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Founded | 1997 | ||
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Based in | Adelaide | ||
Regions | South Australia | ||
Home venue | Netball SA Stadium Adelaide Entertainment Centre | ||
Head coach | Tania Obst | ||
Premierships | 6 (1998, 1999, 2010, 2013, 2023, 2024) | ||
League | Suncorp Super Netball ANZ Championship Commonwealth Bank Trophy | ||
2023 placing | 1st | ||
Website | adelaidethunderbirds.com.au | ||
Adelaide Thunderbirds are an Australian professional netball team based in Adelaide, South Australia. Since 2017 they have played in Suncorp Super Netball. Between 2008 and 2016, they played in the ANZ Championship and between 1997 and 2007, they played in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy league. Thunderbirds have won five premierships. They won their first two premierships in 1998 and 1999 during the Commonwealth Bank Trophy era, their third and fourth in 2010 and 2013 during ANZ Championship era, and their sixth in 2023, 2024 during the suncorp netball era. Historically, Thunderbirds are one of Australia's most successful netball teams. Between 1997 and 2010 they finished in the top three of every regular season, and are the first and only team to win a Trophy at all 3 eras.
Between 1997 and 2007, Adelaide Thunderbirds played in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy league. Together with Adelaide Ravens, Melbourne Kestrels, Melbourne Phoenix, Perth Orioles, Queensland Firebirds, Sydney Sandpipers and Sydney Swifts, Thunderbirds were one of the founding members of the league. Thunderbirds were initially going to be named Adelaide Falcons but the name was changed at the request of the rugby union team. [1] [2] [3] Adelaide Thunderbirds and Adelaide Ravens represented Netball South Australia and each team was assigned four state league clubs to select players from. Thunderbirds were aligned with Cheerio, Contax, Matrics and Oakdale. With a team coached by former Contax head coach, Margaret Angove and a starting seven featuring Rebecca Sanders, Kathryn Harby-Williams, Jacqui Delaney, Sarah Sutter, Peta Squire, Cassie Mogg and Alex Hodge, Thunderbirds won their first two premierships and grand finals in 1998 and 1999. [1] [4] [5] [6]
Season | Position | Won | Drawn | Lost |
---|---|---|---|---|
1997 | 2nd | 9 | 0 | 3 |
1998 | 1st | 11 | 1 | 2 |
1999 | 1st | 11 | 1 | 2 |
2000 | 1st | 12 | 0 | 2 |
2001 | 1st | 12 | 0 | 2 |
2002 | 2nd | 12 | 0 | 2 |
2003 | 3rd | 10 | 0 | 4 |
2004 [7] | 2nd | 12 | 0 | 2 |
2005 [8] | 3rd | 12 | 0 | 2 |
2006 | 2nd | 11 | 0 | 3 |
2007 | 3rd | 8 | 0 | 6 |
Premierships
Runners Up
Between 2008 and 2016, Thunderbirds played in the ANZ Championship. [1] Natalie von Bertouch became the inaugural ANZ Championship Thunderbirds captain. She subsequently captained Thunderbirds to two ANZ Championship titles. [15] [16] In 2010, after finishing second during the regular season, they defeated the minor premiers, New South Wales Swifts, in the major semi-final and Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in the grand final. [17] [18] [19] [20] In 2013, Natalie von Bertouch captained Thunderbirds to their fourth premiership after they defeated Queensland Firebirds in the grand final. [16] [21] [22] [23]
Season | Position | Won | Drawn | Lost |
---|---|---|---|---|
2008 | 3rd | 9 | 0 | 4 |
2009 [24] | 3rd | 10 | 0 | 3 |
2010 [17] [18] | 2nd | 9 | 0 | 4 |
2011 [25] [26] | 6th | 5 | 0 | 8 |
2012 [27] | 4th | 9 | 0 | 4 |
2013 [16] | 1st | 12 | 0 | 1 |
2014 [28] | 8th | 5 | 0 | 8 |
2015 [29] | 7th | 4 | 0 | 7 |
2016 [30] | 10th | 2 | 0 | 11 |
Premierships
Runners Up
Since 2017, Thunderbirds have played in Suncorp Super Netball. [31] They had struggled in the competition, not making finals or finishing higher than 7th place until winning the grand finals in 2023 and 2024.
Season | Position | Won | Drawn | Lost |
---|---|---|---|---|
2017 [32] | 8th | 1 | 0 | 13 |
2018 [33] | 8th | 0 | 0 | 14 |
2019 [34] | 7th | 3 | 2 | 9 |
2020 | 7th | 5 | 0 | 9 |
2021 | 7th | 5 | 0 | 9 |
2022 [35] | 7th | 5 | 0 | 9 |
2023 | 2nd | 9 | 1 | 4 |
Premierships
Runners Up
Season | Winners | Score | Runners Up | Venue |
---|---|---|---|---|
1997 | Melbourne Phoenix | 58–48 | Adelaide Thunderbirds | The Glasshouse |
1998 [1] | Adelaide Thunderbirds | 48–42 | Sydney Swifts | ETSA Park |
1999 [1] [36] | Adelaide Thunderbirds | 62–30 | Adelaide Ravens | ETSA Park |
2000 [37] | Melbourne Phoenix | 52–51 | Adelaide Thunderbirds | The Glasshouse |
2001 [38] [39] | Sydney Swifts | 57–32 | Adelaide Thunderbirds | State Sports Centre |
2002 [40] | Melbourne Phoenix | 49–44 | Adelaide Thunderbirds | Vodafone Arena |
2006 [38] [41] [42] | Sydney Swifts | 65–36 | Adelaide Thunderbirds | Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre |
Source: [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]
Season | Winners | Score | Runners Up | Venue |
---|---|---|---|---|
2009 [43] [44] | Melbourne Vixens | 54–46 | Adelaide Thunderbirds | Hisense Arena |
2010 [19] [20] | Adelaide Thunderbirds | 52–42 | Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic | Adelaide Entertainment Centre |
2013 [21] [22] [23] | Adelaide Thunderbirds | 50–48 | Queensland Firebirds | Adelaide Entertainment Centre [45] |
Season | Winners | Score | Runners Up | Venue |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Adelaide Thunderbirds | 60–59 | New South Wales Swifts | John Cain Arena |
Thunderbirds have played the majority of their home games at the Netball SA Stadium. Due to sponsorship arrangements this venue has also be known as ETSA Park or Priceline Stadium. [7] [8] [46] Thunderbirds have also played home games, including the 2010 and 2013 grand finals, at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. [1] [45] [47] Thunderbirds have also played home games at the Adelaide Arena. [46] [48] Thunderbirds played a 2019 Suncorp Super Netball Round 7 home match against Sunshine Coast Lightning at the Territory Netball Stadium. [49] [50] [51]
During the Commonwealth Bank Trophy era, Thunderbirds main colour was silver. Between 2008 and 2010, when Thundersbirds were sponsored by Port Adelaide Football Club, they adopted their sponsors team colours of black, white, teal and silver. Ahead of the 2011 season, Thunderbirds announced they were changing their team colours to pink. [45] [52] [53]
Adelaide Thunderbirds 2024 playing roster | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nat. | Name | Position(s) | DoB | Height | Notes |
JAM | Romelda Aiken-George | GS, GK | 19/11/1988 | 1.96m (6ft 5in) | Head Coach: Tania Obst |
AUS | Lucy Austin | GS | 19/12/2002 | 1.90m (6ft 3in) | Assistant Coach: |
AUS | Lauren Frew | GA/GS | 12/12/2001 | 1.87m (6ft 2in) | -(C)= Captain |
AUS | Georgie Horjus | GA/WA | 28/01/2002 | 1.72m (5ft 8in) | -(CC)=Co-Captain |
AUS | Laura Scherian | WA/C | 26/07/1988 | 1.67m (5ft 6in) | -(VC)=Vice-Captain |
AUS | Tayla Williams | C/WD/WA | 13/04/2000 | 1.75m (5ft 9in) | -(TP)= Training Partner |
AUS | Hannah Petty | WD/C/WA | 17/05/1997 | 1.75m (5ft 9in) | -(RP)= Replacement Player |
JAM | Latanya Wilson | GD/WD/GK | 10/11/200 | 1.88m (6ft 2in) | -(TRP)= Temporary Replacement Player |
AUS | Matilda Garrett | GD/GK | 11/08/1998 | 1.85m (6ft 1in) | -(IN)= Injury |
JAM | Shamera Sterling | GK/GD | 21/10/1995 | 1.90m (6ft 3in) | -(MAT)=Maternity Leave |
Years | |
---|---|
Kathryn Harby-Williams | 1997–2003 |
Peta Scholz | 2004–2006 |
Laura von Bertouch | 2004–2007 |
Natalie von Bertouch [15] [55] [23] | 2008–2013 |
Mo'onia Gerrard [17] | 2010 |
Renae Ingles [28] [29] [56] | 2014–2015 |
Erin Bell [30] [32] [57] | 2016–2017 |
Leana de Bruin [33] [58] | 2018 |
Layla Guscoth [34] [59] | 2019 |
Chelsea Pitman [34] [59] [60] [61] | 2019–2020 |
Hannah Petty [60] | 2020– |
Years | |
---|---|
Margaret Angove | 1997–2006 |
Tania Obst | 2007 |
Jane Woodlands-Thompson | 2008–2015 |
Michelle den Dekker [30] [62] [63] | 2016 |
Kristy Keppich-Birrell [30] [63] | 2016 |
Dan Ryan [64] [65] [66] [67] | 2016–2018 |
Tania Obst [68] | 2018– |
Years | |
---|---|
Lisa Alexander [55] [17] | 2008–2011 |
Dan Ryan [70] [64] | 2012–2015 |
Years | |
---|---|
Jenny Borlase [30] [32] [62] | 2016–2017 |
Natalie von Bertouch [34] [71] | 2018– |
Years | |
---|---|
AAMI [2] [3] [4] | 1997–2001 |
Medibank [2] [8] [72] | 2001–2007 |
Port Adelaide Football Club [53] [45] [52] [73] | 2007–2010 |
Fairmont Homes [25] [27] [53] | 2011–2013 |
Priceline [74] [75] [76] | 2013–2020 |
Southern Force are the reserve team of Thunderbirds. They play in the Australian Netball League. In 2012 they were ANL Champions. [27] [32] [77]
The Commonwealth Bank Trophy, also referred to as the National Netball League, was the top level national Australian netball league between 1997 and 2007. The league was organized by Netball Australia. Its main sponsor was the Commonwealth Bank. Melbourne Phoenix were the competition's most successful team, winning five premierships. Sydney Swifts were the second most successful team, winning four premierships. Between them, Phoenix and Swifts played in every grand final, except in 1999 when Adelaide Thunderbirds won the second of their two premierships. Ahead of the 2008 season, the Commonwealth Bank Trophy league effectively merged with New Zealand's National Bank Cup to form the ANZ Championship.
Perth Orioles were an Australian netball team that, between 1997 and 2007, represented Netball Western Australia in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy. Orioles were one of the founding teams of the competition. They never finished higher than sixth in the competition's eleven seasons and finished last four times. In 2008, when the Commonwealth Bank Trophy was replaced by the ANZ Championship, Perth Orioles were rebranded as West Coast Fever.
Sydney Swifts were an Australian netball team based in Sydney. Between 1997 and 2007, they represented Netball New South Wales in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy league. Together with Sydney Sandpipers and Hunter Jaegers, they were one of three teams to represent NNSW in the competition. After Melbourne Phoenix, Swifts were the league's second most successful team, winning four premierships and three minor premierships. In 2008, when the Commonwealth Bank Trophy was replaced by the ANZ Championship, Swifts and Jaegers merged to form New South Wales Swifts.
Queensland Firebirds are an Australian professional netball team based in Brisbane, Queensland. Since 2017 they have played in Suncorp Super Netball. Between 2008 and 2016, they played in the ANZ Championship and between 1997 and 2007, they played in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy. Firebirds were the most successful team during the ANZ Championship era, playing in five grand finals and winning three premierships, in 2011, 2015 and 2016. They were the only team to win back to back ANZ Championship titles.
Netball Australia is the main governing body for netball in Australia. It is affiliated to World Netball. It is responsible for organising and administering the Australia national netball team, Suncorp Super Netball, Australian National Netball Championships, and the Australian Netball Championships. It previously organised and administered the ANZ Championship, the Commonwealth Bank Trophy league and the Esso/Mobil Superleague.
Jacqui Delaney is a former Australia netball international. Between 1997 and 2002 she made 21 senior appearances for Australia. Delaney was a member of the Australia teams that won the gold medals at the 1999 World Netball Championships and the 2002 Commonwealth Games. At club level, Delaney played for Contax in both the South Australia state league and the Mobil Superleague and for Adelaide Thunderbirds in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy league. She was a member of the Thunderbirds squad won two premierships and grand finals in 1998 and 1999.
Natalie von BertouchBUR-toh;, also known as Natalie Bode, is a former Australia netball international. Between 2004 and 2012 she made 76 senior appearances for Australia. Bertouch was a member of the Australia teams that won the gold medals at the 2007 and 2011 World Netball Championships. She captained Australia at the latter tournament. She was also a member of the Australia teams that won the silver medals at the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games. At club level, Bertouch captained Adelaide Thunderbirds to two ANZ Championship titles in 2010 and 2013. Her older sister Laura von Bertouch is also a former netball player. The two sisters were team mates with both Thunderbirds and Australia.
Laura von Bertouch is a former Australia netball international. Bertouch was a member of the Australia team that won the gold medal at the 2007 World Netball Championships. At club level, Bertouch played for Adelaide Thunderbirds, mainly during the Commonwealth Bank Trophy era. She captained Thunderbirds between 2004 and 2007. Her younger sister, Natalie von Bertouch, is also a former netball player. The two sisters were team mates with both Thunderbirds and Australia.
The ANZ Championship, also known as the Trans-Tasman Netball League, is a former netball league featuring teams from both Australia and New Zealand. Between 2008 and 2016, it was the top-level league in both countries. The competition was owned and administered by Trans-Tasman Netball League Ltd (TTNL), a joint venture between Netball Australia and Netball New Zealand. It was effectively a merger of Australia's Commonwealth Bank Trophy and New Zealand's National Bank Cup. Its main sponsor was the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group.
Megan Anderson, also known as Megan McWilliams and previously known as Megan Dehn, is a former Australia netball international and current netball coach. Between 2000 and 2006 she made 20 senior appearances for Australia. She was a member of the Australia team that won the silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. During the Commonwealth Bank Trophy era, Anderson was a member of Sydney Swifts teams that won premierships in 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2007. During the ANZ Championship era, she played for Southern Steel and Northern Mystics. After retiring as a player in 2011, she became a coach. In 2020 Anderson was appointed head coach of Queensland Firebirds.
Jane Altschwager is a former Australia netball international. During the Commonwealth Bank Trophy era, Altschwager made 81 senior appearances for Adelaide Thunderbirds, Sydney Swifts and Hunter Jaegers. Between 1999 and 2004, she was a member of three premiership winning squads – 1999 with Thunderbirds and 2001 and 2004 with Swifts. During the ANZ Championship era she re-joined Thunderbirds and also played for Central Pulse. Altschwager captained both Jaegers and Pulse. After retiring as a netball player, Altschwager went on to play women's Australian rules football for North Adelaide in the SANFL Women's League.
Kirby Mutton, also known as Kirby Morley, is a former Australian netball player. Mutton played for both AIS Canberra Darters and Adelaide Thunderbirds during the Commonwealth Bank Trophy era. Mutton also played for Contax in the South Australia state league and was a member of five premiership winning teams. Between 2003 and 2005, she represented Australia at under-21 level.
Melissa Rowland is a former Australian netball player. In 2007 Rowland was included in the Melbourne Phoenix Commonwealth Bank Trophy squad. She was also a member of the Adelaide Thunderbirds senior team during the 2008 and 2012 ANZ Championship seasons. Rowland was a member of both the Contax team that won the 2008 South Australia state league title and of the Southern Force team that won the 2012 Australian Netball League.
Peta Scholz, also known as Peta Squire, is a former Australia netball international. She was a member of the Australia teams that won the gold medals at the 1999 World Netball Championships and the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the silver medal at the 2003 World Netball Championships. Between 1997 and 2007, Scholz made 169 appearances for Adelaide Thunderbirds in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy league. She was a prominent member of the Thunderbirds teams that won five successive minor premierships between 1997 and 2001. She also played in six successive grand finals between 1997 and 2002, helping Thunderbirds win premierships in 1998 and 1999. In 2010 and 2011, Scholz played for Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in the ANZ Championship.
Jenny Borlase, also known as Jenny Kennett, is a former Australia netball international. Between 1989 and 1999 she made 70 senior appearances for Australia. She was a member of the Australia teams that won gold medals at the 1991, 1995 and 1999 World Netball Championships, the 1993 World Games and the 1998 Commonwealth Games. At club level, Borlase played for Garville in both the South Australia state league and the Mobil Superleague and for Adelaide Ravens and Melbourne Kestrels in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy league. She also represented South Australia. Borlase was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1992. After retiring as a player, Borlase has remained involved in netball as both an administrator and coach.
Simone McKinnis is a former Australia netball international and the current head coach of Melbourne Vixens in Suncorp Super Netball. As a player she was a member of the Australia teams that won gold medals at the 1991 and 1995 World Netball Championships, the 1993 World Games and the 1998 Commonwealth Games. She also captained the Melbourne Phoenix team that won the 1997 Commonwealth Bank Trophy. She was head coach when Vixens won the 2014 ANZ Championship and the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball titles. In 1992, McKinnis was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia and in 2010 was inducted into the Australian Netball Hall of Fame.
Contax Netball Club are an Australian netball team based in Adelaide, South Australia. Their senior team currently plays in the Netball South Australia Premier League. Between 1989 and 1996, Contax represented Netball South Australia in the Esso/Mobil Superleague. They were premiers in 1994. They were originally known as Contax Basketball Club, when netball was known as women's basketball. During the Esso/Mobil Superleague era, they were also referred to as Adelaide Contax. Between 1995 and 2012, when the club was sponsored by ETSA, and then ETSA Utilities, they were known as ETSA Contax.
Adelaide Ravens were an Australian netball team that, together with Adelaide Thunderbirds, represented Netball South Australia in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy league. In 1997 Ravens were founder members of the league. In 1999 they were grand finalists. They continued to play in the competition until 2002, when they were replaced by AIS Canberra Darters.
Roselee Jencke is a former Australia netball international and netball coach. As a player, Jencke was a member of the Australia teams that won the gold medal at the 1991 World Netball Championships and the silver medals at the 1985 World Games and the 1987 World Netball Championships. In 1992 she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. Between 2009 and 2020, Jencke served as head coach of Queensland Firebirds. Between 2011 and 2016 she guided Firebirds to five ANZ Championship grand finals, winning three premierships in 2011, 2015 and 2016.