For court and culture

by Nicholas Duck
Longwarry's Holly Stephens will be playing for her state and culture when she co-captains Victoria at Netball Australia's First Nations Tournament this month.
The tournament, now in its third edition, brings together some of the most talented 23 and under Indigenous netballers across the country to play against one another in a six-day competition.
Stephens, 22, has played in the tournament every year since its inception in 2024 and will take the reins as co-captain for the first time this year, alongside close friend Anna Solomon from Morwell.
"It's cool to have a stage to showcase our talent and then progress in the pathway from there and take our netball further. Even personally myself I'd say since it started I've definitely improved my netball so much," she said.

"It's amazing because it's not just about the netball, it's about culture and connection."

Since taking part in the tournament Stephens had the opportunity to play in Australia's national Indigenous team, the Black Swans, in July's Spirit Series where they took on teams from Singapore, Papa New Guinea and Fiji.
More locally she has been a fixture of Longwarry's netball program since joining the club in under nines, playing primarily as a goal shooter or goal attack.
"I owe so much to Longwarry. This has been my club since I was in under nines and I've only had one year away from here. They support me in every aspect of netball that I do and they really have belief in me."
Stephens also plays for Casey Demons' 23 and under team in the Victorian Netball League and has captained them for the past two seasons.
As much as training in a high performance environment has benefitted her, the chance to connect more with her culture has been equally fulfilling.
"It's been a big part of my life growing up but I also think I've definitely learnt so much along the way. My mum's a proud Kurnai woman so she's shown me a lot and my gran is a Kurnai elder," she said.
Different cultural activities like possum skin burning and weaving as well as chatting to elders like her grandmother, Cheryl Drayton, have allowed her to feel more in touch with her heritage.
"Hearing from our elders (was great) and others like the Netball Vic advisory committee and their pathway and how it was really difficult for them growing up. Having that safe space for us is really important and I cherish it because they didn't have it growing up.
"It's nice to be a part of the team and see everyone on their own journeys in terms of the culture."
Come tournament time, Stephens will have one thing on her mind - a medal. The Victorians have finished fourth twice and will be eager to bring something home by the end.
The only thing that might stop her is a recent double dislocation of her elbow, but she's not letting that keep her down.
"My physio said he's 80 to 85 per cent confident I'll be playing so I like those odds."
The First Nations Tournament will take place from 15-20 September at the State Netball Centre.