The moments Jauncey will never forget

By Stephanie Smarrelli & Amellia Wood
 

For proud Yaruwu woman Scarlet Jauncey pulling on the First Nations Invitational national team, the Black Swans’ dress is something she’s become accustomed to over the past year. 

But the magnitude of what it means to step onto the court wearing it and representing her culture hasn’t been lost on her. 

The First Nations artwork on the dress titled ‘Gaagulu’ designed by Yuwaalaraay wirringgaa artist Lucy Simpson holds a special place in the heart of the Black Swans captain. 

“Wearing the dress is a real honour,” Jauncey said, 

“I feel pride to be able to represent my family and our culture.  

“It means everything to me." 

A member of the inaugural team who made their debut at last year’s PacificAus Sports Netball Series, Jauncey explained why the Black Swans program plays an important role in netball’s ecosystem. 

“Being in this team helps put First Nations athletes in the spotlight to be role models for young Indigenous boys and girls wanting to play netball or play sport in general,” she said. 

“It's important because it gives girls who maybe didn't get an opportunity coming through the Australian pathway the opportunity to showcase their talent and experience in a high performance environment.” 

Jauncey herself is no stranger to a high performance environment, having been part of WA’s pathway teams over the years, West Coast Fever’s Academy and Australia’s 21/U program. 

The defender fresh off the back of Australia’s 21/U Tri-Series against New Zealand and England. 

“It was such a great camp in Canberra to get to play against New Zealand and England,” she said. 

“They’re very fierce and great competitors. 

“We played against New Zealand in Fiji last year so knew what we're going up against with them, but we played against England for this first time which was very different. 

"It was really exciting to see the talent we have in Aus and the talent from those countries we were playing against.” 

Returning to the PacificAus Sports Netball Series for a second time, Jauncey believes there’s one reason she stands out as a leader. 

Experience. 

“It's special to be captain of this team,” she said. 

“Being able to use my knowledge from the high performance environments I’ve been in is vital to help this team’s development. 

“Especially because we have lots of younger girls in the side who haven't been through their state or territory pathway, this is their first high performance experience.”  

But for Jauncey the Black Swans is much more than just a high performance environment. 

“Playing in this team is really special and important,” she said. 

“Getting to connect with other First Nations players and coaches is important. 

“When we do go back to our own environments, we now know we have links across Australia to be able to reach out to for support or to just have a yarn.” 

There are a few key messages that have stuck with Jauncey over the past year. 

“Having confidence in ourselves and being a really strong person at tournaments,” she said. 

“It’s about not being scared or pushing away from these opportunities. 

“Being a newer team, connection was also a really strong message for us.  

“Sometimes it comes instantly but sometimes when we’re on court, we have to build and get used to playing with each other.” 

Watching how the Black Swans interact together from filming TikTok dances to stepping onto the court, it’s hard to believe a year ago the side had never met. 

“For most of us it was almost an instant connection,” Jauncey said. 

“We all come from different states, it's something we haven't experienced before, and we all feel comfortable around each other knowing we're here for the same reasons and have the same passions to want to do well in this tournament.” 

For Jauncey playing in the PacificAus Sports Netball Series is an invaluable experience. 

“I was really excited to be named in the team again,” she said. 

“It's such a competitive tournament and there’s some really strong teams out there we're playing against. 

“I hope to take away more knowledge because we're so used to playing against Australians within the pathway, getting exposure to teams like Tonga and Samoa, is a completely different game.” 

There was one team in particular Jauncey was looking forward to meeting with again. 

“Tonga because it's a bit of a redemption for us,” she said. 

“We play them in the first round like last time and they're a really strong team.  

“We're going to put everything out there and everything we learned last time is going to be super important.” 

Those lessons from the last tournament are still burned in the back of her mind. 

"It's a shock when you're playing the Pacific teams,” she said. 

“Because we’re not used to playing against them, they’re quite strong bodied and they play off the body a bit which we aren't used to. 

“Learning how to adapt to those styles of play is really important.” 

Reflecting on the past 12 months, Jauncey has no shortage of achievements to look at when it comes to highlights. 

“The night I received the Dr. Eve Fesl First Nations Black Swans Award was really special,” Jauncey said. 

“To be able to accept the award named after Dr. Eve Fesl after hearing about her life and experience growing up being a proud Indigenous woman within the netball world, I was really honoured. 

"It was really great to bring my sister Jamaica along and for her to be able to share the experience with me, it was a bit of an emotional night." 

While receiving the reward will forever be a memory the defender cherishes, there’s another moment she will never forget. 

“The last 12 months have been pretty crazy,” Jauncey said. 

“The highest achievement has to be playing for the Black Swans in the inaugural team. 

“It means a lot to me to be a Black Swan and get to step out on the court knowing I'm representing my family and my culture and doing it alongside my sister and the sisters I've made in the team.” 
 

The First Nations Invitational national team, the Black Swans are proudly supported by the Confident Girls Foundation.