Romelda Aiken-George delivered a rock-solid performance under the post, inspiring the Adelaide Thunderbirds to a crucial 59–55 victory over Sunshine Coast Lightning and keeping their dream of a Super Netball three-peat well and truly alive.

In a must-win showdown at home, the reigning champions turned up the intensity at both ends of the court, with Aiken-George leading the charge with 43 goals from 54 attempts.

The Thunderbirds are now in prime position to host next week’s minor semi-final at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre — depending on the outcome of the highly anticipated clash between West Coast Fever and the Melbourne Vixens.

The contest began on a tense note, with Sunshine Coast Lightning edging ahead 15–13 at the end of the first quarter. But momentum shifted dramatically in the second as the Thunderbirds tightened their defence and found rhythm in attack, surging ahead to a 32–25 lead at half-time.

With the home crowd behind them, Adelaide extended their dominance in the third quarter, heading into the final period with a commanding 47–38 lead. Despite a late push from the Lightning, the Thunderbirds held firm to seal the four-goal win and keep their title defence alive.

In other results, Jamaican shooter Shimona Jok was in fine form for the Melbourne Mavericks, netting 40 from 42 attempts. However, her efforts were not enough to stop the Mavericks from going down 74–59 to GIANTS Netball at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney.

All eyes now turn to Perth, where the West Coast Fever — boasting a league-record 11-match winning streak — will face the Melbourne Vixens at the R.A.C Arena. The Fever, already crowned minor premiers after clinching top spot with an unassailable 44 points, will showcase Jamaican stars Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Shanice Beckford, and Kadie-Ann Dehaney as they look to maintain momentum heading into the finals.