It has been an epic few days of netball action in Frankston with the country’s best young First Nations netballers going head-to-head at the second annual First Nations Tournament.
Queensland looked poised to go back-to-back throughout the week as the only team undefeated before finals.
But never write off an underdog.
A nailbiter and two underdog victories told the tale of an enormous final day of action.
We run you through some of our highlights.
NSW CLAIM TITLE IN A THRILLER
The NSW Waradas have taken the champions crown off last year’s winners Queensland in an extra-time showstopper.
A day earlier, Queensland walked away from their match-up carrying plenty of confidence having defeated NSW by 16 goals.
But Sunday’s Grand Final was a stark reminder to never write off an underdog.
NSW came out of the blocks firing and led by a goal at the first break.
It remained neck and neck in the second but then the third term delivered a shift in momentum.
NSW midcourter Acacia Elers was sent off, giving QLD the opening they needed to take charge.
Two goals down heading into the final quarter, NSW were not going to go down without a fight.
They fought back displaying plenty of deadly skill and athleticism to draw the game and send it into extra time.
It was a tense final few minutes of play, but NSW stamped their authority against the reigning champions, winning by two goals.
NSW prevailed despite wing defence Elers being sent off the court.The battle between Mia Evans (Grand Final MVP) and Brianna Martyn was one to watch throughout the clash, with both players putting everything on the line to deliver the ball into the circle and win it back for their side.
At the other end, Charlotte Ryan used her strength to out-body Brook Lacey and win the one-on-one battle. Her connection with MVP Evans was crucial to the outcome of the game.
QLD goalers Lily Cubby and Georgia Lindsay kept on the move to reduce the impact of the NSW defensive unit of Jaylah Boney and Phoebe Hickson.
Elers forced constant changes in the QLD wing attack position before remaining off the court following her suspension, with NSW ensuring they remained in play.
LUTRUWITA TAKE OUT THIRD
Tasmania (lutruwita) claimed bronze in an impressive showdown against Victoria, 35-25.
The two sides were evenly matched throughout a tantalising first half, keeping spectators on their toes with just three goals between them at the main change.
Stability down the court allowed lutruwita to build on their combinations to lead by five goals heading into the final change.
Challenged by VIC throughout the entire match, lutruwita rallied late with a 9-4 final quarter to take out a commanding 10-goal victory.
The result ultimately came down to the huge work rate of goal keeper Emma Johns at one end and the cleanliness of Bellah Parker and Sophie Brewer at the other.
While Victoria’s defensive unit of captain Anna Solomon and Ashlee Hyde worked tirelessly to win ball back, the side lacked composure through the midcourt allowing Johns to pick off crucial intercepts.
lutruwita claimed the bronze medal after an outstanding week.NT AND SA FINISH ON A HIGH
Winless in the pool rounds, the NT side came out with a point to prove in the first match of the final day against ACT.
Having lost to ACT by 21 goals on Thursday morning, the NT side had every reason to celebrate a momentous 35-28 victory.
A huge 7-0 start was the difference in the end, with ACT unable to work back the initial margin despite throwing everything they had at the NT side.
Ruby Mack and Taneesa Hampton’s combination in the goal circle proved the coaching staff, led by Michelle Kerrin, had well and truly done their work.
The shooting duo’s cleanliness reduced the impact of Thalia Uilelea and Taylah Kiss, while NT’s Courtney Jones fed seamlessly over strong hands-over pressure from Kaylah Upfield.
A strong second half had dictated SA’s win over WA during the pool rounds, and that’s exactly where they continued from at the beginning of their 5v6 clash on Sunday to run out 36-23 victors.
A 10-3 opening quarter effectively won SA the match after an outstanding showing from Aaleya Turner in goal keeper, producing constant turnovers against Jamaica Jauncey.
WA midcourter Tierrah Miller was a crucial cog through the midcourt but to no avail, defended well by Annie Coffey.
A rotation of shooters was the key to SA’s win with Sienna Wilson, Kamaya Wyatt and Taya O’Loughlin all putting up solid stats while WA suffered from a lack of opportunity.
First Nations Black Swans teammates Lily Cubby and Jamaica Jauncey went head-to-head on day one.MARTYN NAMED MVP
Named in honour of Marcia Ella-Duncan OAM, the first First Nations player to play netball for Australia, the Tournament MVP award was coveted by all.
Ruled out of last year’s First Nations Tournament before it even began, Brianna Martyn came back with a vengeance in this year’s edition to run out Tournament MVP.
The QLD centre was a crucial cog for her side throughout the entire tournament, playing a key role in all eight of QLD's matches.
Martyn was a constant threat in both attack and defence and a crucial link between the two ends with her speed in transition and endurance to provide a threat at any stage of the tournament.
TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT
GS: Jamaica Jauncey
GA: Jayda Grant
WA: Jayden Molo
C: Brianna Martyn
WD: Aaliyah Sheppard
GD: Brook Lacey
GK: Aaleya Turner
Marcia Ella-Duncan Tournament MVP: Brianna Martyn (QLD)
Sharon Finnan-White Grand Final MVP: Mia Evans (NSW)
Marjory Kerslake Umpire Recognition Award: Mackayla Harrison (SA)
For the full tournament results click here.
Thanks to Principle Partner the Confident Girls Foundation, Host Partner Visit Victoria and Major Partner Suncorp for their support of the event.
