2025 Netball Australia First Nations Tournament: Watch five days of action LIVE
A surprise contender emerged on the opening day of the Netball Australia First Nations Tournament on Wednesday, while two other states also finished the day undefeated. Watch the REPLAYS.
Surprise packet Lutruwita (Tasmania) has established itself as one of the teams to beat at the Netball First Nations Tournament in Frankston.
A shock two-goal win over last year’s grand finalists Yakanarna (South Australia) followed by a convincing 41-19 win over the Northern Territory ensured they ended the opening day with a clean record.
Queensland and NSW Waradas also finished Wednesday with a 2-0 record.
After it was Bellah Parker (18) and Sophie Brewer (12) that dominated for Lutruwita against Yakanarna, Mali Johnston stepped up against the Territory and finished with 15 goals.
Lutruwita’s win was one of a number of big victories to close out the opening day, with the ACT’s 45-38 defeat of Western Australia the tightest of the round 2 results.
Despite a loss to Queensland, Victoria also established itself as one of the teams to beat after overcoming a brave and brilliant fight from the ACT to record a thrilling 35-34 win in round 1.
Victoria trailed by four goals at the end of the first quarter before the injection of defender Olivia Spence in the second quarter helped stem the flow of points, while Jemiah Niki and Holly Stephens went to work in the shooting circle.
Victoria established a lead of their own by halftime before the ACT found an extra gear to claw their way back ahead by two at the final break.
A four-goal run to Stephens (19) to start the final quarter turned the tables once again, with the home side holding on tight to clinch victory.
The win typified a competitive opening session of action at the First Nations Tournament with reigning champions Queensland having to fight their way to a come-from-behind 46-38 win over a gallant Western Australia.
The only result that was beyond double digits in the opening round was a big win for the NSW Waradas, who powered past Northern Territory to start their tournament with a 45-19 win.
REPLAYS
Tasmania v NT
NSW v SA
Queensland v Victoria
ACT v WA
SA v Tasmania
NT v NSW
Victoria v ACT
Queensland v WA
PREVIEW
The Netball Australia First Nations Tournament will return in 2025, and it will be bigger and better than before.
KommunityTV will partner with Netball Australia for the second-straight year to help bring the tournament to life on the small screen, exclusively live streaming every match of the event.
The First Nations Tournament, which has become a permanent part of the Netball Australia calendar following the success of last year’s pilot, will expand to a five-day event this year from August 20-24.
Under-23 representative sides from all eight Netball Australia member states and territories will take part in the tournament, with Queensland on the hunt for back-to-back titles.
Queensland’s star goal shooter and the inaugural player of the tournament, Lily Cubby, will make her return to the event in Frankston.
The proud Murrawari woman said the tournament provided an opportunity for athletes to represent their culture and family on a national stage.
“I’m incredibly excited to see the First Nations tournament return in 2025. It’s such an honour to represent my family and mob on this platform — it means the world to me,” Cubby said.
“This tournament isn’t just about playing the game, it’s about connection, culture, and creating real opportunities.
“It’s so powerful for young First Nations girls to see that there’s a pathway for them in sport, and I’m proud to be part of something that celebrates who we are and where we come from.”
Netball Australia CEO Stacy West said the tournament “presents a space for culture and netball to thrive side-by-side”.
“Last year’s pilot was about more than just competition – it was a demonstration of Netball Australia’s commitment to creating culturally safe, inclusive pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, coaches, umpires, and fans,” she said/
“We are proud to see the First Nations Tournament return as an annual celebration and honoured to continue walking alongside our First Nations partners on this journey.”
The First Nations Tournament will be played across two sessions each day from Wednesday, August 20 with finals to take over the Show Court on Sunday, August 24.
Originally published as 2025 Netball Australia First Nations Tournament: Watch five days of action LIVE
