The Adelaide Thunderbirds, with their Jamaican trio, have punched their ticket to the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final, edging them closer to winning back-to-back premierships.

The Thunderbirds recorded a crushing 68-43 defeat of the Melbourne Vixens in the Major Semi Final in front of a sell-out crowd at Adelaide 36ers Arena.

Star Sunshine Girls shooter Romelda AIken-George led the way scoring a game-high 38 goals from 44 attempts while grabbing 4 offensive rebounds and making 2 goal assists. She was aided on the offensive end by Lauren Frew who converted all 16 of her shots and Lucy Austin who was a perfect 8 of 8.

On the defensive side of the court reigning MVP Shamera Sterling-Humphrey tallied 14 gains, 8 defensive rebounds and 5 intercepts while Latanya Wilson had 3 intercepts, 2 defensive rebounds and 5 gains.

The Vixens, despite the one-sided mauling will have a second chance to keep their Grand Final dreams alive next Saturday July 27 when they host the Preliminary Final at John Cain Arena.

The Vixens’ Preliminary Final rival will be decided on Sunday July 21, when the West Coast Fever and Sunshine Coast Lightning contend the Minor Semi Final at Perth’s RAC Arena. The Fever, who are spearheaded by Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Shanice Beckford and Kadie-Ann Dehaney, cemented their place after finishing third on goal percentage behind the Thunderbirds and Vixens on the regular season standings. The Lightning held off the challenge of newcomers Melbourne Mavericks, both finishing on 24 points with the Melbourne franchise in fifth place on goal percentage.

The winner of the Preliminary Final will progress through to the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final which will take place on Saturday August 3 at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.