By Charlie McKay
Adelaide Thunderbirds have kept their three-peat dream alive, defeating Sunshine Coast Lightning 59–55 in a do-or-die thriller.
The reigning premiers are now well placed to host next week’s minor semi-final at Adelaide Entertainment Centre — pending the result of tomorrow’s clash between Fever and the Vixens.
The nervous energy was palpable from the outset as both teams fought tooth and nail, refusing to give an inch.
Lightning drew first blood, capitalising on intense defensive pressure to secure the opening break of the game.
They carried that energy into the first break, edging ahead with a 15-13 lead at quarter time.
But the momentum shifted in the second quarter.
Lightning extended their lead to four, but the Thunderbirds quickly rallied.
Matilda Garrett came alive in a standout performance, racking up six gains, four intercepts, and seven deflections to keep momentum with the Thunderbirds.
The injection of Sanmarie Visser at wing defence added extra firepower and proved crucial in limiting the influence of Lightning star Liz Watson.
Thunderbirds are the best defensive team in the leagueSkipper Hannah Petty stood tall when it mattered most, leading by example and igniting a dominant second-quarter performance thar proved the winning difference.
Roared on by a vocal Adelaide crowd, the Thunderbirds surged ahead to take a 32-25 lead into half time.
The third quarter was a tight tussle, but the Thunderbirds held their nerve.
It was a full-court effort from the reigning premiers, with every player contributing in attack and defence.
Romelda Aiken-George was rock-solid under the post, proving near-impossible to stop as Lightning struggled for answers.
The home side took a 47-38 lead into the final break, setting themselves up for a strong finish.
The Thunderbirds kept their foot on the pedal in the final term, and for a while, a Lightning comeback looked out of reach.
Despite last week’s clutch performance, Steph Fretwell was benched in favour of Reilley Batcheldor.
But Batcheldor and Cara Koenen landed consecutive super shots to close the gap to five, unnerving the home crowd.
A crucial turnover gave Lightning a chance to narrow the margin to just one, but the pressure proved too much.
While Lightning had their opportunities, they were ultimately outmuscled by a hungry Thunderbirds outfit.
It’s season over for Lightning, but fans will be pleased that captain Steph Fretwell has confirmed her intention to return in 2026, quashing retirement rumours.
