Netball Australia has announced the First Nations Black Swans team selected to compete at the inaugural Spirit Series in Sydney this July.
Proudly supported by the Confident Girls Foundation and the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports, the team of 12 selected from the 2026 Black Swans squad will represent Australia at the new international tournament celebrating culture and excellence for First Nations and Indo-Pacific women in netball.
Held at Sydney’s Netball Central from 8–11 July, aligning with NAIDOC Week, the event will see the Black Swans take on the national teams of Singapore, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
The selected team features a blend of experience and emerging talent, including five athletes set to make their debut in the Black Swans dress: Mia Evans, Chloe Eyre, Darcy May-Martin, Aaliyah Sheppard and Holly Stephens.
Six states and territories are represented in the team, with more than half of the group currently competing in Super Netball Reserves including West Coast Fever training partner Scarlet Jauncey.
Black Swans Head Coach Jen Wright said the calibre of athletes available for selection highlighted the strength and growth of the program.
“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,” 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.”
Netball Australia First Nations Pathway Manager Beryl Friday said the Spirit Series represented an important opportunity for athletes within the First Nations pathway.
“Selection into the Black Swans is deeply meaningful for our athletes because it recognises not only their talent and hard work, but also the pride they carry representing their communities and cultures,” Friday said.
“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.”
Netball Australia General Manager – First Nations Ali Tucker-Munro said the visibility created through the First Nations pathway and national representation continued to play a vital role for future generations.
“The Black Swans represent so much more than sport. They stand for connection, pride, and the strength of culture – creating pathways that inspire young First Nations athletes across the country to believe in their potential and pursue their netball dream,” Tucker-Munro said.
“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.
“The Spirit Series is more than a competition; it celebrates the enduring spirit of culture, connection and achievement. And it demonstrates Netball Australia’s commitment to open doors, strengthen pathways, and drive greater opportunity and representation for First Nations women in netball.”
BLACK SWANS TEAM
Olivia Clark – Kamilaroi (ACT)
Lily Cubby – Murrawari (QLD)
Mia Evans – Kamilaroi (NSW)*
Chloe Eyre – Wamba Wamba (VIC)*
Scarlet Jauncey – Yawuru (WA)
Brook Lacey – Ewamian (QLD)
Darcy May-Martin – Larrakia & Tiwi (SA)*
Tierrah Miller – Yamatji/Noongar (WA)
Jayden Molo – Waanyi (QLD)
Aaliyah Sheppard – Nunukul & Kanolu (QLD)*
Holly Stephens – Kurnai (VIC)*
Aaleya Turner – Kaurna (SA)
*Denotes athletes set to make their Black Swans debut at the Spirit Series.
Article by Netball Australia
