Thunderbirds name experienced leadership group for 2025

The Adelaide Thunderbirds have named their leadership group for 2025, led by dual premiership captain Hannah Petty as she enters her 10th season with the club.

Fellow South Australian Tayla Williams returns to the leadership group alongside Jamaican international Shamera Sterling-Humphrey.

In addition, Australian Diamonds Georgie Horjus and Matilda Garrett will also return as Emerging Leaders to round out the group of five.

All dual premiership players for the club, the group boasts a wealth of experience at both national and international level.

This season will mark Petty’s 10th season of national netball after she debuted in the ANZ Championship in 2016.

Hailing from Wudinna on the Eyre Peninsula, the SA local has played all 95 of her games for the Thunderbirds and has led her hometown club as captain since 2020.

“It means the world to me to be captain again, I love this club with all my heart,” Petty said.

“I can’t believe the little girl from Wudinna is about to hit 10 years of national netball.

“It’s a pretty special moment for me and my family and I just can’t wait to get out there again in Round 1.”

Petty said she was proud of the four teammates joining her in the leadership group.

“It’s great to have the same group as last year – all four of them are strong leaders on and off the court,” Petty said.

“They all bring something different to our leadership group that makes us stronger.

“You can’t buy experience, and the finals experience we’ve gained as a group adds a lot of value to our team.”

The Adelaide Thunderbirds will be centre stage this month as all eight Suncorp Super Netball clubs descend on Adelaide for the Suncorp Team Girls Cup pre-season tournament.

The back-to-back reigning champions will relish in a strong home crowd as Netball SA Stadium in Mile End hosts the world’s best netballers from March 14-16.

Tickets are still available for purchase to Team Girls Cup HERE.