What Zac’s national netball experience could bring to Wonthaggi

Zac Mabilia recently travelled to New Zealand, where he played in all three Tests as the Australian men’s netball team swept New Zealand 3-0 in the Trans-Tasman Cup, earning his first start for the Kelpies ahead of his return to coaching the Wonthaggi Power in 2027.

The midcourter started in the second Test match, in what was just his fifth appearance for the Australian team.

It marked another first.

Already the youngest player to debut for the Kelpies, Mabilia said he was just grateful for the opportunity to represent Australia.

“Being the youngest Kelpie ever to debut is pretty special and I’m just grateful to have been given the opportunity to play on an international stage,” he said.

The series brought him back into the green and gold against the New Zealand Net Blacks.

“It was awesome to have the Trans-Tasman Cup back in our international calendar this year and was an honour as always to be out on court in the green and gold.”

Preparation for the series began well before departure.

Mabilia said most of the work happened in players’ home states before they came together for the tour, with the domestic season providing weekly training and matches.

They also had regular training and match practice with Australia’s national women’s team, the Diamonds, while players followed individual strength and conditioning programs.

That international experience will also lead into his coaching at Wonthaggi, where he’s recommitted to leading the A and B Grade teams next season.

Mabilia said exposure to different countries’ styles, coaches and teams gave him ideas to bring back home.

“Everyone has something different to offer and being able to combine all of them into our own brand at Wonthaggi is such a cool thing to be able to do.”

But coaching helps his playing, too.

“Coaching allows me to continue to build my understanding of the game and take that back to my netball as well, which is always super helpful.”

After coaching at Wonthaggi in both the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Mabilia said the group’s enthusiasm for improving while having fun helped draw him back.

His ambitions for next season are clear.

“Looking into 2027 the main goals are to continue to elevate the netball program and push deep into finals.”