Australia's national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative netball team has announced the squad for upcoming fixtures against world-ranked international outfits this month.
The First Nations Black Swans will appear at their second PacificAus Sports Netball Series at Brisbane's Nissan Arena, meeting Fiji, Samoa, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and returning champions Tonga.
The side debuted at the tournament in 2024, finishing on top after the round robin stages.
Olivia Clarke is one of eight returning players in the squad of 15.
"It's just such a surreal moment…knowing that you're a part of history," Clark said of last year's inaugural appearance of the Black Swans at the Pacific Series.
The Gamilaroi goaler hopes the Black Swans honour the previous generations who paved the way, and be the players to look up to for future generations of Indigenous netballers.
For herself, teammates and others playing the game at present, the Black Swans are an elite platform to "play our authentic style".
Three sets of sisters will take the court in Meanjin/Brisbane.
Yawuru shooter-goalkeeper pairing Jamaica and Scarlett Jauncey return for a second tournament alongside Waanyi midcourters Jayden and Tia Molo, with Kaurna defender Aaleya Turner joined by younger sister Nasyah - who'll debut in Brisbane.
Maryke Babia, Jaylah Boney, Jayda Grant and Tierrah Miller are new additions to the Black Swans, while Sophie Brewer and Acacia Elers will make next appearances after competing with the side at last year's Australian Netball Championships.
"It means a lot for me and my mob," Miller said.
The Yamatji-Noongar midourter said after playing the sport her whole life she was almost ready to give it away and focus on football before the Netball Australia's first Indigenous state and territory based tournament in Naarm last September.
"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".
Brook Lacey and Lily Cubby are also back for their second Pacific Series.
As well as a national Indigenous side, Netball Australia debuted the First Nations coaching course pilot for supporting the pathways of coaches into the elite level.
Gamilaroi woman Natalee George took part in the course, and has been named assistant coach under Ali Tucker Munro for the upcoming tournament.
George, who said she never played at the high-performance level, told National Indigenous Times the course the platform for her to progress to an opportunity like her place in the Black Swans' setup - something she said is an "honour".
The already experienced ACT premier league coach added Indigenous-focused initiatives being taken in netball are helping address the "you can't be what you can't see" adage.
George added it's a step forward harness the Indigenous talent that's long been present.
Head coach Ali Tucker-Munro said the Black Swans "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."
The PacificAus Netball Series is hosted at Nissan Arena from February 17-22.
The Black Swans face Tonga in their opening match.
