Dempsey’s key message for SA team

By Stephanie Smarrelli

Head coach of South Australia’s First Nations team Vanessa Dempsey is looking forward to the inaugural First Nations Tournament.  

And she’s got one key message to the side ahead of the pilot tournament. 

“This is an opportunity for them as individuals to be seen and showcase what they've got,” she said.  

“It's also an opportunity for them to represent their community and to go there and play the way they want to play with their uniqueness, flair and freedom in the safe environment.  

"But secondly, it's an opportunity for them to represent the community and showcase how Aboriginal people play the game and celebrate that.” 

Dempsey reflected on the connection the tournament provides to the mainstream Netball Australia pathways believing the tournament will improve the pathways system and prepare First Nations athletes to join it. 

“I see the tournament as an important connection piece, connecting the mainstream pathways,” she said. 

“To see our up-and-coming future First Nations stars, to connect and give opportunities to. It’s just as much about getting the mainstream elite setting prepared and ready for our First Nations players as much as it is about getting our players ready for the mainstream pathway. 

“It’s about bringing the best of our netball states and territories together and giving our First Nations athletes the opportunity to be exposed to the environment and showcase their talent.” 

Drawing strength from their First Nations heritage is pivotal, according to Dempsey. So much so that assistance coach will hold a cultural session with them. 

“Gabby is going to be doing some painting and artwork with them to have that connection to themselves, to each other and to their country," she said. 

As there often is, there are a few standouts among the lineup but the coach is also eager to see some fresh faces hit the court as well. 

"We've got a couple girls in the pathway; Aaleya Turner is in the Thunderbirds SSN Reserves team and there’s a young girl Sienna Wilson who was in the successful 17U SA state team this year,” she said.  

“They're two players currently in the pathway who have a lot of potential to look out for but in general, everyone else in the team brings something unique to the group. 

"Those players who aren't in the pathway already, don’t play for Premier League clubs and are up-and-coming are the ones we all really need to keep an eye out on.” 

Being asked to lead the team was an honour for Dempsey, who was thrilled to hear of the pilot tournament earlier this year. 

Something she described as, “a long time coming”. 

“There's been a lot of Aboriginal people in our space across the various states who have been putting in the work and doing the hard yards for years,” she said.“I feel really honored, to support the players and showcase their skillset and what they bring to netball.” 

A Narungga, Ngarrindjeri and Jingili woman Dempsey has been part of the pilot First Nations coaching course and was thankful for the experience ahead of her role at the First Nations Tournament. 

"The course has provided a really good opportunity for Aboriginal people to come together and connect,” she said. 

“It's also provided a really good learning experience for us to understand where we sit within Netball Australia and how by doing what we're doing, we're putting more Aboriginal people in the spaces it's needed.” 

The course also opened another crucial opportunity for Dempsey, a spot as assistant coach of the First Nations national team, the Black Swans.  

"I have been coaching in the SA Premier League for a number of years but to get the opportunity to coach at a national level was something I may not get again,” she said. 

“It’s not just about me and what competition the Black Swans were playing in though it was about providing opportunity for Aboriginal coaches to be able to grow, develop and gain experience.  

"For me as an Aboriginal coach, if this program wasn’t around, I probably wouldn’t have that opportunity throughout my coaching career.”   

While the opportunity has been a blessing for Dempsey who worked incredibly hard for her chance to coach the elite level, one of the biggest barriers for First Nations coaches is the fact they’re not often “seen”.  

“The biggest barrier for some of these First Nations athletes is that they need to be seen, she said. 

“A lot of the times through the processes we have our players at times are overlooked and if we can break down that system response of potentially overlooking some of our athletes and recognise these girls are doing fine and our way of playing is unique and as good as whatever else we've got to offer here in Australia,” she said. 

"The First Nations community has so much to offer, it is different, but different doesn't devalue it, instead it should be celebrated,” she said. 

"By showcasing these types of tournaments, the Black Swans and the coaching course, is really showing what we have to offer the sport. 

“Let's be proud of it, let's accept it and let's draw on it as something that is unique.”  

Tune in to the First Nations Tournament live and on demand on KommunityTV.