Queensland have reclaimed the First Nations Tournament title, overcoming a spirited Western Australia outfit in a thrilling Grand Final to return to the top of the podium after winning gold in 2024 and silver in 2025.
Held at Parkville’s State Netball Centre in Victoria from 16–20 September, the tournament brought together the nation’s best First Nations Under 23 athletes, celebrating Indigenous talent and providing a platform for future netball stars.
Queensland entered the tournament determined to go one better than their 2025 silver-medal finish and quickly demonstrated they would again be a force to be reckoned with.
The Grand Final delivered a fitting finale to the week, with Queensland and Western Australia locked in a fierce contest from the opening whistle.
Queensland appeared in control after building a nine-goal advantage by the end of the second quarter, before Western Australia produced an outstanding third-quarter fightback to draw level heading into the final term.
Queensland’s resolve was tested further when Brook Lacey (Ewamian) was sent from the court late in the match, forcing the side to adapt under pressure. In her absence, Maryke Babia (Mabuyag and Saibai Island) stood tall in defence as Queensland’s lone circle defender, helping keep the margin within reach and ensuring the game remained alive.
Western Australia managed to break ahead by two goals in a dramatic final quarter, but Queensland refused to yield. Once back at full strength, the Queensland side fought their way level, with Jorja James (Gudjal/Dyribal/Mamu/Bwgcolman) evening the scores with just under a minute to go before a frantic final passage unfolded. After losing possession following an infringement call inside the final 30 seconds, the championship looked to be slipping away.
However, in a moment that epitomised Queensland’s determination, Aaliyah Sheppard (Nunukul/Kanolu) produced a flying intercept to regain possession for her side. Queensland then calmly worked the ball through court, maintaining control before finding Makayla Cubby (Murrawari/Kamilaroi), who coolly converted the winning goal in the final second to secure a dramatic 36–35 victory.
The victory gives Queensland its second First Nations Tournament title in three years, following gold in 2024 and silver in 2025, and caps another memorable tournament for the team.
The result carried added significance for the group, who competed without Head Coach Sharon Finnan-White OAM (Dunghutti/Biripi/Gumbaynggirr) following the passing of her father. Assistant Coach Samantha Dippell (Wulli Wulli/Wakka Wakka) stepped seamlessly into the lead role, guiding the team throughout the tournament.
Tournament MVP: Aaliyah Sheppard (QLD)
Queensland U23 First Nations Team
Maryke Babia (Mabuyag and Saibai Island)
Savanna Beale (Gudjal/Gugu Badhun/Garawa)
Makayla Cubby (Murrawari/Kamilaroi)
Lucille Heath (Kamilaroi)
Jorja James (Gudjal/Dyribal/Mamu/Bwgcolman)
Kiesha Muckan (Kabi Kabi/Yuggera/Boigu Island/Quandamooka)
Aaliyah Sheppard (Nunukul/Kanolu)
Lacy Triffett (Waanyi/Mitakoodi)
Lily Tschuna (Wirangu/Koktha/Yunkunytjatjara/Dunghutti)
Training Partners: Georgia Keating (Kuku Yalanji/Kuuku Ya'u), Demi Martyn (Kullilli), Taylah Henry (Girramay/Jirrbal), Layla Tabuai (Ayth Koedal)
Coach: Sharon Finnan-White OAM (Dunghutti/Biripi/Gumbaynggirr)
Assistant Coach: Samantha Dippel (Wulli Wulli/Wakka Wakka)
Team Manager: Kylie McCartney (Barkindji/Murrawari)
