Black Swans announce squad for new international series coinciding with NAIDOC Week

Jarred Cross Published May 28, 2026 at 12.45pm (AWST)

sport

Aaleya Turner and the First Nations Black Swans will return to the court for the inaugural Spirit Series in July, with a number debutants announced in the squad on Thursday. (Image: Joseph Guenzler)

Australia's national Indigenous netball will return to the court in 2026, this time during NAIDOC Week, for a new international series featuring Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Singapore.

The First Nations Black Swans' squad, announced on Thursday, features five debutants for the inaugural Spirit Series at Sydney Netball Centre.

Debuting two years ago, the Black Swans made an immediate impression on the international stage, the invitational outfit finishing on top after the round-robin format of matches at the 2024 Pacific Series.

Six states and territories are represented in the 2026 team, including returning faces Olivia Clark, Lily Cubby, Brook Lacey, Jayden Molo, Tierrah Miller, Scarlet Jauncey and Aaleya Turner.

Mia Evans, Chloe Eyre, Darcy May-Martin, Aaliyah Sheppard and Holly Stephens are set to make their debut for the side in July.

"The depth of talent across the squad made selection incredibly competitive, which is exactly what we want to see as the pathway continues to evolve," Black Swans head coach Jen Wright said.

"We have athletes that bring a wide range of strengths, styles and experiences to the team, and that diversity in skill set is going to be a real asset in an international tournament environment.

"The opportunity to coach this team at a new event like the Spirit Series is incredibly exciting. To compete during NAIDOC Week, alongside other nations and cultures, will make this a really special experience for everyone involved."

*The Black Swans debuted in international competition at the 2024 Pacific Series. (Image: Joseph Guenzler)*

Netball Australia (NA) First Nations Pathway Manager and Queensland Firebirds ANZ Championships premiership winner, Beryl Friday, said selection in the Black Swans side is not only meaningful as a recognition of their talent, but for the representation of community and culture on-court.

"To compete against other national teams in a high performance environment gives these athletes exposure to different playing styles and cultures, which is invaluable for their development on and off the court," Friday said.

More than half of the 12-player Black Swans group are playing Super Netball Reserves.

Initiated in 2024, the First Nations representative side have competed in back-to-back Pacfic Series against International outfits — including their Spirit Series opponents and national championships, with the selection pathway bolstered by the introduction of the state and territory First Nations Tournament, won by NSW in 2025.

"Visibility matters. When First Nations people see these talented athletes rising through the pathway and proudly representing mob at the national level, it sends a clear and powerful message: you belong," NA general manager of First Nations Ali Tucker-Munro said.

Tucker-Munro was the inaugural coach of the Black Swans.

"The Spirit Series is more than a competition; it celebrates the enduring spirit of culture, connection and achievement," she said.

"And it demonstrates Netball Australia's commitment to open doors, strengthen pathways, and drive greater opportunity and representation for First Nations women in netball."

Announced this week, the series is about honouring culture, celebrating First Nations and Indo-Pacific women in netball and inspiring communities.

It comes in the lead up to the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney.

The Spirit Series will host eight matches between July 8-11.

Netball Australia hosts the tournament in partnership with the federal government's PacificSports Aus, with support from Confident Girls Foundation, Suncorp and Arrpwere.

It's a unique high performance environment for emerging netball talent, not just for players, but coaches and umpires as well, NA executive general manager of netball Megan Simpson said.

For PNG, they'll use the tournament as part of their selection process for World Cup qualifiers under Pepes head coach Lua Rikis.

*The Black Swans and PNG Pepes met at the 2025 Pacific Series. (Image: Joseph Guenzler)*

"We are excited to partner with Netball Australia for the upcoming Spirit Series. This tournament provides a crucial, high-intensity international fixture for the Fiji Pearls," Fiji head coach Michelle Parsons said.

"Facing diverse styles of play from the Black Swans, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore will challenge our players' adaptability and performance conditioning."

First Nations Black Swans Squad for Spirit Series

Lily Cubby - Murrawari

Scarlet Jauncey - Yawuru

Brook Lacey - Ewamian

Tierrah Miller - Yamatji-Noongar

Jayden Molo - Waanyi

Aaleya Turner - Kaurna

Set to debut

Mia Evans - Kamilaroi

Chloe Eyre - Wamba Wamba

Darcy May-Martin - Larrakia & Tiwi

Aaliyah Sheppard - Nunukul & Kanolu