First Nations Round this weekend

Rounds 11 and 12 mark this year’s league-wide First Nations Round, aligning with National Reconciliation Week.

Last week, the league unveiled a custom artwork from proud Kabi Kabi woman and artist Zartisha Davis, which will be showcased across First Nations Round matches with a custom match ball, centre circle design and suite of digital assets.

There is a very strong chance that some of these games will be available free via AWSN that is available as part of Pluto.tv without a subscription here in the UK.

GIANTS NETBALL vs TARNTANYA KARNTU (ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS)
Saturday 23 May – 5:00pm AEST
Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney (Wangal)
UMPIRES: Shauna Winchester & Bronwen Adams

• The GIANTS’ uniform will feature a design from proud Gamilaroi artist Krystal Dallinger-Simpson.
• Tarntanya Karntu’s uniform will feature a design from proud Kaurna, Narungga, Ngarrindjeri, and Wirangu artist Gabriel Stengle.

MELBOURNE MAVERICKS vs SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING
Saturday 23 May – 7:00pm AEST
John Cain Arena, Melbourne (Wurundjeri)
UMPIRES: Rachael Stebbings & Tim Marshall

• The Mavericks’ uniform will feature a design from proud Gunditjmara artist Bayley Mifsud (Merindah-Gunya).
• Lightning’s uniform will feature a design from proud Kabi Kabi artist Keetz Fitzpatrick.
• Maverick Reilley Batcheldor will play her 50th national league match.

QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS vs WEST COAST FEVER
Sunday 24 May – 2:00pm AEST
Nissan Arena, Brisbane (Turrbal & Yuggera)
UMPIRES: Jordan Kiss & Sarah McNamara

• Firebirds will be wearing black armbands in honour of Mayi-Kulan and Kalkadoon woman Leah Cummins, elements of whose work entitled ‘The Dreams of our Future’ feature on our First Nations dress.

Cultural disclaimer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this content may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away. We acknowledge the late Leah Cummins and honour her contribution and legacy through this artwork.

• Game day activations will include students from the Diamond Spirit Educate program lining the player tunnel, a pre-game Welcome to Country ceremony and gift exchange, and pre-game and half-time performances from Olivia Coe Fox and Neenan Fox.
• Fever’s uniform will feature a design from Contemporary Aboriginal Artist Jilalga Murray from Jilalga Designs.
• Proud Wiradjuri woman Jordan Kiss will umpire the match.

MELBOURNE VIXENS vs NSW SWIFTS
Sunday 24 May – 4:00pm AEST
John Cain Arena, Melbourne (Wurundjeri)
UMPIRES: Georgina Sulley-Beales & Justin Barnes

• The Vixens’ uniform will feature a design from proud Djab Wurrung, Kirrae Wurrung and Peek Wurrung artist Tarni Jarvis.
• Game day activations will include a First Nations dress display and player cards, and a First Nations player tunnel.
• The Swifts’ uniform will feature a design from proud Yuin artist Rheanna Lotter.