Miller, a proud Yamatji and Noongar woman, journey back to the court began at the inaugural First Nations tournament in 2024, when she represented South Australia and helped the team reach the grand final.
“My return to netball started in the 2024 First Nations tournament, which was the first ever,” Miller said.
“I first played for South Australia. We then went to the grand final, lost to Queensland by two. I also got the wing attack team at the tournament.”
After taking time away from netball to play football, Miller said she had no expectations of returning to the sport at a high level. Her performance at the First Nations tournament opened the door to further opportunities with the Gold Industry Group WA Netball League, the Black Swans and the West Coast Fever Reserves squad.
“I had an amazing season playing for Warriors in the 2025 season, then I also got the chance to play in the First Nations tournament again, for WA this time, and was selected in the West Coast Fever Reserves squad,” Miller said.
“So here I am playing in the First Nations tournament again for WA. I’m really excited.”
As one of the more experienced members of the First Nations State team, Miller said she had watched the tournament continue to grow each year, creating more opportunities for First Nations athletes across Australia.
“Each year it seems to be growing, which is a very positive sign,” Miller said.
“More girls are coming in, more talent, and it’s amazing to see the growth in the tournament each year. I’m really excited to see what this year will look like.”
Miller said the pathway had already helped develop a strong group of players, including athletes who had stepped into leadership roles or gained experience in high-performance programs.
“We’re seeing other girls who have come through this pathway, such as Scarlet Jauncey, having her in that leadership as well has been great,” Miller said.
For Miller, being a veteran player means more than bringing skill to the court. It is also about sharing knowledge, setting standards and supporting younger teammates as they take the next step in their netball journeys.
“I can definitely bring in that high-performance experience into this team,” Miller said.
The cultural connection of the First Nations tournament remains one of the biggest reasons Miller continues to return. She said the opportunity to compete alongside other First Nations athletes from WA and across the country made the experience meaningful.
“Just the whole competition. To be able to play with other First Nations girls in WA and coming together to verse other girls from across Australia is the main reason,” Miller said.
Miller is also looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces at the tournament, including former teammates and opponents from across the country.
“For me, I'm also really excited to see the other Black Swan girls there again,” Miller said.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen them, and I think it's going to be exciting versing South Australia, knowing that I started off there.”
While injury has limited Miller’s time on court in the Reserves competition this season, she said the experience had helped her grow in other ways, particularly in how she supports and encourages those around her.
“It was a bit different than I expected, just because I’ve been carrying an ongoing injury since last year, so I haven’t been able to take the court as much as I’d like in reserves and GIG WANL,” Miller said.
“But I have learnt a lot off the court, just getting around my teammates, being that more supportive and encouraging teammate, and still learning in trainings with that high-performance and high-intensity training.”
For younger First Nations athletes considering the pathway, Miller’s message is simple: take the opportunity and enjoy the experience.
“I would strongly encourage them to trial and really go down this pathway,” Miller said.
“There are doors and opportunities now that we have this First Nations tournament, and I can speak for myself. Without this tournament and Black Swans, I don’t think I’d be where I am and having that high-performance experience.”
Fans will be able to watch every match for free, with pool rounds and playoff matches broadcast across SBS On Demand and YouTube from Wednesday 16 September. Sunday’s medal matches will be the first in the tournament’s history to be broadcast free-to-air, live on NITV from 11:30am AEST on 20 September.
