The Northern Territory First Nations Team has returned from the 2026 First Nations Tournament after five days of competition that saw a young Territory side grow in confidence, strengthen its combinations, and build lasting connections.
Across eight matches in Melbourne, the athletes continued to grow each time they took the court. What began with a group playing together for the first time developed into a more connected and confident team as the tournament progressed.
With six athletes making their Northern Territory debut and three aged 16 or younger, the week provided valuable national competition experience and plenty of opportunities to learn from one another.
Head of Netball Peta Stephens said that progress was evident in the way the athletes increasingly trusted and supported each other, both in their performances and away from the court.
Defensive pressure was a strength from the beginning, with the group consistently creating opportunities through its work without the ball. As the week progressed, connections through the midcourt strengthened, combinations in the shooting circle developed, and athletes became increasingly comfortable adapting to different positions, teammates, and situations.
NT recorded its first victory against the ACT during the round matches, while later performances against Queensland and host state Victoria showed the growing confidence and composure of the athletes against strong opposition.
By the final round against Victoria, NT remained in front late in the fourth quarter before the hosts finished strongly to take the match.
The following morning, the Territory had one final opportunity to bring together everything they had worked on throughout the week.
Facing the ACT in their finals match, NT produced its most complete performance of the tournament, leading from the opening quarter and winning all four terms on the way to a 30–19 victory.
The result secured seventh place overall, equalling the Territory's 2025 finish and providing a fitting conclusion to the week.
But some of the most important progress happened away from the scoreboard.
Over five days together, the athletes developed new friendships and strengthened existing ones, creating a supportive environment where they could learn from each other, and enjoy the experience of representing the Northern Territory together.
Co-Captains Kaissara Hayes and Sonnyanne Raggett played an important role throughout the tournament, providing leadership and consistency while helping guide a young squad through the demands of eight matches in five days.
Head Coach Michelle Kerin and Mentor Coach Chelsea Coleman coached and supported the athletes throughout the tournament, alongside Team Manager Natasha Guse and Physiotherapist Tia Shaw.
Together, the four officials provided guidance and support across a busy five days of competition and helped ensure the athletes could make the most of the experience.
The Territory leaves Melbourne with two victories and a seventh-place finish, but also with valuable national experience, new friendships, and plenty to build on for the future of the NT First Nations program.
Netball NT gratefully acknowledges the Confident Girls Foundation for their support of the NT First Nations Team and its 2026 campaign.
We also extend our thanks to NT Link for supporting Kiera Heffernan and helping provide the opportunity for her to represent the Northern Territory at the tournament.
Additionally, we want to acknowledge our private donors and the Sports Bra Foundation, each offering “support” in their own way!
The support of Netball NT partners, families, communities, clubs and associations helps create opportunities for Territory netballers to represent the NT, experience national competition and continue their development through the sport.
Netball NT congratulates all athletes and officials on their 2026 First Nations Tournament campaign and thanks everyone who supported them throughout the journey.
2026 Northern Territory First Nations Team
// Annie Coffey – Wiradjuri
// Elaina Tilmouth – Arrernte, Anmatyerr, and Alyawarr
// Gabrielle Coffey – Wiradjuri
// Georgia Shields – Lower Southern Arrernte, Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, and Wangkangurru
// Kaissara Hayes – Arrernte, Anmatyerr, Kaytetye, Dieri, Arabana, Kokatha, Ngalakan, and Garrawa – Co-Captain
// Keeley Hansen – Alyawarr
// Kiera Heffernan – Luritja-Pintupi and Arrernte
// Layla Church – Kerrupmara – Gunditjmara Nation and Kuku Yalanji
// Nikita Kearney – Gurindji and Wiradjuri
// Ruby Mack – Arrernte and Kaytetye
// Sonnyanne Raggett – Gudanji and Garrawa – Co-Captain
// Michelle Kerin – Head Coach
// Chelsea Coleman – Mentor Coach
// Natasha Guse – Team Manager
// Tia Shaw – Physiotherapist
