Black Swans claim third as Samoa takes out PacificAus Netball series

Joseph Guenzler Published February 24, 2025 at 11.00am (AWST)

sport

The Black Swans finished third in the PacificAus Sports Netball Series which concluded on Saturday. (Image: Joseph Guenzler)

The 2025 PacificAus Sports Netball Series concluded on Saturday, with Samoa securing a 54-52 victory over Scotland to claim the championship.

Ranked 18th in the world, Samoa upset 10th-ranked Scotland in a hard-fought final at Brisbane's Nissan Arena.

The final standings saw Samoa finish first, Scotland second, and the First Nations Black Swans in third, followed by Tonga (fourth), Fiji (fifth), and Papua New Guinea (sixth).

This year's competition proved to be one of the toughest yet, with all teams stepping up their performances across the week.

The Black Swans closed out their campaign with two tight contests.

On Friday, they fought to a 56-56 draw against Fiji, unable to hold onto their lead in a tense finish.

However they secured a 50-42 win over PNG on Saturday, breaking through a strong defensive effort from their opponents.

Olivia Clark led the scoring effort in the final match, finishing with 30 goals from 35 attempts.

*Brook Lacey showed her athleticism with at least 6 blocks in the final two games of the series. (Image: Joseph Guenzler)*

Brook Lacey was a standout in defence, recording 10 intercepts across the last two games, showcasing her ability to read the play and disrupt opposition attacks.

"My defensive performance goes on my unit – we're all making plays for each other, so shoutout to my team," Lacey told the National Indigenous Times.

"We only had two days of training before this, so our connection [with defensive partner Scarlet Jauncey] is really good.

"I've loved being back in this environment and just representing my mob."

Captain Scarlet Jauncey reflected on the team's journey throughout the tournament.

"So much growth with every player on our team... I'm really proud of what we did today," Jauncey said.

"It's such a privilege to lead the Black Swans with Aaleya [Turner] and Liv [Olivia Clark].

"Really proud of what they've done this week."

*Scarlet Jauncey and the Black Swans offered the PNG squad gifts post-match. (Image: Joseph Guenzler)*

In a display of great sportsmanship, the Black Swans gifted the PNG squad hand-painted and designed earrings after their match.

With a third-place finish and strong performances across the tournament, the Black Swans continue to build as a competitive force, with players gaining valuable experience on the international stage.