Netball NSW would like to congratulate local players Jaylah Boney, Jayda Grant and Acacia Elers who were all announced today in the First Nations Black Swans Team to compete in the upcoming PacificAus Sports Netball Series.
The 2025 series will mark a significant milestone for the First Nations national team who made their historic debut at the 2024 event last June.
The Series will return to Brisbane’s Nissan Arena between February 17 – 22, 2025, with the Black Swans first match against reigning series champions Tonga Tala.
The Black Swans team will also come up against the Fiji Pearls, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Pepes, Samoa Tifa Moana, and debutant invitee, the Scottish Thistles.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Ali Tucker-Munro, the 2025 team features a dynamic mix of experienced players returning to the international stage and rising athletes who will have the opportunity to debut in the Black Swans dress.
“Having an opportunity to take a First Nations national team to an international series is such a special experience for so many,” Tucker-Munro said.
“It provides a clear vision of what's possible for younger players, coaches, and umpires in our pathways.
“I am very excited about the group of young women we have selected for this series. With a mix of debutants as well as returning players, I believe we have a team that can play true to our brand and make all our communities proud.”
Gamilaroi woman and coach Natalee George will step into the role of Assistant Coach for the upcoming series, bringing a wealth of experience on and off the court.
George took part in Netball Australia’s First Nations coaching course pilot last year. She also went on to coach Netball ACT’s inaugural team at the pilot First Nations Tournament in Melbourne.
George expressed what the opportunity to take on this national role means to her.
“Being the assistant coach of the Black Swans is an immense honour,” she said.
“I'm proud to stand alongside Ali and continue to showcase the talent of this team and to represent our ancestors and communities.”
Eight of the selected Black Swans for the 2025 PacificAus Sports Netball Series competed in the series last year. Five athletes will have the opportunity to debut for the Black Swans this month, including Yamatji/ Noongar midcourter Tierrah Miller.
“It means a lot for me and my mob,” Miller said.
“I've been playing netball all my life since I was ten years old. I had no intentions of returning to netball this season and was going to focus on football instead.
“If it wasn't for the First Nations Tournament last year and meeting people at the right time, I don't think I would be here representing my mob at a higher level in netball.”
Every Black Swans match from the PacificAus Sports Netball Series will be streamed live and on-demand in Australia on Kayo Freebies.
Attendance to the event at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena between February 17 – 22 is free.
Black Swans Team
- Maryke Babia – Mabuyag Island and Saibai Island
- Jaylah Boney – Ngemba/Barkinji
- Sophie Brewer – Wiradjuri
- Olivia Clark – Kamilaroi
- Lily Cubby – Murrawari
- Acacia Elers – Worimi
- Jayda Grant – Wiradjuri
- Jamaica Jauncey – Yawuru
- Scarlet Jauncey – Yawuru
- Brook Lacey – Ewamian
- Tierrah Miller – Yamatji/ Noongar
- Jayden Molo – Waanyi
- Tia Molo – Waanyi
- Aaleya Turner – Kaurna
- Nasyah Turner – Kaurna
ABOUT THE SERIES
Proudly supported by the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports program, the Series aims to provide teams with high-level competition and exposure to a diverse range of play, improving the standard of netball globally.
