The Queensland Firebirds claimed a 64-58 victory over the Melbourne Vixens on Sunday’s Super Netball Indigenous Round, but one player was conspicuously absent from the court.
Out of the eight Super Netball squads, Waka Waka woman Jemma Mi Mi is the only Indigenous player. Despite being used heavily to promote the Indigenous Round, Ms Mi Mi stayed on the bench.
The Firebirds declined to comment on the decision, but fans labelled it an "insult" and demanded answers.
The sports official broadcaster, also used Twitter to address the absence. This followed a week of heavily promoting the need to encourage more Indigenous players to the game.
In the lead-up to the event, Ms Mi Mi spoke to Nine's Today program about the Indigenous Round, calling it "really special."
"I get to represent not only the Firebirds, but my family and my culture."
Ms Mi Mi also works as a part-time co-ordinator of Netball Queensland's Diamond Spirit program, aimed at empowering Indigenous girls in remote communities through netball.
The Firebirds will play against the Collingwood Magpies on Saturday.
