By Stephanie Smarrelli
One of the most significant parts about Suncorp Super Netball’s First Nations Round is the clubs’ dress reveals.
While the artwork on each club’s dress is stunning, the story behind the art makes them truly special and a privilege for each player to wear.
Here we run you through each club's dress, the First Nations artist they were designed by and the meaning behind the artwork.
Tarntanya Karntu (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
Designed by Kaurna, Narungga, Ngarrindjeri, and Wirangu woman Gabriel Stengle the artwork represents the players past, present and future who are all connected through community and their love of the game.
Stengle has been involved with Netball SA for many years and currently coaches with Garville Netball Club in the SA’s Hospital Research Foundation Group Premier League competition.
She was also assistant coach of Netball SA’s Yakanarna side in 2024 who competed in the inaugural First Nations Tournament.
Elements of the artwork represent the individual journeys of the playing group and how they are all connected to each other.
The Thunderbirds fans and community are also represented throughout the piece as is Aalen Davis their first male training partner.
Read the full story behind Tarntanya Karntu’s First Nations dress here.
GIANTS
The GIANTS First Nations dress has once again been designed by Gamilaroi woman Krystal Dallinger.
The GIANTS artwork has been designed by Krystal Dallinger.
Dallinger’s design is an ode to warrior women and incorporates the harmonious structures that exist within Aboriginal culture.
The roles of men's and women's business and the roles set within communities are represented as Dallinger wanted to showcase the balance which resembles the balance of a successful team.
Read more about the GIANTS dress design here.
Melbourne Mavericks
The Mavericks once again connected with Aboriginal artist Bayley Mifsud, known by her Aboriginal name, Merindah-Gunya (‘Beautiful Spirit’ in Peek Whurrong language).
Mifsud hosted a workshop to teach the players about Aboriginal art and storytelling.
The workshop was part of Misfud’s process so she could design a piece reflecting what was most important to the group and their story.
The Mavericks dress has been designed by Bailey Mifsud.The players unbreakable bond is represented through two meeting places connected by water showing the players coming together from different places and upbringings.
Read more about the artwork behind the Mavericks dress here.
Melbourne Vixens
The Vixens First Nations Round dress has been designed by Miah Pearce.
Pearce is a proud Wiradjuri woman living on Wurundjeri Country in the eastern suburbs of Naarm.
The theme for the dress ‘Stronger Together’ resonates with her as an artist and as someone who has played in and coached netball teams for years.
The Vixens dress theme is 'Stronger Together'.Through the artwork Pearce has captured the highs and lows of a season as well as reflected the Vixens’ strength, unity, and growth after their 2024 grand final loss.
She has included a lone meeting place representing the 2024 season, its victories, its heartbreak and how it’s still connected to the rest of the Vixens’ story despite standing alone.
Read the full explanation of the Vixens’ First Nation Rounds dress here.
NSW Swifts
The Swifts First Nations Round artwork has been designed by proud Yuin woman and founder of Ngandabaa Aboriginal Art Rheanna Lotter.
Lotter has delivered a number of education sessions to the Swifts team sharing her story and culture through Aboriginal art classes.
Lotter’s artwork featured on the Swifts dress is titled ‘Legacy.’
The Swifts artwork has been created by Rheanna Lotter.
The piece incorporates the history and the future of the Swifts throughout the design including the inclusions of the side’s heritage yellow.
Legacy highlights the ups and down of sport and the challenges faced.
Read the full story behind the Swifts First Nations dress here.
Queensland Firebirds
The Firebirds First Nations dress was designed by Tribal Sports and features aspects of an original artwork by artist Leah Cummins.
A proud Mayi-Kulan and Kalkadoon woman Cummins’ artwork ‘The Dreams of our Future’ depicts Netball Queensland's cultural journey.
It highlights the importance of reflection and the efforts of those who paved the way to create a culturally safe environment.
The Firebirds dress features artwork by Leah Cummins.This year’s First Nations dresses will be auctioned online giving fans the opportunity to own a player-worn dress and raise funds for Netball Queensland’s Diamond Spirit program.
Read the entire story behind ‘The Dreams of the Future’ design here.
Sunshine Coast Lightning
Zartisha Davis has hand painted ‘Women’s Business’ the artwork on Lightning’s First Nations Round dress.
Davis a proud Kabi Kabi woman portrays the sacred landscapes of Country throughout the piece.
Symbolically it intertwines with Shell Middens, representing unity, stewardship, caring for country and one another.
The artwork on Lightning's dress has been painted by Zartisha Davis.
It celebrates the woman of the Sunshine Coast and their connection to Sea Country.
Read more about the artwork behind the Lightning dress here.
West Coast Fever
This year’s First Nations’ dress encompasses elements from Fever’s 2024 Indigenous Artwork ‘Spirit of the Fever by Contemporary Aboriginal Artist Jilalga Murray of Jilalga Designs.
The design represents the energy of Fever’s journey moving across the court with purpose, overcoming obstacles and chasing greatness alongside the Green Army.
Fever's dress was designed by Jilalga Murray.
It’s a tribute to the club’s resilience, connection and the unbreakable spirit driving the club forward.
Read more about the artwork behind the Fever dress here.
