Ten outstanding athletes have been selected to represent their state as members of the Netball NSW First Nations Team - the Waradas - to compete at the 2025 First Nations Netball Tournament.
Returning for the second year, the Netball NSW Waradas will showcase a formidable blend of experience and emerging talent, with eight players backing up from the 2024 tournament. Two exciting debutants—Lily-Louise Walker (Wayilwan & Wiradjuri) and Phoebe Hickson (Dunghutti/Wurundjeri)—will join the squad and bring fresh energy and ambition to the court.
Coach Colleen Mitchell, a proud Worimi woman, is thrilled with the calibre and cohesion of this year’s team.
“This netball group is strong, skilful and fiercely proud. The returning athletes have grown in confidence and leadership, and our two new players fit in seamlessly. I’m so excited to see what we can achieve together—we’re not just representing our culture, we will build on it with every pass, every game,” Mitchell said.
In the shooting circle, Dharawal goal shooter Charlotte Ryan will team up with Wiradjuri’s Jayda Grant (GA/WA) and Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi’s Mia Evans (GA/WA) to provide firepower up front.
Midcourt will be patrolled by Acacia Elers (WD/WA) Worimi/Awabakal, Ellie Stacey (WA/C) Wonnarua, Tahlia Robertson (C/WD) Whadjuk, and Lily-Louise Walker (C/WA) Wayilwan/Wiradjuri, providing speed, skill and composure through the middle.
In defence, Jaylah Boney (GK/GD) Ngemba/Barkandji, Alirah Watton (GD/GK) Gamilaroi, and Phoebe Hickson (GK/GD) Dunghutti/Wurundjeri will stand tall and strong to repel opposition attacks.
All ten athletes are proud graduates of the Netball NSW First Nations Emerging Talent Program—an emerging development initiative designed to support athletes from metropolitan, regional and First Nations communities. Through the program, players receive individual on court technical and tactical netball skills, while also building vital off-court foundations in areas such as women’s health, nutrition and high performance behaviours.
Now in its second year, the First Nations National Netball Tournament has grown into a five-day celebration of Indigenous excellence in netball, bringing together the most talented First Nations players from across the country in a full round-robin competition format.
Mardi Aplin, General Manager – Performance & Pathways at Netball NSW, said the tournament’s growth highlights its importance to the future of the sport.
“Launched in 2024, the tournament marked a historic milestone in Australian netball, offering a national platform to showcase Indigenous talent and accelerate the development of future stars. We’re proud to continue our commitment to this important program.”
That commitment is already yielding results. Following standout performances in 2024, three NSW athletes—Acacia Elers, Jayda Grant and Jaylah Boney—were selected for the national Black Swans team and went on to compete at the 2024 Pan Pacific Tournament.
Netball NSW will also send two talented First Nations umpires—Mark Munnich (A Badge) Yawuru/Gunggandji/Yued from Northern Suburbs Netball Association and Mackenzie Knox (B Badge) a proud Kamilaroi from Narrabri Netball Association —as part of its First Nations development pathway, supporting growth and representation both on and off the court.
As part of the overall cost of sending the team to the event, a $20,000 investment from Netball NSW partner FDC will ensure that every Netball NSW athlete is fully funded to compete. The funding covers costs associated with travel, accommodation, playing kit, and high-performance support.
The 2025 First Nations National Netball Tournament will take place from 20–24 August at Jubilee Park Stadium in Frankston, Victoria.
