Adelaide Thunderbirds beat NSW Swift in overtime to advance to Super Netball Grand Final

The Adelaide Thunderbirds pulled off a sensational second-half comeback after extra-time in the SuperNetball major semi-finals in Sydney, with a dramatic 64-62 win over minor premiers NSW Swifts.

They advance to the grand final on July 8 in Melbourne, where the Swifts will host the winner of Sunday’s minor semi-final, West Coast Fever v Melbourne Vixens, in next weekend’s qualifying final.

The Thunderbirds had an early 7-3 lead at Qudos Bank Arena, but were trailed by seven in the second half in the 12th inning and trailed by five at three quarters.

“What we thought we did really well was just holding back,” Thunderbirds coach Tania Obst said.

“When they showed, we took most of our chances and seemed very calm and coordinated on the court at key moments.

The Power 5 period in Q4 saw both teams trade super shots and change the lead several times.

Romelda Aiken-George scored a rare supershot goal 34 seconds before the end to give the Swifts a 58-57 lead.

But after Adelaide’s Tayla Williams intercepted a wayward long pass from Muddy Turner, an impressive Lucy Austin equalized at the buzzer.

“I can’t blame it on one pass. I think there were definitely moments in that game where our decision wasn’t the best. So it could have been a goal or two. So I never did.” “It’s the last part,” Swift coach Bryony Ackle said.

“I think we made some beautiful plays over the course of the three quarters. We stuck to the game plan, played some great netball and had a good presentation.”

“I think the physical side has been a bit of an issue and we need to work it out.