The scoreboard doesn’t always tell the full story — and for Bond’s Indigenous UniSport Nationals squad, the 2025 campaign in Perth was about much more than wins and losses.
While results didn’t fall our way on court, the team spirit, connection and sense of pride in representing Bond made it a tour to remember. Led by Morgan Sexton, Jazmin Grant and Tarren Boyce, the squad gave everything across four sports in four days, backed each other relentlessly, and embraced every moment of the experience.
From the very first game of basketball, the energy and humour were evident. Whether it was Paddy Bassani draining a long-range three or the whole team getting around each other after every basket, the camaraderie was real. That bond only grew stronger through touch football, netball and volleyball, where spirited performances were met with even bigger cheers — especially when Lily Boyd crossed for her opening try and the squad erupted in celebration.
There were standout players in every code — from Harris Martens hustling hard in netball and volleyball, to Ryan James guiding the touch side around the park with the poise of a seasoned pro. But what stood out more was the shared sense of fun, family and fierce determination. Even in the face of tough losses, the group stayed united, buoyed by post-game laughs, comedy nights and themed dinners, city adventures, and that perfect Perth sunset at Scarborough Beach.
This tour wasn’t just about sport. It was a chance to represent culture, connect with Mob from across the country, and create lifelong memories with mates. As captain Morgan Sexton puts it in this day-by-day tour diary, the vibe was strong — and that, more than anything, was the real win.
Day I
Opening Ceremony
“Competitors from universities all around the country attended the opening ceremony at the University of Western Australia. We learned a lot about pathways for Indigenous students and the speakers really stressed the importance of building connections that would endure beyond our university years. Everyone really enjoyed the dances and the smoking ceremony from the traditional owners of that land.”
Day 2
Basketball
“We went 0-3 but I think we played as well as we could. It was tough not to get a win but at the same time everyone tried their hardest, and the spirit was really o show so we’ll take the good with the bad.”
The star of the day
“Basketball is my sport so I’m going to say me. But I think everyone did really play well. And I think everyone on the team scored a couple of baskets too, so we’ll take that. “
The highlight
“It was definitely Paddy hitting a deep three. I mean this was way downtown and all the bench were on their feet, everyone was cheering. We were sledging ANU a bit which was good fun too. It was all the in the spirit of the game and overall, it was a really fun day. “
After the final whistle
“The boys went out for a game of golf while the girls either studied or slept and the afterwards we went together as a team to a cowboys and cowgirls event with all the other universities.”
Day 3
Touch Football
“We went 1-2 so it was a bit better than yesterday. The second and third games were awesome. Our first game was a rough one, but we bounced back. We won the second game and the third game was close, close, close. We just couldn't get it at the end.”
The star of the day
“I'd say Ryan James, that goes without saying. He is a footy star. But he was just awesome throughout, he shared the pill really well and brought everyone into the game and just helped lead the troops around the field.”
The highlight
“It was when Lily scored the first try of the second game. Because after the first game we were a little bit down, a bit defeated. And when Lily crossed to open the game, it lifted everyone’s spirits, and it set the vibe for the rest of the day.”
After the final whistle
“We headed to Indigo Oscar, a beautiful restaurant on the water at Fremantle for oysters, a margarita, and to watch the sunset. Then it was off to Optus Oval for a comedy night featuring First Nations comedians.”
Day 4
Netball
“Netball, wasn’t our best showing. We went 0-3 and I think we all expected to be a bit better than that.”
The star of the day
“It has to be Harris. He was everywhere on the netball court. He gave it a real crack.”
The highlight
“There weren’t too many on the court, but Tarren’s navigation skills, or lack of when got us lost in the city, had us in stitches.”
After the final whistle
“We had a great afternoon in the city wandering around and everyone got some clothes for a Duos and Trios themed team dinner. It was obvious that although we hadn’t been getting the results we’d hoped for, the spirit in the team was really strong.”
Day 5
Volleyball
“On our final day we went pretty well. It was probably our best day. We went 1-2, but we were competitive right throughout. We took on Newcastle University and gave them a real run for their money and they have been the perennial champs. So, to give them a scare was really good.”
The star of the day
“It is a toss-up between Harris and Isaac. They did really well and stood out on what was our best showing of the tournament.”
The highlight
“After the games had wrapped up, we all went down to beautiful Scarborough Beach. We played some footy on the beach and did some sightseeing and watched one last amazing West Australian sunset over the Indian Ocean. It was a lovely afternoon that put a nice cap on a really great week.”