Adelaide Thunderbirds strike again, deny Melbourne Vixens in grand final thriller

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

The Thunderbirds started slowly at a sold-out Adelaide Entertainment Centre 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.

Kate Moloney of the Vixens catches the ball under pressure.Credit: Getty Images

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.

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

With fellow shooter Romelda Aiken-George’s radar uncharacteristically awry, Frew got hold of experienced Diamonds defender Jo Weston as the scores were squared at 28-all at halftime.

Shamera Sterling-Humphrey’s inspirational defending helped 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 rampant 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.

AAP