In a nail-biting finish, the Adelaide Thunderbirds clinched a gripping 64-62 victory over the Sunshine Coast Lightning on Sunday, securing the top spot on the Super Netball ladder and guaranteeing home court advantage for the remainder of the season.

Romelda Aiken-George was a standout for the Thunderbirds, scoring an impressive 44 goals from 51 shots, leading her team to victory in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

The Thunderbirds’ triumph at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre completed an unbeaten regular season on their home court. This crucial win placed them at the top of the standings, ahead of the Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever, with all three teams holding 11-3 records but the Thunderbirds edging out on percentage.

The game reached a fever pitch in the final term when Lightning captain Steph Fretwell leveled the scores at 60-60 with a dramatic Super Shot. In response, Thunderbirds attacker Georgie Horjus nailed a clutch two-pointer, shifting the momentum back to Adelaide.

A critical fumble by Sunshine Coast's wing defense, Tara Hinchliffe, on the next centre pass allowed the Thunderbirds to capitalize. Aiken-George scored twice, ultimately sealing the Lightning’s fate in the last minute of the match.

Next Saturday, the Thunderbirds will host the second-placed Vixens in the first-versus-second major semi-final at Adelaide 36ers Arena in Findon. The winner will earn direct passage to the grand final, set for August 3 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

The Sunshine Coast Lightning, having secured fourth place regardless of Sunday's outcome, will face the third-ranked West Coast Fever in a sudden-death minor semi-final at RAC Arena next Sunday.

The Thunderbirds overcame an early ankle injury to shooter Lauren Frew and a fierce challenge from the Lightning, who had never before lost in Adelaide. Sunshine Coast trailed 18-15 at quarter-time but rallied through the creativity of Leesa Mi Mi at centre and the defensive prowess of veteran Courtney Bruce.

The Lightning briefly took the lead in the second quarter before star shooter Cara Koenen was forced to the bench after injuring her left elbow in a collision with Latanya Wilson. The Thunderbirds seized this opportunity, closing the half with a 7-0 run to lead 35-29 at the main interval.

Although Koenen returned with her elbow strapped, the Thunderbirds extended their advantage to 52-42. However, a Super-Shot spree by Fretwell cut the margin to six goals by three-quarter time.

Despite a strong finish from the Lightning, Hinchliffe’s late turnover and Adelaide's dominance in gains (11-6) and rebounds (10-0) ensured the Thunderbirds’ victory, leaving the Lightning to rue missed opportunities.

 With their eyes now set firmly on the finals, the Adelaide Thunderbirds have shown they are a force to be reckoned with, and their performance on Sunday has solidified their status as the team to beat in the race for the Super Netball title.