Victory in the Battle for the Belt: Adelaide Triumphs in Drought-Breaking Thriller

Adelaide Thunderbirds Break 10-Year Drought to Win Super Netball Grand Final

The Adelaide Thunderbirds have emerged victorious in a thrilling Super Netball grand final, breaking a 10-year title drought. The pressure-cooker atmosphere of their first grand final did not faze the nerveless Thunderbirds, who prevailed in extra time to secure a nail-biting 60-59 victory over the Sydney Swifts. The match, played in front of a sold-out crowd, provided a fitting rematch between the two teams after their overtime semi-final clash.

Eleanor Cardwell Shines as Match-Winner

English import Eleanor Cardwell proved to be the difference-maker for the Thunderbirds. Her crucial super shot with just over a minute remaining gave her side a two-goal buffer, ultimately securing the win. Cardwell, who was awarded the player of the match, showcased her ability to stand and deliver in high-pressure moments. Her signing in the off-season proved to be a pivotal move for the Thunderbirds, and her heroics in the grand final have undoubtedly solidified her place as a key player in the team.

In a post-match interview, Cardwell expressed her disbelief at the team’s victory and praised her Thunderbirds teammates for making her feel like family. Her effort and dedication throughout the game were evident, and her performance will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the team.

A Thrilling and Hotly-Contested Final

The grand final between the Thunderbirds and Swifts lived up to its billing as a tight and thrilling encounter. The teams traded goals in the opening minutes, setting the stage for what would become an enthralling contest. The Thunderbirds gained momentum after winning the first turnover of the match, quickly establishing a four-goal lead. They extended that lead to as many as seven in the first term before a spirited fightback from the Swifts brought the margin back to four at the end of the first quarter.

In the second term, the Thunderbirds continued their dominant display, maintaining control of the game despite a super shot fightback from Helen Housby and Sophie Fawns. The halftime lead of eight goals appeared to give the Thunderbirds an advantage, but the Swifts proved their resilience, mounting a comeback to level the scores by the end of regular time.

The Formidable English Pair

One of the standout factors of the Super Netball season has been the exceptional performance of England internationals Helen Housby and Eleanor Cardwell. Their form throughout the season has raised concerns for the Australian Diamonds, as both players are slated to face off against the Australian national team in the World Cup.

Cardwell credited her time with the Thunderbirds for improving her abilities in the goal shooter (GS) position. The combination of Cardwell and Housby has been outstanding, and when they join forces for the Roses in the World Cup, they may become one of the most formidable shooting pairs in the world. The Australian Diamonds will need to be at their best to counter this threat in the upcoming quarter-finals.

Leadership and Homegrown Talent

Hannah Petty, captain of the Thunderbirds, played a pivotal role in the grand final. Despite battling injuries throughout the season, Petty was chosen to start the match and delivered an inspired performance. Her leadership and lead-by-example approach set the tone for the Thunderbirds’ young South Australian players, who stepped up under the pressure of the grand final.

Coach Tania Obst’s faith in the local talent paid off as players like Georgie Horjus, Tayla Williams, Lucy Austin, and Maisie Nankivell, along with Australian talents Tippah Dwan and Matilda Garrett, thrived in the grand final. Petty’s influence on and off the court presented the Thunderbirds with a guiding force that propelled them to victory.

Securing the Tradition of the Grand Final

The decision to sell the Super Netball grand final to the West Australian Government last year met with criticism due to the lack of consultation and late notification. However, this year’s final, held at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena, provided certainty for players and fans from the start of the season.

Netball Australia was concerned about crowd numbers when the Melbourne Vixens, a local team, did not progress to the finals. However, Thunderbirds and Swifts fans turned up in impressive numbers, making up 49% of the crowd. The grand final lunch, attended by 750 fans, further established a new tradition for the sport.

The South Australian Government has already made moves to host the grand final in Adelaide next year, ensuring the continuation of this new tradition and solidifying the importance of the grand final in Australian netball.

Overall, the Adelaide Thunderbirds’ victory in the Super Netball grand final has not only ended a decade-long title drought but also showcased the talent, resilience, and sportsmanship of both teams. The thrilling nature of the match, the standout performances of individual players, and the growing tradition surrounding the grand final all contribute to the continued growth and excitement of netball in Australia.