By Sophie Taylor
An enormous week of First Nations Tournament action is done and dusted, with eight matches across five days showcasing the best young First Nations netball talent the country has on offer.
With one-goal thrillers and captivating plays, the tournament had it all.
We run through some of the big moments.
Catch up on the First Nations Tournament on YouTube!
Queensland claim gold in phenomenal finish
In a fitting end to the 2026 First Nations Tournament, the gold medal match-up was the match of the week and the perfect way to close the tournament.
With a formidable crowd and all the other states in the stands, both Queensland and Western Australia stood tall in an incredible final.
Queensland’s punchy attack sliced through WA’s defence in the opening half, nullifying the efforts of Scarlet Jauncey and Isabel Spry.
With a 22-13 scoreline at half time, many would have expected Queensland to run away with it.
But WA had other ideas.
A mammoth 13-4 third quarter put WA right back in it, as Tierrah Miller and Tayla Abraham stepped up in attack and Spry came alive in goal keeper.
All tied up at 26 goals apiece heading into the final quarter, it was neck and neck during the final 10 minutes.
Each time one team took control, the other wrestled it back immediately.
Queensland defender Brook Lacey earned a two-minute send-off midway through the quarter, and while that could have been the catalyst for a Queensland breakdown, the side rallied.
The final 90 seconds could not have been scripted.
A Queensland goal off a turnover, a WA free pass off a Queensland centre… it looked to all like WA would claim the victory against all odds.
Instead, an Aaliyah Sheppard intercept in the final 30 seconds was the sealer.
Queensland’s attack cleverly moved the ball around to wind down the click, evading defensive hands and showing their patience and smarts.
A long-range goal off the hand of Makayla Cubby on the final second earned Queensland their second First Nations Tournament title clock in exceptional circumstances.
Cubby was named Sharon Finnan-White Grand Final MVP Cubby following a 21-goal game, while it was 17-year-old goal shooter Tayla Abraham who held court for WA with 26 goals of her own.
Queensland claimed the 2026 First Nations Tournament title.
Finals fixtures bring the heat
NSW claimed bronze following a formidable performance against Yakanarna (South Australia), 42-24.
Despite missing key goal shooter Charlotte Ryan for the final, NSW took charge in the second half to run away with the victory.
Mia Evans was critical in goal shooter with 21 goals despite playing midcourt all week, while Jayda Grant showcased her playmaking skills and accuracy in goal attack (17 goals from 20 attempts).
Phoebe Hickson and Jayla Boney piled on the pressure against Yakanarna attackers Kamaya Wyatt and Erin Dixon, while Aaleya Turner and Lilly Hensing were crucial for SA.
Elsewhere, Victoria defeated Lutruwita (Tasmania) 49-24 in the 5-6 playoff, while Northern Territory claimed a second win of the tournament in the 7-8 playoff, defeating ACT 30-19.
Around the grounds
While the finals day rightfully took most of the limelight, the entire tournament brought First Nations netballers to the forefront.
Aaliyah Sheppard was named Marcia Ella Duncan Player of the Tournament, coming away with three medals following her Priceline Team of the Tournament selection and title with Queensland.
Queensland’s Georgia Lindsay was critical to their success in the early stages of the tournament before succumbing to injury in the fifth round (Friday night).
Florence Peter’s clever timing and vertical leap was a bright spark in ACT’s defence, while NT defenders Gabby and Annie Coffey brought crucial height to a young NT outfit.
Victorian midcourters Manon Muir and Tylah McCleish were critical to their home campaign while Lutruwita’s Abbey Geappen was a workhorse feeding into a new look goal circle.
Nakeiyah Pitt brought flair and speed to the WA midcourt throughout the week, while Acacia Elers and Ellie Stacey were crucial cogs for the NSW midcourt.
Umpire Mark Munnich took home the Marjorie Kerslake Umpire of the Tournament award following a consistent competition for team white.
NT came ever so close to a victory over Victoria in Round 7, while WA was the only team to defeat the eventual champions, Queensland, with an astounding effort on Saturday night.
The 2026 Team of the Tournament was presented by Official Partner, Priceline.
Priceline Team of the Tournament named
The third edition of the First Nations Team of the Tournament was revealed during Sunday’s presentations.
Victoria’s Holly Stephens (135 goals) and NSW goal attack Jayda Grant (93 goals) were named in the attacking circle, with West Australian midcourter Tierrah Miller named in wing attack.
Aaliyah Sheppard (Queensland) was named centre alongside versatile NSW midcourter Mia Evans in wing defence.
Yakanarna (South Australia) goal defence Aaleya Turner and WA goal keeper Scarlet Jauncey rounded out the Team of the Tournament.
Thanks to Principal Partner the Confident Girls Foundation, Official Event Host Partner Visit Victoria and Official Partners Suncorp and Priceline for their support of the tournament.
