By Sophie Taylor
An underdog win.
A celebration for the ages.
And a well-deserved medal for a state that often misses out.
It’s safe to say the 2025 First Nations Tournament put Tasmania-Lutruwita on the map.
While Lutruwita didn’t claim the champions trophy, they earned a word much more important to the young, aspiring netballers of the Apple Isle.
Trailblazers.
Last year’s bronze medal win was the big break Lutruwita had been waiting for: the state’s highest finish in a national netball competition.
It was an upset for the ages, defeating Victoria in exceptional circumstances.
Now, co-captain Molly Green is playing in her third First Nations Tournament. Last year’s 10-goal victory is a great reminder of what her team is capable of.
“We were so stoked,” Green said.
“Coming into the tournament, we didn't expect it at all.
“We knew we had talent and we knew we had great connection and I think that really reflected well on the court, we really connected as one.
“I couldn't be more proud of that team.”
While the 2026 competition hasn’t quite gone their way, Green said last year’s result was an important driver for the young Lutruwita side.
Green is co-captaining Lutruwita alongside Abbey Geappen (left) in 2026.
“We're a younger bunch this year, but we're really excited and we’ve trained really well,” she said.
“We keep reflecting on last year as a proud movement, but also using it as the drive for training and to build on that.”
A Truwulway woman from the north-west coast of Tasmania, Green has found underage success through the pathways.
She played for Tasmania 17/U at the 2023 and 2024 National Netball Championship, and 19/U in the 2026 edition.
“Not being able to go away to the under 19s Nationals, where you get that exposure to the next level, was a bit of a setback,” she said.
“I've got a really good social group of friends and family, they always support me through decisions, injuries, successes and setbacks, too.”
Now participating in her third First Nations Tournament, it has added an important additional step to Green’s pathway – for both the elite-level experience and the cultural learnings.
“We talk a lot about just about the gratitude of having this tournament,” Green said.
“The first year we didn't really know what it was going to be about, and each year I just grow a lot more connected to the people around. I'm so grateful for the staff for putting up their hands and the people who facilitate the tournament.
“It’s such an amazing environment to learn about culture but also display the best First Nations netballers in Australia.”
Watch the 2026 First Nations Tournament LIVE >> YOUTUBE
