Netball Australia has announced the 17 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes making up the 2026 First Nations Black Swans squad.
Victorian athletes Chloe Eyre (Wamba Wamba) and Holly Stephens (Kurnai) have been selected, Stephens as one of five new faces achieving their first selection in the program.
The squad was selected based on performances at August’s national First Nations Tournament and other state and national pathway programs.
Eyre and Stephens both represented Victoria at the 2024 and 2025 First Nations Tournaments, and compete in the Victorian Netball League (VNL).
Stephens, a versatile goaler who can play in either a holding or moving circle, also demonstrated her leadership capability as Victorian vice captain and has impressed in her two seasons with the Casey Demons’ 23&U side in the VNL.
Fellow attacker Eyre, who competes for Boroondara Express’ 23&U team in the VNL and plays across all three attacking positions, returns to the Black Swans for her second year having been selected for the 2025 squad aged just 16.
Netball Australia’s First Nations Pathways Manager, Beryl Friday, said the program continues to have a strong focus on supporting pathway athletes to reach the highest levels of the sport.
“While the purpose of this program is to have First Nations athletes selected into an Australian Diamonds team, we’ve really expanded our approach to empower them as First Nations female leaders and role models,” Friday said.
“The Black Swans program provides the athletes with holistic opportunities to develop their technical and tactical skills while also building leadership, cultural pride, and the capacity to be role models in their communities.”
Athletes will remain connected to their home-state programs while taking part in a season-long schedule of in-person and virtual activities, guided by individual performance plans that support their development and wellbeing.
Education sessions throughout the year will cover performance, nutrition, culture, leadership, media and personal development, helping athletes build resilience, confidence and pride on and off the court.
2026 First Nations Black Swans Squad
Sophie Brewer – Wiradjuri (TAS)
Olivia Clarke – Kamilaroi (ACT)
Gabby Coffey – Wiradjuri (NT)
Lily Cubby – Murrawari (QLD)
Mia Evans – Kamilaroi (NSW)
Chloe Eyre – Wamba Wamba (VIC)
Jayda Grant – Wiradjuri (NSW)
Phoebe Hickson – Dunghutti/Wiradjuri (NSW)
Scarlet Jauncey – Yawuru (WA)
Brook Lacey – Ewamian (QLD)
Darcy-May Martin – Larrakia & Tiwi (SA)
Brianna Martyn – Kullilli (QLD)
Tierrah Miller – Yamatji/Noongar (WA)
Jayden Molo – Waanyi (QLD)
Aaliyah Frescon-Sheppard – Nunukul & Kanolu (QLD)
Holly Stephens – Kurnai (VIC)
Aaleya Turner – Kaurna (SA)
