Victoria’s First Nations team set to compete at the upcoming Netball Australia’s First Nations Tournament has been selected.
The First Nations Tournament brings together under 23-aged teams from every state and territory.
Following a successful pilot event in 2024, this year’s tournament has expanded to a five-day competition taking place at Jubilee Park Stadium in Frankston from Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 August.
Victorian First Nations head coach Noel Halton is hoping to build on a fourth place 2024 finish with an almost unchanged lineup and more match play.
Meet the athletes set to represent their mobs and Victoria in 2025.
THE SHOOTERS
Holly Stephens (vice captain) – GS/GA
Kurnai
Casey Demons
Holly Stephens is one of several athletes returning to Victoria’s First Nations team for 2025. The versatile goaler can play in either a holding or moving circle, and has proved her dominance on court in her second season of the Victorian Netball League (VNL) in Casey Demons’ 23&Under team.
Jemiah Niki – GS/GA
Jawoyn/Sai Bai Island/Murray Island
Sunbury Lions FNC
A holding goaler with great elevation, Jemiah Niki was the most accurate Victorian at the First Nations Tournament in 2024, shooting at 89.6% in her four appearances on court. She continues to improve as an athlete, plying her trade in Western Warriors’ VNL development program.
Chloe Eyre – GA/GS/WA
Wamba Wamba
Boroondara Express
Long range shooter Chloe Eyre is one to watch. Playing mostly in wing attack in last year’s tournament, 181cm-tall Eyre was talent identified and selected in 2025 the Black Swans squad at just 16 years of age. Coach Halton is excited to see what she can do this year in her preferred position of goal attack, and with a year playing in Boroondara Express’s 23&Under VNL team under her belt. “She has a beautiful shooting action, movement around the court, and entry into the circle,” he said.
THE MIDCOURTERS
Elisa Butterworth-Gonebale – C/WA
Wagiman/Ngan Giwumirri
City West Falcons
One of the team’s most experienced players, Elisa Butterworth-Gonebale plays in City West Falcons’ 23&Under VNL side and represented Victoria in the 2023 Under 17 state team. The predominant wing attack can play in all three midcourt positions with her speed and ball handling skills. “Her speed and agility are second to none,” said Halton.
Emlyn Turriff – C/WA
Wurundjeri
Seville FNC
Pocket rocket Emlyn Turriff showed her composure on court playing in last year’s First Nations Tournament as a 15 year old. The attacking midcourter has a low turnover rate and change of pace that works to shake off defenders.
Mia Williams – WD/GD/C
Noongar Ballardong
Glen Orden Hawks/Melton Centrals FNC
Mia Williams can win ball with her explosive speed and strong vertical leap. The versatile athlete can safely deliver the ball down court and will likely play across three positions at this year’s tournament.
Olivia Spence – WD/C
Mara
Croydon North MLOC/Eastern United Netball
Initially selected as a training partner in 2024, Olivia Spence played an important on court role in last year’s tournament earning her official 2025 selection. A former circle defender, Spence plays a shutdown style of defence and connects well with other midcourters to help convert gains into goals.
THE DEFENDERS
Ashlee Hyde – GK/GD
Wambaya
Casey Demons/Mt Eliza FNC
Ashlee Hyde intimidates goalers with her great lean over the shot, defensive pressure down court, and strong rebounds. She brings valuable VNL experience to this team as a current 23&Under athlete for Casey Demons. “She has phenomenal aerial skills — she just rips the ball in,” said Halton.
Anna Solomon (captain) – GK/GD/WD
Dunghutti/Ngarigo Monero
Gippsland Stars/Morwell FNC
Anna Solomon will captain Victoria’s First Nations side for a second year running. “She’s just a great leader,” said Halton. “If you’re not having the best day, Anna just gets everyone up and about.” As a player, Solomon is known for her drive down court and ability to transition the ball out of defence. She has multiple years of VNL experience, currently playing in Gippsland Stars’ 23 &Under team.
Brigitte DeMamiel – GK/GD/GS
Wiradjuri
Brigitte DeMamiel is the only newcomer to the Victorian First Nations team this year. With the ability to play at both ends of the court, she offers versatility and a strong physical presence. Standing at 187.5cm, DeMamiel is the tallest member of the Victorian team.
SQUAD MEMBERS
Isabel Gee – GD/GK/WD
Palawa
Portarlington FNC
Isabel Gee returns to the squad for a second year as a training partner. Coach Halton has been impressed with her development and potential as a versatile defender with flair.
Manon Muir – GD/WD/GK
Boonwurrung
City West Falcons
Manon Muir is a star of the future. Part of City West Falcons development program, the teenager got a taste of the VNL Championship division in Round 11 this season. “Her read of the play in trials was exceptional… She was the intercept queen,” Halton said.
Audrey Domaille – GD/GK/WD
Wamba Wamba
Western Warriors/Lake Wendouree
With her body-on-body style of defence, Audrey Domaille provides little opportunity for opposing attackers to drive to the ball. The defender is coming off a strong first season with Western Warriors’ development team in the VNL Reserves competition.
Madi Charlie – GK/GD/WD
Yanuya
Woodside FNC
A committed athlete, Madi Charlie is an up-and-coming defender with potential to move into the midcourt. Coach Halton is excited about her future growth.
The Victorian First Nations state team also trains with athletes from the First Nations Academy coming through the state pathway: Yulkirri Bamblett, Phoebe Fisher, Zioni Garling-Mathyssen, Jordan Korp, Destiny Murphy, and Mia Peverill.
Read the 2025 First Nations tournament guide.
