The best and emerging young Indigenous netball talent will represent their states and territories for the third time this September in Naarm.

Netball Australia confirmed on Tuesday the First Nations Tournament returns to the State Netball Centre in Parkville, just north of the CBD, from September 15-20, with national bragging rights on the line.

Debuting in 2024, the tournament brings under 23 representative teams from every state and territory across the country together.

It's a key piece of NA's First Nations high-performance pathways, for players and everyone involved in the game.

NSW clinched the 2025 trophy in an extra-time thriller over inaugural champions Queensland in last year's final.

In addition to what happens on court, it's also a chance at celebrating so much more than netball, Netball Australia General Manager of First Nations Ali Tucker-Munro said.

"Each year, the Tournament really highlights the depth of talent within our communities, from athletes to coaches and umpires. It's inspiring to see the teams take the court with such pride in their cultural identity, while their mob shows up in full support from the sidelines - it's something truly special to be part of," she said.

"At its heart, the Tournament is about more than netball. It's about strengthening connections, honouring culture, and opening doors. For young First Nations girls, seeing this in action sends a powerful message - that there is a place for them in our game, and a future they can help to shape."

The State Netball Centre on Wurundjeri Country hosted the debut First Nations Tournament before it moved down the Peninsula to Boon-Wurrung Country in Frankston last year.

Former ANZ Championship winner with the Queensland Firebirds and Netball Australia First Nations Engagement Manager Beryl Friday explained how the exposure and opportunity it presents has been clear to see.

Friday told National Indigenous Times last year's player of the tournament, Brianna Martyn, nabbed a training partner sport with the Super Netball club NSW Swifts off the back of her performances in Frankston.

To go with the elite level elements, the tournament is another piece of efforts to ensure culturally-safe, inclusive environments for Indigenous players all through the game, Netball Australia interim chief executive Mark Falvo said.

The First Nations Tournament centres recognition and celebration of First Peoples talent and culture in the sport, he said, and Netball Australia are proud to deliver the event each year.

Some states and territories have already named their squads for the tournament.

During NAIDOC Week, the national Indigenous side, the First Nations Black Swans, are taking the court against Fiji, Singapore and Papua New Guinea at the Spirit Series in Sydney.

Impressive performances at the First Nations Tournament has opened the door for selection in the Black Swans squad, and those in the national side have been key figures for the states in the two previous years.

"We're proud to support the First Nations Tournament, which gives the next generation of Indigenous netball players a chance to showcase their skill and passion for the game," Victorian Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said.

"It's fantastic to host this tournament at the premier State Netball Centre and provide more opportunities for First Nations athletes to realise their sporting dreams."