Thunderbirds swoop to back-to-back Super Netball titles

The Adelaide Thunderbirds have won back-to-back Super Netball titles and enhanced their legacy as a modern powerhouse after beating the Melbourne Vixens 59-57 in a grand final thriller.

The Thunderbirds started slowly at a sold-out Adelaide Entertainment Center on Saturday night and were stiffly challenged by the underdog Vixens in the middle two quarters before holding the fast-finishing visitors at arm’s length in the fourth term to cap an unbeaten season at home.

By winning their sixth national title from 12 grand finals, the Thunderbirds have moved ahead of the now-defunct Melbourne Phoenix (five) as Australia’s most successful domestic team.

Romelda Aiken-George confirmed her greatness and validated her standing as the recruit of the off season by being crowned grand final MVP after amassing 42 goals and 10 rebounds.

The 35-year-old, who has scored up more national league games and goals than any other active player, rated this championship higher than the three she won with the Queensland Firebirds, given her young daughter Gianna was present to see it.

“I feel like this one is super-extra special,” Aiken-George said.

“There was a lot of sacrifice…being on the go since ‘Gigi’ (Gianna).

“Every week we held each other so seriously accountable.

“By having those tough conversations each week, each of us grew and grew and we expected so much of each other.

“This group is just so amazing.”

The Vixens, embarrassed by 25 at the hands of the T’birds in a lopsided semi-final a fortnight ago, were no pushovers this time, fighting to the line as they pursued a fourth crown.

“There were a couple of moments in the third quarter that gave them a little bit of momentum,” Vixens coach Simone McKinnis said.

“That’s all it takes sometimes – and that’s the difference.

“I think we weren’t able to get ball as well, but we gave ourselves every opportunity.”

Adelaide stumbled out of the blocks, falling behind 9-3 with Tayla Williams uncharacteristically coughing up two center passes.

Meanwhile, Vixens trio Hannah Mundy, Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin were creating havoc in attack against Adelaide’s lauded defence.

The Thunderbirds recovered to close the gap to 16-13 at quarter time before continuing their revival in the second term, which was led by first-year goaler Laura Frew.

Aiken-George’s radar was slightly awry but her rebounding and towering presence created numerous second chances, while Frew got hold of experienced Diamonds defender Jo Weston, helping Adelaide level the scores at 28-28 at halftime.

Shamera Sterling-Humphrey’s inspirational defending saw Adelaide move ahead by four before long-range specialist Austin helped the Vixens trim the margin to 42-41 at the final break.

The Thunderbirds took control early in the fourth, super-sub Laura Scherian prolific after donning the wing attack bib and Georgie Horjus continuing to thrive after moving into the circle.

Adelaide’s lead grew to six before they were made to sweat by dead-eyed Vixens shooter Austin, who nailed four Super Shots in the last five minutes.

Her seventh from as many attempts just beat the fulltime siren but wasn’t enough to deny the Thunderbirds.

“We were a bit nervous at the start,” Adelaide coach Tania Obst said.

“The Vixens were really good and we didn’t expect anything different

“Once we were able to settle that and really start sighting and looking, rather than just playing, we were able to identify the cues that we needed to.”