‘There’s still belief’: Versatility key to keeping Adelaide Thunderbirds’ dream of a Super Netball three-peat alive

Their chances of even making the top four are hanging by a thread, but the Adelaide Thunderbirds are refusing to give up on their dream of a title defence, despite the hard road ahead.

They’re outside the top four, about to play the hottest team in the competition and needing to come home with a wet sail to force their way into the finals.

But the Adelaide Thunderbirds are not about to give up on their three-peat dream any time soon.

Defender Matilda Garrett said the T-Birds remained fully confident they could force their way into the four in the final month of the regular season to keep their premiership dreams alive.

Matilda Garrett says the Thunderbirds remain a chance of defending their premiership. Picture: Getty Images

“We 100 per cent believe that we are capable and able to get to the grand final and make it into finals,” Garrett said.

“And I think that’s why we’ve been so disappointed with some of our last couple of performances, because we know that we’re capable of winning games.

“For us, and this has been the same from the very beginning, we’re just taking it week by week, making sure there’s a lot of stepping stones before you do get into finals, and get to play in grand finals.

“So absolutely, there’s still the belief there.”

Tayla Williams and Matilda Garrett celebrate a recent Thunderbirds’ win. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Garrett, a Diamonds representative who was already a key member of Adelaide’s defensive unit, has taken on extra responsibility this year after Jamaican goalkeeper Shamera Sterling-Humphrey announced her pregnancy earlier this season.

Her departure has left the versatile Garrett – who can play across all three defensive positions – and Latanya Wilson both covering the goalkeeper spot in place of one of the best athletes in world netball.

“It’s very exciting for Sham (Sterling-Humphrey) and obviously you can’t replace one of the world’s best defenders, but we have so much versatility,” Garrett said.

“And even with Sham not being there, I still truly believe that we’ve got what it takes.”

Even without Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Garrett believes the Thunderbirds have what it takes to make finals. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

A win outside the top four though with just a month of fixtures remaining, it’s a hard road ahead for the Thunderbirds, who face three top-four side in their final four matches beginning with the Fever in Perth on Friday night.

Whether she’s wearing the GK bib or out in front at goal defence, Garrett’s assignment in a rare Friday night fixture is the toughest in world netball – shutting down outstanding shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard.

Shutting down Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard is the toughest task in world netball. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

“Jhaniele is a phenomenal player and she’s got some great feeders out the front of her that know where to put the ball. They’ve been playing together for a little while,” Garrett said of midcourters like Alice Teague-Neeld and Jess Anstiss, who are unafraid to hurl the ball from the transverse line at their 198cm target.

“I think it’s just about when you play Jhaniele – and any team, to be fair – just looking at ways that you can create opportunities to be winning ball.

“Obviously Fever are quite good at feeding off circle edge, so it’s thinking about how we can put doubt into their minds, or if they are going to feed off circle edge, how do we get the pass to drop a bit short or go too far over the baseline?”

That matter-of-fact attitude and cool composure is what has propelled the Thunderbirds to back-to-back titles and Garrett said that was unlikely to change, with the absence of one of the best defenders in the world not sending coach Tania Obst or her charges into panic.

With the nucleus of the team having been together for years and every game scenario having been played out either in training or live matches, there’s little that will fluster this side, Garrett said.

“The calming messages come from us knowing each other and knowing that when when’s the right time to rev people up and when’s the right time to make sure people take a breath,” she said.