Matilda Garrett does her homework ahead of milestone match in Super Netball finals, teammate chasing all-time games record

Adelaide Thunderbirds remain bullish about their chances of a title three-peat, with Diamonds’ star Matilda Garrett explaining how the big-match experience gained over the past three seasons will count when it matters most.

There were times when Matilda Garrett didn’t even think she’d gain another Super Netball contract, let alone play 100 games in the best league in the world.

But as she prepares to celebrate her century on Sunday, with a pair of premierships and a Diamonds debut under her belt, Garrett is preparing for what she and her Adelaide Thunderbirds teammates believe could be a push for a unique title three-peat.

Despite losing world-class defensive teammate Shamera Sterling-Humphrey early in the year and only qualifying for finals in the last game of the regular season, Garrett said the Thunderbirds had not lost the belief that they could compete with any team in the league.

Matilda Garrett in action for the Diamonds. Picture: Emily Barker/Getty Images

“We’ve always had the belief that we can 100 per cent make finals,” Garrett said.

“At the very start of the season we sat down and spoke about what we had to do to make it to the finals and to the grand final.

“Obviously this season we’ve had some losses that as a team we weren’t very happy with because they were based off of our mistakes and obviously when you make mistakes, teams are so good that they capitalise on it and win.

“So I think we’re just very, very excited and happy to be in the finals because we would’ve been extremely disappointed to not be here.”

Matilda Garrett will play her 100th national league match in the final against Melbourne Vixens. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

While their opponents – and last year’s grand final rivals – the Melbourne Vixens had already sealed their place in the playoffs heading into last week’s final round, the Thunderbirds leapfrogged them on the table due to their superior percentage and will host the match.

“I’m just so happy that it’s in Adelaide,” Garrett said of the clash.

“I think that’s a huge advantage to have our home crowd there but in regards to it being a grand final replay, we’ve played them twice since then, so we’re not really looking at it like that.

“We’ve just got to prepare according to how they’re playing at the moment.”

Last time the Thunderbirds met the Vixens, it was Adelaide by three. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

That means a tough defensive assignment for Garrett, who was named again in the Diamonds squad this week, and her circle partner Latanya Wilson who will have to nullify the Vixens’ Australian representative shooters Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin.

“Sophie and Kiera are world-class attackers, so we’ve watched what they’ve been putting out,” Garrett said.

“We’ve watched trends across the season but also specifically across the last couple of rounds … so we’ve done a lot of homework and we’re feeling as prepared as we possibly can.

“It’s just about trying to implement that on game day.”

While Garrett will be celebrating a milestone, teammate Romelda Aiken-George will again be climbing into new territory as one of the most experienced players in the league.

Romelda Aiken-George in action against the Vixens last time they met. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Currently tied with Bianca Chatfield on 244 Australian and trans-Tasman national league matches, she will leapfrog the former Diamonds defender to sit behind only Cath Cox (254) on the all-time games list.

The 2024 grand final MVP wound back the clock in last week’s crucial encounter against Sunshine Coast Lightning, making some exceptional takes in the circle to ensure the Thunderbirds advanced to the finals.

Australian netball greats Cath Cox (L) and Bianca Chatfield celebrate their 2014 ANZ Championship Grand Final victory. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

“I swear Didi (Aiken-George) hits milestones every single week,” Garrett said of the Jamaican superstar who started playing in Australia in 2008.

“I think it’s just crazy how she’s been able to perform for so many years and she has been in Australia dominating for a very, very long time and she continues to do so. I’m very proud of her.

“She’s not just a netballer anymore, she’s a mum and she does long-distance with her partner so she has made a lot of sacrifices to be here and playing with us.”

Garrett expects the big-match experience the Thunderbirds have gained over the past three seasons to count when the match is on the line on Sunday, with the season over for the minor semi-final losers.

“We’ve done all the work,” she said.

“It’s just about making sure that on game day we’re all on the same page and everyone’s just winning their own battle and hopefully as a collective, then we come away with the win.”

Originally published as Matilda Garrett does her homework ahead of milestone match in Super Netball finals, teammate chasing all-time games record