Four NSW athletes have been selected in the 2027 First Nations Black Swans squad, following the annual First Nations Tournament held in Melbourne last week.
Proudly supported by the Confident Girls Foundation, the squad has been selected following the tournament, where some of the country’s best emerging and established First Nations netballers showcased their talent.
Acacia Elers (Worimi), Mia Evans (Kamilaroi), Jayda Grant (Wiradjuri) and Phoebe Hickson (Dunghutti / Wiradjuri) will represent NSW in the 20-athlete squad, with six states and territories represented.
Selections recognise standout performers from the 2026 First Nations Tournament, alongside athletes progressing through state and national pathway programs.
The four NSW selections reflect the depth of First Nations netball talent across the state and the continued opportunities for athletes to progress through the netball pathway.
The athletes will also have the opportunity to work with Black Swans Head Coach Jen Wright, who has strong connections to the NSW pathway and coaching landscape.
Wright has been a standout leader within the Netball NSW Premier League, guiding the Manly-Warringah Sapphires and ERNA Hawks to titles in the Opens Division. She also served as an Assistant Coach with GIANTS Netball in 2026 and has previously led the NSW 19U team to two national titles, including an undefeated championship campaign in 2022 and a second title in 2025.
The Black Swans are set to compete in an international tournament in 2027, with further details to be shared in the coming months.
Black Swans Head Coach Jen Wright said the quality of talent available made selection a challenging but exciting process.
“The depth of talent across First Nations netball continues to grow, and that made this selection process incredibly exciting,” Wright said.
“There were so many outstanding performances and athletes putting their hand up, which is a great reflection of the strength of the pathway.”
Netball Australia General Manager, First Nations and proud Kamilaroi woman Ali Tucker-Munro said selection in the Black Swans program held a special significance for athletes and their communities.
“Being selected as a Black Swan means so much because these athletes are not only representing themselves – they are representing their families, their communities and their culture with great pride,” Tucker-Munro said.
“The Black Swans program continues to play an important role in creating opportunities for First Nations athletes to progress through the netball pathway. We’re proud to see the program growing and providing more athletes with the opportunity to develop and compete at this level.”
2027 BLACK SWANS SQUAD
Acacia Elers – Worimi (NSW)
Mia Evans – Kamilaroi (NSW)
Jayda Grant – Wiradjuri (NSW)
Phoebe Hickson – Dunghutti / Wiradjuri (NSW)
Tayla Abraham – Wilman / Wagyl Kaip (WA)
Gabby Coffey – Wiradjuri (NT)
Lily Cubby – Murrawari (QLD)
Chloe Eyre – Wamba Wamba (VIC)
Lucille Heath – Kamilaroi (QLD)
Scarlet Jauncey – Yawuru / Broome (WA)
Brook Lacey – Ewamian (QLD)
Georgia Lindsay – Gudjal (QLD)
Darcy May-Martin – Larrakia (SA)
Brianna Martyn – Kullilli (QLD)
Tierrah Miller – Yamatji / Noongar (WA)
Jayden Molo – Waanyi (QLD)
Kiesha Muckan – Kabi Kabi, Yuggera, Quandamooka & Boigu Island (QLD)
Aaliyah Sheppard – Nunukul & Kanolu (QLD)
Holly Stephens – Kurnai (VIC)
Aaleya Turner – Kaurna (SA)
