By Stephanie Smarrelli
Youngster Jaylah Boney is preparing to lead NSW at this year’s First Nations Tournament.
But for Boney, pulling on her the NSW kit almost didn’t happen.
Not because there weren’t opportunities to do so, or because she consistently moved between clubs, but because she almost threw her bib away.
And if it weren’t for one key driver, she may have given up.
“I’m still playing for my culture,” she said.
“The lack of Indigenous players in SSN makes me want to keep pushing, to represent us and be there one day."
When she looks at an elite netball court for inspiration, she doesn’t have to look much further than one Origin Diamond.
“Donnell Wallam is an idol to me,” she said.
“There aren't many Aboriginal people who go through the netball pathways and to see she’s gone through it and made it to SSN and Diamonds is inspiring.
“She's a very strong athlete both on and off the court, I want to be like her.”
Boney hopes as captain she will be powerful on court like her idol Wallam during this year’s First Nations Tournament.
"Being the first year of the tournament to lead the team down in Melbourne and play is a privilege,” she said.
Boney is inspired by Origin Diamond Donnell Wallam.“We all have voices on court but I'm excited to be captain and to have everyone's back when they need it.”
She was ‘blown away’ when she first heard of the tournament which will feature the best First Nations talent, younger than 23, from across the country.
A proud Ngemba, Barkinji and Awabakal woman, Boney’s connection to her heritage is evident as she discusses the importance of First Nations representation at the highest level.
It’s important to Boney she engages in her culture in her everyday life with the youngster regularly involved in traditional artwork, dance and NAIDOC Week activities.
“It’s a privilege to represent my state and First Nations culture,” she said.
“I want to always go an extra step because being Aboriginal means a lot to me.”
Her favourite netball memory intersects with her First Nations culture, the youngster most enjoying when the two join forces.
“Playing in my first Indigenous Round,” she said, reflecting on her past.
“I feel privileged every time I play in Indigenous Rounds because they are for us.”
Tune in to the First Nations Tournament live and on demand on KommunityTV.
