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Unfinished Business: Fired-Up Waradas Eye First Nations Netball Glory

18 AUG 2025

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With fire in their bellies and pride on their shoulders, the NSW Waradas are ready to make their mark at the 2025 First Nations Netball Tournament, kicking off in Melbourne on Wednesday 20 August.

After a breakout campaign in 2024 that saw the young side finish third overall—missing a win over Queensland by just one goal—the Waradas are heading into this year’s tournament with unfinished business and a clear target: go all the way.

Preparation has been intense, focused, and fast. With a limited window to bring the squad together, the team has wasted no time building cohesion on and off the court.

“It's been a very short turnaround from when we started on court to tournament, but they're going really well,” said Mardi Aplin, General Manager of Performance and Pathways at Netball NSW.

Athletes have been training once or twice a week at Netball Central, backed by individual strength, conditioning and fitness programs delivered outside of team sessions.

>>>The Waradas Team Announcement

“It shows the level of commitment and professionalism expected – and delivered – by this group,” Aplin said.

With many players already connected through previous programs and competitions, team culture has come naturally – and it’s already showing on court.

“We’ve had hit-outs against the ACT and the 21U Tongan team preparing for the World Youth Cup,” Aplin shared. “Those games helped us lock in combinations, confirm positions, and get match-ready. The team looked strong and connected.”

These practice games provided more than preparation – they lit a competitive spark.

One of the most powerful moments in the Waradas’ journey came last week, when players were presented with their official team dresses – not by coaches or officials, but by a family member or family friend.

“It makes it a really personal celebration,” said Aplin. “We invited the Netball NSW Aboriginal Advisory Group and Alison Tucker-Munro from the Black Swans to speak with the group. Alison talked about the deep pride in wearing the NSW dress and honouring your culture.”

That moment brought the team together and set the tone for what’s to come – representing not just NSW, but Country, family and future generations.

The Waradas will face a gritty seven-game schedule over four days, with each match running 4 x 10-minute quarters. It’s a high-intensity format that demands both mental resilience and physical grit.

“A week at Nationals is intense for anybody, let alone someone who hasn't experienced it before,” Aplin said. “You need the physical engine, yes – but the mental toughness is what gets you through.”

Now, with a year’s worth of experience, stronger preparation, and a fierce sense of purpose, the Waradas are determined to go further.

“We have high expectations,” Aplin said. “We’ve done the work. Now it’s about backing ourselves – physically, mentally, and culturally – to step up and perform across the whole tournament."