After strong preparations the NSW Waradas are heading to next week's First Nations Netball Tournament with high expectations and to put the competition on notice at the pointy end of the competition.

At last year's inaugural tournament - where the best Indigenous under-23s netballers from each state and territory get on court - the Waradas claimed a third place finish.

A one-goal loss to eventual champions Queensland in the pool stages was all that got in the way of a spot in the final.

The team they're taking to Frankston's Jubilee Park Stadium on Bunurong Country features several names to have featured for the national Indigenous side, the Black Swans.

"We've had hit-outs against the ACT and the 21U Tongan team preparing for the World Youth Cup," Netball NSW performance and pathways general manager Mardi Alpin said.

"Those games helped us lock in combinations, confirm positions, and get match-ready. The team looked strong and connected."

Waradas coach and Worimi woman Colleen Mitchell said her side's heading to Melbourne after a solid five week block of training, building connections, and nailing down combinations and set plays.

They've added some fresh faces into a younger group for this year's tournament, with Mitchell confident of a strong showing across the five days.

She's also buoyed with pride seeing the group not just play, but represent their mobs.

"The joy on their faces when they're showcasing their talent and representing both their mob and their country is something I'll never forget," Mitchell said.

"It's fantastic that Netball Australia and Netball NSW have provided this opportunity for the athletes to perform in front of their family and friends in such a unique environment."

After taking on international outfits for the Black Swans at the Pacific Series earlier this year, Jaylah Boney, Jayda Grant and Acacia Elers are in the NSW side.

Goaler Charlotte Ryan will also feature - who played in the Black Swans' inaugural campaign in 2024.

The opportunity sits at the top of her list of achievements in netball, Boney told National Indigenous Times.

"It's a privilege. To travel from our little home towns in NSW and go down with the girls, representing all of our mobs and playing for each other - it means everything to me," the Ngemba/Barkandji defender said.

"Nothing is better than playing for your culture in sport," Boney added, "Not a lot of people get to do that.

"It's a different level as it makes me think about and reflect a lot more on who I am as a person, my family and culture rather than just going out and playing."

It's a second year in the Waradas for Worimi Awabakal midcourter Acacia Elers.

"I am very grateful to represent my team, state, and even more my mob and my family," she said.

Family members presented the squad with their team dresses in the lead up to the tournament.

"I want to show them how proud I can make them, including showing all the skills and knowledge I have learnt since being part of the Black Swans," Elers said.

The Waradas finished second in their pool at Victoria's State Netball and Hockey Centre last year.

Starting with a win over Western Australia, they fell painfully short against Queensland - coached by former Diamond Sharon Finnan-White, before getting over the ACT then a dominant display against the home side on the final day - the latter giving them bronze.

The format has broadened in 2025.

Each team will play one another over seven pool games, starting August 20, before finals day on August 24.

"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.

"We have high expectations.

"We've done the work. Now it's about backing ourselves – physically, mentally, and culturally – to step up and perform across the whole tournament."

NSW first take the court against the Northern Territory on the Wednesday morning.