‘Terrific product of where she grew up’: Rumba’s Djura to star at First Nations Nationals

She reached 100 games for Rumba as a junior back in 2022 and featured for their A-grade side in the Murray Netball League grand final for her beloved side in the 2025 campaign.

Carrying on from where she left off last term, the versatile Weston has fulfilled a range of roles this term for Rumba – helping her team to fifth place in the current Murray League standings, at the time of writing.

Her valiant efforts have clearly caught the eye of Victorian First Nations selectors, after she received the call-up for Bevan-Woodley’s star-studded roster.

Weston hails from the Yorta Yorta nation, alongside her proud family ties to the Warlpiri country in the Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory.

She will form part of a Victorian First Nations side which will come up against Under-23 teams from every state and territory as part of a national event celebrating Indigenous talent across Australia.

Speaking ahead of the First Nations Tournament, Victorian First Nations coach Bevan-Woodley spoke highly of Weston’s qualities out on the court.

“She has a natural ability in defence that you cannot teach – with DJ being new to the team, we’re really excited about having her here,” she said.

“She reads the play extremely well and really competes hard – combining that with ability with her athleticism.”

The coach was first alerted to the Rumbalara player’s innate talent after watching her game up close at an inter-varsity tournament down at Deakin University.

Naturally, she was, therefore, delighted that Weston subsequently attended a trial at State Netball Centre, where she impressed enough to earn a call-up to the Victorian First Nations side.

“She was really respectful about the space and in her attitude towards the referees, plus she showed she was open-minded to learning and motivated,” Bevan-Woodley said.

“What really impressed me was how eager she was to learn, take on board feedback and be able to apply it all on the court.”

Having flourished as a goal keeper and in goal defence at Rumba, there is hope within the Victorian First Nations team camp that Weston can turn her talents to operating in the wing defence role in the side.

“Now, it’s all about getting her on court and we hope to nurture her in the WD spaces to show off her attributes further up the court,” her coach said.

“She’s got this presence on court already that means we’ll be adding another string to her bow – adding to her athleticism and reading of the game.

“She’s a terrific product of where she has grown up and it’s about getting more people from regional areas involved – we need more DJ’s on the team.”