The Hoops 4 Health Myokines have been crowned Under 12 C2 Champions at the Eltham Dandenong Junior Basketball Tournament in Melbourne, marking the culmination of a journey grounded in resilience, cultural pride and community connection.
Travelling from Darwin on Larrakia Country to Naarm, the young athletes carried with them the values of the Hoops 4 Health Model, a holistic approach to youth development that places equal importance on wellbeing, culture, leadership and sport. Throughout the tournament and their time in Melbourne, the Myokines demonstrated maturity, teamwork and a strong sense of identity both on and off the court.
The team was led by Coach Francess Fatnowna and Manager Alyce Drum, whose leadership created a supportive and disciplined environment for growth. Under their guidance, players Amaia Fatnowna, Mila O'Connell-Briston, Tisharni Duggan, Emmi Hams, Lyla Kickett, Savannah Manthey, Harper Perry and Kiarna Nickels developed confidence and cohesion, showcasing the power of teamwork and trust.
The Melbourne trip was intentionally designed to extend learning beyond competition. The Myokines participated in an elite shooting clinic at Templestowe College with Ian Stacker, former head coach of the Australian Institute of Sport Men's Program and an experienced NBL coach. This session provided valuable technical skills and exposure to high performance standards.
Through the Koorie Basketball Academy, led by Ricky Baldwin and Natasha Frerre, the team also attended a masterclass hosted by NBL legend Cal Bruton and NBA legend Allen Iverson. Learning from international basketball icons left a lasting impression and reinforced the importance of discipline, self-belief and aspiration.
A meaningful highlight of the journey was the uniform presentation ceremony held in partnership with social justice organisation The Brotherhood of St Laurence. Joined by former Victorian State basketballer Caine Muir, the moment reinforced the Myokines' commitment to equity, opportunity and community led partnerships. The ceremony reflected the program's belief that sport can be a powerful vehicle for social change, connection and opening pathways well beyond the basketball court.
Cultural connection remained central throughout the journey. A visit to the Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter statue in Fitzroy offered an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of two influential Indigenous artists while acknowledging the strength and resilience of the Stolen Generations. This experience grounded the team in history, identity and respect.
The Myokines also attended an NBL match between the Southeast Melbourne Phoenix and the Cairns Taipans, facilitated by NBL First Nations and Diversity Officer Kellie Laingmaid. Witnessing elite basketball at the professional level inspired the players to dream big and visualise future pathways.
The journey culminated in a thrilling grand final victory against the Bairnsdale Bullets, a strong First Nations team coached by Nigel Pearce. The match was played with intensity and sportsmanship, with the Myokines displaying composure and determination in crucial moments to secure the championship title.
True to their name, which symbolises hope and resilience, the Myokines embodied these values throughout their campaign. Their distinctive uniforms, featuring the Campfire Resilience Design by Larrakia woman Natalie Quall, proudly showcased cultural identity and sparked conversations across the tournament.
The Myokines' success reflects the strength of community led programs that nurture young people through sport, culture and connection, building confident athletes and future leaders.
