The 2025 Major League Pickleball Australia season has hit its halfway point, and with it comes one of the most anticipated moments of the year: the midseason shuffle draft. A wave of new signings and roster changes promises to shake up team dynamics and set the stage for a thrilling run to the finals.
Last week, captains and team members convened to strategically add new talent to their squads, aiming to plug gaps, build depth, and chase championship momentum.
Headline Moves and Big Names at Midseason Shuffle Draft
The Bondi roster is now brimming with fresh talent, headlined by US pro Max Manthou (a.k.a Purple Jesus), whose athleticism and fearless shot-making bring a new level of firepower to the beachside team. He’ll be joined by Kiwi powerhouse Katherine Westbury, whose all-court coverage and the technician Louis Laville, adding a layer of tactical finesse to Bondi’s lineup.
The Stars made one of the boldest plays in the midseason shuffle draft, adding three new names: Victorian Katerina Valos, Japanese sensation Mayu Ito, and 3× MLPA champion Rob Stirling, a crowd favourite whose winning pedigree could prove invaluable in high-pressure moments. With these additions, the Stars have gone from a mid-table threat to a genuine finals contender.
The Aces turned heads by securing international talent Ekaterina Biakina, a player known for her aggressive play, and welcoming US Pro Jason Bock, whose experience could prove invaluable in tight matches.
Sydney opted for precision and consistency, drafting Chinese talent Yufei Long, whose tenacity makes her a threat in both doubles and singles.
The Vipers have doubled down on versatility and firepower, adding international Carlota Trevino, Aussie up-and-comer Alesha Horridge, and charismatic American pro Rob Cassidy, a player known for his creative defence, on-court energy, and ability to light up a crowd.
Hustle strengthened their women’s lineup with USA’s Camila Garcia Wright, bringing international flair and a high-energy style that fits perfectly with Hustle’s brand of play.
Breakers fans will be watching closely as Hong Kong’s Nok Yiu Tang makes her debut—her defensive skills and patience in rallies could be a game-changer for the Brisbane squad.
Surge made perhaps the most international moves of the draft, signing Vietnam’s Ken (Ho) Tam and Filipino-American doubles veteran Ruben A Gonzales Jr, creating one of the most exciting rosters in the league.
The Crocs added Malaysian powerhouse Jimmy Liong, a newcomer with a reputation for endurance and singles success. We can’t see them losing a dreambreaker anytime soon.
Finally, Glory landed a marquee signing in American pro Rob Nunnery, whose explosive game and leadership could redefine their season. He’ll be joined by South Korea’s Mihae Kwon, a rising star known for her power and precision.
What This Means for the Season
The midseason shuffle draft is more than just a roster refresh; it’s a calculated gamble. Teams must quickly integrate new players into existing systems, find chemistry under pressure, and navigate the new location venues for the second half of the season.
Fans can expect some early turbulence as players adjust to new partnerships, but also the possibility of breakout performances from unexpected names. With finals spots on the line, every point will matter, and this draft has ensured no team can take anything for granted.
The countdown to the season’s climax has begun. The new-look lineups will hit the court next month, and if this shuffle is anything to go by, pickleball fans are in for a wild ride to the finish.
The mid-season shuffle hasn’t just changed the game on court, it’s reignited rivalries, and injected fresh energy into every team’s campaign. Be there to witness it live at the Queensland Slam, on 11–14 September 2025, when the league’s biggest stars and newest signings will battle for critical points on the road to the finals.
Tickets and event info at www.majorleaguepickleball.net.au, the race to the championship starts now.
