The pilot competition was the first of its kind, displaying First Nations talent from every State and Territory in one place.
Although WA did not achieve the success they would have liked on the scoreboard, the squad’s ability to come together and represent their State is a testament to their talent and hard work.
The team spent the 9 weeks of training working on setups, court connections and building strong relationships which only increased throughout the competition.
The tournament kicked off on Friday with a tough game against New South Wales, who prevailed 43 to 35. Former Orioles player Kirby Bentley chatted with the team before the game to help them prep for the weekend.
Captain Myra Ugle found her feet with five goals, alongside vice-captain Jamaica Jauncey’s 19, Jade Dimer’s six and Lola Collard’s five.
Round Two was WA’s big win for the tournament, defeating the Australian Capital Territory (47-28) in a convincing win.
It was a fierce first quarter that set up the win as WA outscored ACT by eight goals and maintained their lead throughout the game with Shaye Skraha shining in defence.
WA faced the eventual premiers Queensland in Round Three with the Queenslander side proving too strong, recording a 14-goal win to stay undefeated.
In the play-off game, WA went up against Tasmania in a close match up that made for a very interesting game.
WA took the first quarter by three goals, but a switch in momentum in the second and third meant it just wasn’t enough to get them over the line.
The West Australians went down by two goals (39-37) in the final minutes of the game.
Jauncey had her tournament best game with 31 goals, while Teegan Butler and Skraha’s defence in the circle was crucial to keeping the game so close.
Head Coach Josie Janz Dawson said: “The competition has lit the fire burning within to come back next year stronger, faster and more determined.”
Participants were treated to a performance by the Indigenous Outreach Projects during the closing ceremony to round out their weekend.
Read more about the results here
