Rumba ace Jess Bamblett has received the selection as assistant coach of a state First Nations team as preparations for the country’s first all-Indigenous netball tournament get under way.
The Yorta Yorta, Warlpiri, Wiradjuri and Gundjitmara woman will help lead the state women’s side to September’s First Nations Tournament, set to be held at Melbourne’s State Netball Centre.
Another northern Victorian, Rutherglen-based Palawa man Noel Halton will take on lead coaching duties.
At club level, Bamblett has led the Rumba A-grade contingent to multiple finals berths and successful seasons in her five years in charge to date, with the ultimate Murray Netball League prize closer than ever to Rumbalara’s grasp in 2024.
The First Nations Tournament will be an under-23 event held across three days and featuring teams from all six states and both territories.
In a statement, Bamblett spoke not only of recognising the enormous opportunity she has earned, but her desire to forge a place of cultural understanding and safety for the Victorian squad.
“The First Nations Tournament is an incredible opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, but also for me to be considered is huge and such an honour,” Bamblett said.
“A tournament like this helps break down barriers for First Nations players, creating safe spaces for them to show their skills.
“Just having a familiar face on the selection panel, for example, is something that can help these players feel more comfortable and reach their potential.
“In my role, I will be letting the athletes know they’re in a culturally safe space and will help give cultural perspective into this high-performance environment.
‘’I want to open these girls’ eyes to make sure they feel a part of it all; a real sense of belonging.“
Rumbalara meets Deniliquin this Saturday as part of its extended homestand with goals of keeping the quest for a perfect season alive.
The Rams could just about mathematically wrap up any chance of a genuine finals race if they can upset Rumba, currently sitting sixth with a two-game advantage over seventh-ranked Mulwala with a game in hand.
Should that happen, fourth-placed Finley would do well to secure the points and ensure some breathing room over the bottom finals spot with a chance to go a game clear in third looming when the Cats head to the border for a meeting with Echuca United.
The second half of the Murray split round concludes up north with a clash between two teams well out of contention as Numurkah, with a win and a draw to its name, hosts eighth-placed Cobram, boasting three wins and a pair of draws.
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