By Henry Milic
Adelaide Thunderbirds star shooter Romelda Aiken-George is hunting for greatness as she embarks on another finals campaign, this time in the pink dress as Thunderbird #108.
Having played 16 seasons at the top level in Australia, the 35-year-old from Jamaica isn’t showing signs of slowing down, reminding fans why she is one of the best netballers of all time.
Aiken-George has become an integral part of the Thunderbirds attack end since joining the club in 2024 on the back of leading the NSW Swifts to a Grand Final in 2023.
After 14 rounds, the Thunderbirds took out the Minor Premiership, securing a double chance and a home Major Semi-Final at Adelaide 36ers Arena on Saturday, 20th July, at 4:30pm ACST.
Road to finals
Reflecting on the 2024 season, Aiken-George said the Thunderbirds have worked hard to put themselves in a commanding position as they enter finals.
“To finish on top is definitely an achievement, and to know that everyone is buying into the same goal is really special,” Aiken-George said.
“Everyone offers something different out on court, so I think to be rewarded with finishing at the top of the table is great, but the business end starts next week.”
Since joining the Thunderbirds, the netball great has finished fourth in overall goals scored with 517 and led the league in offensive rebounds recording 69.
The prolific shooter said she is confident heading into finals and will prepare as she has always done ahead of big matches.
“It is another game of netball, but I think every game brings something different,” Aiken-George said.
“My mindset throughout the whole year was to just control what I can control.
“For me, it is just another game and I will prepare for it the exact same way I have prepared for other games and just live in the moment.
“There were four other teams who saw their season end last week, so I think it’s a privilege for us to acknowledge that we made it this far but now the business end begins.”
Legacy in pink
Aiken-George credited the teams’ success to how well they have connected with one another both on and off the court.
“Looking down our defence line and knowing we have the best in the business and to see our midcourt just take control, it leaves me with only one job to do and that is shoot,” Aiken-George said.
“I feel a lot more comfortable in being my own self and I feel like this group has been so honest with the feedback that we give to each other.”
Having fallen just one step short in last year’s Grand Final match, Aiken-George is hopeful to get one back this year and go all the way.
“I had very high hopes, judging that I was coming into an established group,” Aiken-George said.
“It would be great to win it all, I feel like I have been a bridesmaid for such a long time, and I want it so I’m doing whatever I can to make sure that our group succeeds.”
