Despite another commanding defensive display from Jamaican Latanya Wilson and a historic 9,000-goal milestone for fellow Sunshine Girl Romelda Aiken-George, reigning champions Adelaide Thunderbirds fell just short in a gripping 66-64 defeat to the NSW Swifts in Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League action at Ken Rosewall Arena on Saturday.

Aiken-George poured in 43 goals from 48 attempts, becoming only the second player in national league history to surpass 9,000 career goals — joining compatriot and West Coast Fever ace Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard. But her milestone moment was not enough to keep the Thunderbirds ahead in a see-saw battle that culminated in a dramatic final-quarter comeback by the Swifts.

Grace Nweke led the Swifts with 50 goals from 52 attempts with support from Helen Housby, who scored six of nine supershot attempts to go with her three from three in the circle. Grace Whyte had the other goal.

With the win, the Swifts made it eight on the trot as they sit comfortably atop the standings on 32 points, while the Thunderbirds slipped to fourth on 16 points.

Romelda Aiken-George.

In a contest that swung wildly in momentum, the Thunderbirds appeared to be in control after a dominant second quarter and entered the final term leading by three. However, inspired by a game-changing intercept from Maddy Turner and a clutch showing from England international Helen Housby, the Swifts stormed home with a 6-1 run and ultimately closed out the match with nerveless execution in the dying moments.

The game began with early fireworks as Nweke opened the scoring for the Swifts and gave the home side a quick 4-1 lead. But the visitors quickly clawed back, anchored by Wilson’s suffocating pressure on Nweke in the circle. The opening term remained tight throughout, as the Swifts just edged the Thunderbirds 19-17.

Adelaide Thunderbirds then turned the screws in the second quarter, as Wilson continued to wreak havoc defensively and Aiken-George bullied her way to conversions despite double coverage. With flawless transition and pinpoint feeding from Hannah Petty, who was battling illness but led with poise, the Thunderbirds exploded to a 19-9 quarter to take a 36-28 halftime lead.

NSW Swifts players celebrate. (Photos: Getty Images)

Though the Thunderbirds pushed their lead to 10 during the third quarter, the Swifts chipped away at the lead. Aiken-George continued to fire with support from Lauren Frew, who scored 11 goals from 12 attempts, but a late surge — driven by Housby’s super shots — helped the Swifts edge the quarter 19-14 and set up a dramatic finish.

The Thunderbirds entered the final quarter with a slim lead, which was quickly erased as Turner’s timely intercept flipped momentum. The Swifts quickly levelled and took the lead, though a five-goal Thunderbirds burst during the Power Five period offered late hope. Still, the Swifts held their nerve to seal the win.