THE State Government has extended its congratulations to the Adelaide Thunderbirds for winning the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball Championship.
The Thunderbirds won an exhilarating grand final on Saturday night against the Sydney Swifts by a solitary goal.
The match had gone into extra-time after both teams could not be separated at the end of the fourth quarter.
The Malinauskas Government will honour the victory with a State reception and will work with the Thunderbirds to identify a suitable time, with players departing to represent their country at the upcoming Netball World Cup.
Last week it was announced from 2024 the Thunderbirds will play their future home matches at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
South Australia will also host the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball grand final, with the Thunderbirds now having the unique opportunity to defend their crown in their home State.
It the first grand final victory for Adelaide since 2013 and their fifth in total since they were founded in 1997.
Eight South Australians and SA Sports Institute (SASI) participants, took to the court in last night’s Grand Final – Maddy Proud, Maddy Turner and Sarah Klau from the Swifts, and Hannah Petty, Maisie Nankivell, Georgie Horjus, Tayla Williams and Lucy Austin from the Thunderbirds.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Katrine Hildyard, said it was a fitting end to the season for the Thunderbirds.
“(Saturday) night’s win was a fitting end to a superb season for our magnificent Thunderbirds,” she said.
“Together with all of SA, we are incredibly proud of them.
“They have thrilled us all season and last night was no different, emerging victorious after extra time, to claim their first championship in a decade.
“These brilliant athletes, coaches and support crew dared to dream and fought so hard to become champions.
“Their season and this win will no doubt inspire the next generation of Thunderbirds.
“The future of netball in SA is very bright.”
Former Mundulla netballer Maisie Nankivell was involved in the final for the Thunderbirds.
