he said.
“The Kelpies are a step up in terms of intensity and it will be good to play alongside the top standard of Australian men’s netballers.”
A new training program is being set up for the newly selected squad, with all players expected to undergo satellite trainings and individual trainings in their respective states.
Mabilia is more than ready to take on this opportunity.
“It will be amazing to tour different countries, playing with and against the best players in men’s netball,” he said.
“The guys who are in the Kelpies are so talented and so smart, and it’ll be exciting to learn from what they can do and be a bit more creative on the court.”
Back in Wonthaggi, Mabilia has also been named Wonthaggi Power’s new A and B Grade coach for 2026.
“I did a bit of coaching this year and now I’m coming back in the head coach role,” he said.
“I was contacted by Ellie Bates to do a bit of coaching in Wonthaggi. I’ve done some coaching in Melbourne, and I’ve coached gymnastics and refereed basketball. I really enjoy coaching – it’s changed the way I play and has helped me become a smarter player.”
