Netball Australia has today announced the 2027 First Nations Black Swans squad.
Proudly supported by the Confident Girls Foundation, the squad has been selected following the annual First Nations Tournament held in Melbourne last week, where some of the country’s best emerging and established First Nations netballers showcased their talent.
Twenty athletes have been selected in the 2027 Black Swans squad, including 17 returning players and three new faces. Six states and territories are represented, reflecting the depth and breadth of First Nations netball talent across Australia.
Selections recognise standout performers from the 2026 First Nations Tournament, alongside athletes progressing through state and national pathway programs.
Among those selected are Aaliyah Sheppard, winner of the 2026 Marcia Ella-Duncan OAM MVP at this year’s Tournament, as well as Black Swans mainstays Scarlet Jauncey and Jayden Molo, who have represented the program since its inception in 2024.
The Black Swans are set to compete in an international tournament in 2027, with further details to be shared in the coming months.
Black Swans Head Coach Jen Wright said the quality of talent available made selection a challenging but exciting process.
“The depth of talent across First Nations netball continues to grow, and that made this selection process incredibly exciting,” Wright said.
“There were so many outstanding performances and athletes putting their hand up, which is a great reflection of the strength of the pathway.”
Netball Australia General Manager, First Nations and proud Kamilaroi woman Ali Tucker-Munro said selection in the Black Swans program held a special significance for athletes and their communities.
“Being selected as a Black Swan means so much because these athletes are not only representing themselves – they are representing their families, their communities and their culture with great pride,” Tucker-Munro said.
“The Black Swans program continues to play an important role in creating opportunities for First Nations athletes to progress through the netball pathway. We’re proud to see the program growing and providing more athletes with the opportunity to develop and compete at this level.”
2027 BLACK SWANS SQUAD
Tayla Abraham – Wilman / Wagyl Kaip (WA)
Gabby Coffey – Wiradjuri (NT)
Lily Cubby – Murrawari (QLD)
Acacia Elers – Worimi (NSW)
Mia Evans – Kamilaroi (NSW)
Chloe Eyre – Wamba Wamba (VIC)
Jayda Grant – Wiradjuri (NSW)
Lucille Heath – Kamilaroi (QLD)
Phoebe Hickson – Dunghutti / Wiradjuri (NSW)
Scarlet Jauncey – Yawuru / Broome (WA)
Brook Lacey – Ewamian (QLD)
Georgia Lindsay – Gudjal (QLD)
Darcy May-Martin – Larrakia (SA)
Brianna Martyn – Kullilli (QLD)
Tierrah Miller – Yamatji / Noongar (WA)
Jayden Molo – Waanyi (QLD)
Kiesha Muckan – Kabi Kabi, Yuggera, Quandamooka & Boigu Island (QLD)
Aaliyah Sheppard – Nunukul & Kanolu (QLD)
Holly Stephens – Kurnai (VIC)
Aaleya Turner – Kaurna (SA)
