The Victorian First Nations team has finished in fourth place at this weekend’s inaugural First Nations tournament at the State Netball Centre.
The event was the first of its kind as a national competition run by Netball Australia, with First Nations athletes from every state and territory represented, playing across the three-day tournament.
The Victorian First Nations team opened the event with their round one match against South Australia who served the home team their first loss (32 - 38). Day two was more successful for the Vics, defeating Northern Territory (42 - 24), and Tasmania (41 - 35).
Finishing in second position in Pool A, the Victorian side came up against New South Wales in the third-place playoff on Sunday. NSW edged out early and maintained control for the entire match, defeating the Victorians 29 – 47.
Reflecting on the weekend, Victorian First Nations team captain Anna Solomon said:
“This tournament is the first opportunity that we get to showcase our talent and indigenous culture on a higher level. It’s really important to come together, mingle and learn about each other and share our stories.
“I know for a lot of girls, it is the first time representing our state. It was very special to play at home and have our family and friends support us.
“The first game was unreal. It was a very close game and with every goal, every turnover, every great pass, the crowd was behind us the whole way and that vibe was really high.
“New South Wales was the toughest match. We knew they were going to be more physical, a lot taller. We gave it everything we could, but they just came out harder.”
Head coach, Noel Halton said:
“The highlight of the tournament has been just everyone from all the states and territories being here on the one weekend in the same environment. It’s a really, really great initiative and I think everyone’s just been excited to be here.
“The girls have really embraced this, along with all the coaching staff.
“We spoke about the results before the weekend had even started and it wasn’t all about that. It’s a bigger picture to be had here over this weekend – they did themselves, their mobs and their families proud and hopefully it will encourage more people to come back next year and trial, and moving forward this could be a real good showcase for First Nations people.
“We’ve created history this weekend. Hopefully there’s lots of kids in the stands today watching saying I want to be one of those girls out there one day. It will just get bigger and better from here.”
For more information, including fixtures and live streaming details, check out the tournament guide.
Results:
Round 1
South Australia (38) def Victoria (32)
Round 2
Northern Territory (24) def by Victoria (42)
Round 3
Victoria (41) def Tasmania (35)
Finals
Bronze Medal Match
Victoria (29) def by New South Wales (47)
Read about the athletes here.
The Victorian First Nations team has been proudly supported by RACV.
For more information on Netball Victoria’s First Nations programs and pathway, click here.
