Netball Australia recently announced the pilot First Nations Tournament to take place in September 2024. The tournament will provide accelerated and equitable opportunities for First Nations athletes from across the country.
This pilot program follows many First Nations Program established in 2024, including the First Nations Coaching Course and the First Nations Invitational Netball Team, the Black Swans.
Tasmania will join Victoria, ACT, New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory to compete in the pivotal pilot tournament.
We are thrilled to be able to announce the players and coaches of the first Lutruwita team. The team is comprised of First Nations athletes proud to represent the Palawa people of Lutruwita.
Head Coach
Fiona Geappen Pinterrairer
Assistant Coach
Rachel Kerslake Mannalargenna
Players
Matilda Allen Wiradjuri
Sophie Brewer Wiradjuri
Madison Dove Pinterrairer
Abbey Geappen Pinterrairer
Molly Green Truwulway
Matilda Kaye Mannalargenna
Asha Lowe Melukerdee
Asha Mannie Trawlwoolway
Bellah Parker Pydairrerme
Cara Watkins Larrakia / Jingili Mudburra
Training Partner
Annabelle Gatehouse Tjwarl / Dambimangari
Development Player
Bianca Hammersley Wybalenna / Truwanna
The inaugural team is lucky to be under guidance of our experienced coaches. Head Coach Fiona Geappen, who was invited to attend the First Nations Coaching Course earlier this year. Fiona is excited to be able to continue the growth of our First Nations player into the future.
“As a proud Palawa woman, I feel very honoured to be selected as Head Coach of our Tasmanian Team participating in the Inaugural First Nations National Tournament. What an amazing opportunity for our young First Nations players & coaching staff to enhance our cultural understanding of our ancestors, while building belief & positive growth on court for future years.”
The Lutruwita team will wear dresses featuring a design by local artist, Takira Simon-Brown. "This design has been inspired by pulp of the pigface, scattered about on country glowing under the sunlight"
Netball Australia’s First Nations Engagement Lead Ali Tucker-Munro expressed the importance of the inaugural Tournament.
“I cannot wait to see our girls in action, as well as the opportunity to connect with mob from across Australia who share the same passion and love for our great game that I do,” Tucker-Munro said.
“The introduction of this First Nations Tournament demonstrates the commitment from Netball Australia and all Member Organisations to take the required steps to ensure our sport is a safe inclusive space for First Nations Australians, whilst recognising and nurturing the First Nations talent we know exists within our communities across Australia.
“I’d also like to thank our partners who have demonstrated a deep understanding of what it means to invest in programs that create opportunities specifically for our strong staunch First Nations women and girls.”
Netball Tasmania would like to thank the Tasmanian Government for their continued support, without which we would not be able to support our athletes with incredible opportunities such as this.
