Image: Adelaide Thunderbirds/Facebook
The Adelaide Thunderbirds will celebrate their historic Super Netball premiership win with fans in the heart of the city today, with a special community event taking over Rundle Mall from midday.
Following their dominant 61 to 40 grand final victory over the Melbourne Vixens at John Cain Arena on Saturday night, the premiership-winning team and coaches will appear at Charles Street in Rundle Mall from 12pm on Monday 6 July.
The celebration will be co-hosted by Recreation, Sport and Racing Minister Rhiannon Pearce and Acting Lord Mayor of Adelaide Councillor Carmel Noon, with Jarrod Walsh emceeing the event.
Fans can expect season and finals highlights on the big screen, a Q&A with the players, appearances from the Thunderbirds cheerleading squad and mascot Tori T-Bird, as well as photo and autograph opportunities.
The new premiership trophy, created to mark the 10-year milestone for the Super Netball League, will also be on display.
Saturday night’s victory saw the Thunderbirds make Super Netball history, becoming the first team to win three premierships since the competition began in 2017. The win also draws the Adelaide side level with the NSW Swifts as the equal-most successful club in national netball history, with seven premierships each.
The premiership follows a dominant season from the Thunderbirds, who set a new league record for most wins in a regular season with a 13-1 record, went undefeated at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, and set a league record for highest percentage at 126.7 per cent. The team also recorded new club records for highest score, with 74, and highest winning margin, with 33.
To mark the win, key city landmarks will be illuminated in pink on Monday night, including South Australian Parliament, Adelaide Riverbank Pedestrian Bridge, Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Town Hall, Adelaide Oval and SkyCity Adelaide.
Acting Premier Kyam Maher said the victory cemented the Thunderbirds’ place as one of the state’s most successful sporting teams.
“This amazing victory confirms the Adelaide Thunderbirds as one of South Australia’s most enduring and successful sporting teams,” he said.
“I encourage their legions of loyal fans to take the opportunity celebrate with them tomorrow in Rundle Mall.
“The Thunderbirds are not only a champion netball team, they are also an enormous inspiration to many South Australian women and girls and this premiership further demonstrates this.”
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Rhiannon Pearce said the city celebration was a fitting tribute to the team.
“What an amazing effort from our champion netball team the Adelaide Thunderbirds,” she said.
“South Australians love the Thunderbirds, and what better way to celebrate their wonderful win than a special gathering in the heart of the city.
Netball SA and Adelaide Thunderbirds CEO Bronwyn Klei said the celebration was also a moment for the club’s passionate Pink Army.
“Our Pink Army across South Australia has been with us every step of the way this season,” she said.
“Our members and fans have been our 11th player at matches, bringing the noise and painting our stands pink.
“We have the best fanbase in the competition and it’s wonderful to have this opportunity to celebrate our third premiership in four seasons with them.
“Netball in South Australia continues to thrive year on year and this win is for everyone who loves our game.”
The Adelaide Thunderbirds premiership celebration will take place from 12pm on Monday 6 July at Charles Street, Rundle Mall.
