𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 𝐉𝐨 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐞 𝐀𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐧𝐬…..

Greatest Of All Time: Jo Weston Honored With Statue at Melbourne Vixens

In a landmark celebration that cements her place as one of the most iconic figures in Australian netball, Jo Weston has been immortalized with a statue outside Melbourne’s John Cain Arena, the home of the Melbourne Vixens. The unveiling, held this morning in front of a roaring crowd of fans, teammates, and sporting dignitaries, marks a rare honor reserved only for the true greats of the game.

A Legacy Carved in Bronze

The bronze statue captures Weston mid-defensive leap, a pose symbolic of her relentless energy, competitive spirit, and her reputation as one of the toughest defenders in the sport. Standing proudly at the entrance of the Vixens’ home court, the statue is set to inspire generations of netballers and serve as a lasting tribute to Weston’s contributions to both the Vixens and Australian netball.

Netball Victoria CEO, Rosie King, described the moment as “a fitting tribute for a once-in-a-generation player whose dedication and leadership transcended the game.”

“Jo Weston is not just a player. She is a leader, a role model, and the heart of the Vixens for over a decade. This statue is more than a likeness—it’s a permanent reminder of her impact on our sport and our community.”

The Career That Defined an Era

Since making her professional debut with the Melbourne Vixens in 2014, Weston has become synonymous with excellence in defense. Known for her sharp intercepts, towering presence, and ability to shut down the game’s most dangerous shooters, Weston has consistently been regarded as one of the world’s premier defenders.

Her contributions have extended beyond domestic competition. As a mainstay of the Australian Diamonds, Weston played a crucial role in securing multiple international titles, including the 2015 Netball World Cup and 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal.

Her accolades include:

• Over 120 games for the Melbourne Vixens.
• Multiple Suncorp Super Netball Team of the Year selections.
• Leadership roles as co-captain of the Vixens.
• Recognition for her advocacy in player welfare and community engagement.

Emotional Ceremony

The unveiling ceremony was attended by teammates, past and present, as well as sporting figures from across Australia. A large crowd of fans, many dressed in Vixens blue, erupted in cheers as the statue was revealed, draped in a banner before being lifted to applause.

Weston, visibly emotional, gave a heartfelt speech:

“This moment is overwhelming. To see myself immortalized in bronze is something I never imagined when I first picked up a netball as a young girl. This statue isn’t just about me—it’s about every coach, teammate, and fan who believed in me and the incredible sport we love.”

She also paid tribute to her family, who were present at the ceremony, thanking them for their unwavering support through the highs and lows of her career.

A Fan Favorite

Weston has always been more than an athlete to her supporters. Known for her approachable personality, tireless work ethic, and commitment to grassroots netball, she has earned admiration not just for her performances on the court, but for the way she carries herself off it.

Young fans at the unveiling held up posters reading “Go Jo!” and “Forever a Vixen,” while others spoke about how Weston inspired them to take up the sport.

Twelve-year-old fan Mia Thompson said:

“I play defense because of Jo. She shows us that hard work, courage, and teamwork matter more than anything.”

A Rare Honor in Netball

Statues of female athletes are still relatively rare in Australia, making Weston’s recognition even more historic. While cricket and AFL legends have long been immortalized in bronze, the statue of Jo Weston sends a strong message about the growing importance of women’s sports in the national landscape.

Sports Minister Steve Dimopoulos, who attended the ceremony, described it as “a groundbreaking moment not just for netball, but for Australian sport as a whole.”

“Honoring Jo Weston with a statue is a statement that women’s achievements in sport deserve equal recognition. She is a trailblazer, and today we celebrate her legacy.”

Teammates Pay Tribute

Current and former Vixens shared emotional tributes during the event. Former captain Kate Moloney called Weston “the backbone of our defense and the heart of our team,” while Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich praised her as “a leader whose presence inspired confidence and strength at every level.”

Fellow defender Emily Mannix reflected on their long partnership:

“Standing beside Jo on the court has been the greatest privilege. She pushed me to be better every single game. This statue represents the best of what netball is about—teamwork, resilience, and passion.”

Beyond the Court

Weston’s influence extends well beyond netball arenas. She has been a vocal advocate for athlete mental health and player rights, often using her platform to push for greater investment in women’s sport.

Through her work with Netball Victoria, she has helped launch grassroots programs that bring netball to schools and underprivileged communities, ensuring the next generation has access to opportunities she once dreamed of.

The Future

Though speculation continues about how long Weston will continue her playing career, the statue solidifies her place as a legend regardless of what lies ahead. Whether she continues to dominate on the court or transitions into leadership, coaching, or advocacy, one thing is clear: her legacy is already etched in stone—and bronze.

As the sun set on John Cain Arena after the unveiling, fans lingered around the statue, taking photos and leaving flowers and handwritten notes at its base. For many, it was not just a celebration of Jo Weston’s career, but a recognition of the growing power and visibility of women’s sport in Australia.

Conclusion

Jo Weston’s statue at the Melbourne Vixens is more than a tribute to an individual—it is a milestone for netball and women’s sport. It celebrates a defender who became an icon, a leader who became a role model, and a woman whose passion for the game has inspired thousands.

As the crowd dispersed, one fan summed up the feeling perfectly:

“She’s our GOAT. And now she’ll stand here forever, reminding us what greatness looks like.”

With her legacy now cast in bronze, Jo Weston stands tall—not just outside John Cain Arena, but in the hearts of fans everywhere.