History repeats as Adelaide Thunderbirds win Super Netball Grand Final thriller

The Adelaide Thunderbirds have broken a 10-year premiership drought with a thrilling extra time win in the Super Netball Grand Final.

The Adelaide Thunderbirds have defeated the NSW Swifts 60-59 in a thrilling Super Grand Final to win their first premiership in 10 years.

The Thunderbirds got off to a flyer and led by as many as eight points, but the Swifts made their move in the third quarter and levelled the score 47-47 early in the last term.

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At the end of regulation time, the two sides couldn’t be separated at 54-54 and the grand final went to extra time.

The Swifts and Thunderbirds went goal for goal in the five-minute extra time period, but a gutsy two-point Super Shot from Eleanor Cardwell proved the difference as the TBirds held on by one goal.

It was fitting Cardwell scored the matchwinning goal, given the England goal shooter was recruited by the Thunderbirds this season and made them premiership contenders.

The Thunderbirds are premiers. Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

Eleanor Cardwell was clutch for the Thunderbirds. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

In Adelaide’s first trip to the finals since 2013, they replicated their success from that year by going all the way to win the premiership — their first in the Super Netball era.

Making the victory even more remarkable was the fact it was the third clash between the Thunderbirds and Swifts in four weeks, and the TBirds came out victorious every time.

The Swifts were chasing their third premiership in five years, but it wasn’t to be for the Super Netball powerhouses.

If the Thunderbirds make next year’s Grand Final, they’ll defend their premiership on home court after it was announced the South Australian government had been awarded the hosting rights for the 2024 decider.

8.52pm - TBirds are champions

They’ve done it. The Thunderbirds claimed a 60-59 extra time win, with a gutsy Super Shot by Eleanor Cardwell proving the difference.

8.45pm - We’re going to extra time

Wow. The grand final is going to extra time after it was all tied up at 54-54 at the end of regulation.

Both teams had chances to win it in the final two minutes, but turnovers proved costly.

It will be five minutes of extra time. Super Shots are allowed.

Two weeks after the TBirds won the semifinal against the Swifts in extra time, history is repeating.

8.34pm - Scores level

The Swifts have drawn level with 10 minutes remaining, levelling the score at 47-47.

There’s no better team when they’re in chase mode, and the Swifts soon took a narrow lead.

It’s all on the line. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

8.25pm - Swifts make their move

You didn’t think the Swifts would give up without a fight did you?

The Thunderbirds lead 43-40 at three quarter time but the Swifts have been the master of the comeback all season long.

They made their charge in the third quarter, bringing the physical intensity as the umpires were forced to bring the whistle out. This is going down to the wire.

7.45pm - TBirds lead 35-27 at halftime

It’s all one-way traffic in the way of the Adelaide Thunderbirds, who are firing on all cylinders to lead by eight at halftime.

Eleanor Cardwell is looking rock solid in attack, while Georgie Horjus is running rings around the Swifts in the midcourt.

Cath Cox said Horjus was “absolutely killing it”, adding: “They are toying with the NSW Swifts now. Georgie Horjus with the ball on a string.”

It will take something special for the Swifts to win this one.

The TBirds were on fire early. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

7.23pm - TBirds dominate 1st quarter

The Thunderbirds lead 16-12 after a dominant first quarter.

Both teams couldn’t miss in the early stages, before Adelaide’s dangerous defensive end got firing, with Shamera Sterling and Latanya Wilson snaring several gains and deflections.

Cath Cox said on Fox Netball: “Shamera Sterling, she always takes a quarter to warm into a contest. You don’t often see her win ball back in the first quarter. 

“That’s a scary thought for the NSW Swifts.”

Sue Gaudion said: “She’s awake early. The Adelaide Thunderbirds are firing!”

6.55pm - starting sevens confirmed

NSW Swifts: Romelda Aiken-George, Helen Housby, Paige Hadley, Maddy Proud, Tayla Fraser, Maddy Turner, Sarah Klau

Adelaide Thunderbirds: Eleanor Cardwell, Tippah Dwan, Georgie Horjus, Hannah Petty, Latanya Wilson, Matilda Garrett, Shamera Sterling

6.45pm - ‘Danger signs’ for Thunderbirds

It’s the third meeting between the sides in four weeks and fourth over the season — the Thunderbirds have won the last two, while the early season blackout game was ruled a raw.

It means the Swifts haven’t beaten Adelaide all season, which 2013 Thunderbirds premiership player Emily Beaton believes could be an advantage for NSW.

“I think it’s danger signs for the Thunderbirds actually because it leaves a very bitter taste in your mouth losing, and losing the way they did in overtime in that first final,” Beaton said on Fox Netball.

“They’ll be playing off so much passion and emotion. It’s incredible what that can do to a side and how it can rally a team.”