Netball Victoria has announced the 10 Victorian netballers who will proudly represent their communities and culture on the national stage, with the announcement of the 2025 Victorian First Nations state team.
Led by head coach Noel Halton, a proud Palawa man, and assistant coach Lee Bevan-Woodley, a proud Kija woman, the team will compete at Netball Australia’s First Nations tournament from 20–24 August at Jubilee Park in Frankston.
The athletes selected, all aged under 23 and identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, represent the next generation of First Nations talent in Netball Victoria’s high performance pathway. The team will again be supported by training partners embedded in the squad environment in the lead-up to the tournament.
This is the second year Victoria will have a representative First Nations team at the national tournament which began last year, following the success of the inaugural 2024 team, which finished fourth in the competition.
Victorian First Nations state team head coach Noel Halton said:
“It’s an honour to be back coaching this team and to continue building on what we started last year.
“This tournament is more than just competition – it’s a celebration of culture, connection, and leadership. Each of these athletes brings strength, pride and determination, and I’m incredibly proud of the squad we’ve assembled.”
The First Nations tournament provides a vital platform for First Nations players, coaches and officials from across the country to connect and compete in a culturally empowering setting.
Netball Victoria General Manager – High Performance and Pathways, Sharelle McMahon said:
“We are proud to support this program and the athletes who have been selected to wear the Victorian dress.
“Their achievements reflect the strength and vibrancy of First Nations netball in our state, and we are committed to ensuring these pathways are inclusive, welcoming and sustainable for years to come.”
2025 Victorian First Nations state team (Name – Mob – Club)
Holly Stephens – Kurnai – Casey Demons
Jemiah Niki – Jawoyn / Sai Bai Island / Murray Island – Sunbury Lions FNC
Chloe Eyre – Wamba Wamba – Boroondara Express
Elisa Butterworth-Gonebale – Wagiman / Ngan Giwumirri – City West Falcons
Emlyn Turriff – Wurundjeri – Seville FNC
Mia Williams - Noongar Ballardong – Glen Orden Hawks / Melton Centrals FNC
Olivia Spence – Mara – Mt Evelyn FNC
Ashlee Hyde – Wambaya – Casey Demons / Mt Eliza FNC
Anna Solomon – Dunghutti / Ngarigo Monero – Gippsland Stars / Morwell FNC
Brigitte DeMamiel – Wiradjuri
Training partners
Manon Muir – Boondwurrung – City West Falcons
Audrey Domaille – Wamba Wamba – Western Warriors / Lake Wendouree
Isabel Gee – Palawa – Portarlington FNC
Allirah Kerr – Palawa – Pines FNC
Madi Charlie – Yanuya – Woodside FNC
The team will be supported by Netball Victoria’s partner, RACV, and proudly wear a playing dress featuring artwork designed by Aboriginal artist Tara-Rose Gonebale, proud Wagiman and Ngan’Gimerri woman.
Since launching its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2021, Netball Victoria has deepened its commitment to First Nations programs and culturally safe netball environments. With the recent launch of the Innovate RAP in 2025, the organisation continues to prioritise First Nations athlete development from grassroots to elite.
For more information on Netball Victoria’s First Nations programs, visit netballvic.com.au.
