The Adelaide Thunderbirds have headlined a historic season for Suncorp Super Netball as the club broke records on and off the court on their way to back-to-back premierships.
In what was the most attended season of Australian women’s sport, with a total attendance of 366,222 across the country, the Thunderbirds drew over 56,000 to home games in 2024.
At their new home, the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, the club experienced a 115% increase in attendance as new and existing fans came to see the reigning premiers in action.
The side averaged over 8,000 across their seven home games and played before sold-out crowds in Rounds 9 and 14.
In their final home game of the minor rounds, the club recorded its highest-ever SSN attendance with 9,248 in the stands.
Membership numbers also increased by 85% as the Pink Army continued to rise.
On court, the side recorded its highest ever margin in Super Netball with 26 points over the Melbourne Mavericks in Round 11 and its highest ever score with 73 against the Melbourne Vixens in Round 12.
For the first time in 11 years, the Thunderbirds were crowned Minor Premiers and went undefeated at home, winning all seven minor round games at the Entertainment Centre.
In the Major Semi-Final, the side set the new record for the highest ever win in an SSN final with a 25-point victory over the Vixens.
In front of a sold-out crowd at the Grand Final, the Thunderbirds secured back-to-back premierships with a 2-point victory over the Vixens.
It was the first time the club has celebrated back-to-back championships in 25 years, since the 1998 and 1999 side did so during the Commonwealth Bank Trophy, and the first time in national netball history that a club had achieved back-to-back glory twice.
The win also meant the Thunderbirds went undefeated in Adelaide for the entirety of 2024.
Netball SA and Adelaide Thunderbirds CEO Bronwyn Klei said 2024 has been a monumental year for netball in South Australia.
“Netball is the number one sport for women and girls across the country and 2024 has further proven how significant our sport is, particularly in South Australia,” Ms Klei said.
“Our Adelaide Thunderbirds have experienced a record-breaking season as the club smashed attendance and membership numbers at their new home.
“On court, the side made history as they hit record margins and highest scores on their way to back-to-back premiership glory.
“We thank the Malinauskas Labor Government who have shown substantial support for netball in South Australia, from grassroots to the elite.
“It was amazing to watch our Thunderbirds win the championship in front of a home crowd thanks to Premier Malinauskas who secured the rights to the 2024 Grand Final last year.
“Consultation is also underway for the $92 million redevelopment of Netball SA Stadium we look forward to working with the government and our community to develop a world-class facility for future generations.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for netball in South Australia and we look forward to seeing our sport continue to rise in the future.”
