Lee Bevan-Woodley is hoping her side of Victoria's best and emerging Indigenous netballers will "create something special" at this year's First Nations Tournament, as squads begin sure up for 2026's carnival.
Victoria fell short in last year's bronze medal match, with the NSW Waradas crowned 2025 champions after a heart-in-mouth extra time final over defending champions Queensland.
The First Nations Tournament has brought representative teams from each state and territory across Australia together since 2024.
Victoria have confirmed their squad off the back of trials, with returning players and new faces selected.
"Having been part of this program, I understand the pride and responsibility that come with leading this group. With several new support staff joining the program and bringing a wealth of expertise, experience and fresh perspectives, I'm excited about the opportunities ahead," Bevan-Woodley, the state's head coach, said.
From a final trial of 32 players, a state team of 12 with four training partners and three additional academy members have been named.
2025 vice-captain Holly Stephens and skipper Anna Solomon are in the side, as two of eight returnees, also including Chloe Eyre.
Stephens and Eyre were last month confirmed as debutants for the national Indigenous team, the First Nations Black Swans, to face international opposition like Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Singapore at July's Spirit Series, during NAIDOC Week.
"Together, we have the chance to create something special, and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can achieve as a collective both on and off the court," Bevan-Woodley said.
"With a mix of new faces joining the squad and a strong core of returning players, the early energy around the group has been incredibly positive. There is already a genuine sense of connection, purpose and shared commitment amongst the team.
"What has stood out most is the players' willingness to be accountable to one another and their relentless approach to preparation. Those foundations will be critical as we continue to build towards this year's competition and strive to represent our program with pride."
Victoria First Nations State Team: Allirah Kerr, Anna Solomon, Ashlee Hyde, Brigitte Demamiel Chloe Eyre, Djura Weston, Holly Stephens, Keely Kinsey, Manon Muir, Olivia Spence, Tully Bethune, Tylah McCleish
Training Partners: Keita-Rose, Lofani Faiva, Mia Williams Tilly Thorpe-Calgaret
Academy: Summer Atkinson, Violet Corrie, Zioni Garling-Mathyssen
Training has started ahead of September's Tournament.
Yakanarna (South Australia) announced their squad in May.
Previous Black Swans skipper Aaleya Turner returns alongside 11 familiar faces.
Yakanarna First Nations Tournament squad: Kylah Adams, Kira Buckskin, Tia Buckskin, Makayla Colson, Erin Dixon, Lilly Hensing, Miah Jones, Darcy May-Martin, Ava-Marie Miller, Kashiah Miller, Allyra Nguyen, Janaya Thorpe, Aaleya Turner, Nara Weber, Sienna Wilson, Kamaya Wyatt, Tashani Wyatt, Zara Zrinscak
Western Australia is hosting First Nations state team trials on July 5 with registrations open.
