Aiken-George credits Thunderbirds for standout season

ADELAIDE, Australia (CMC):

JAMAICAN SUPERSTAR goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George has credited the Adelaide Thunderbirds for her outstanding season in the Australian Super Netball Championship.

The 35-year-old veteran played every game of the Thunderbirds’ 2024 premiership campaign, which climaxed with the team capturing their second successive title.

Aiken-George scored more than 500 goals and led the league in offensive rebounds, and was named Grand Final Player of the Match with 42 goals and 10 offensive rebounds.

She credited head coach Tania Obst and the Thunderbirds’ environment for her success after being released by the NSW Swifts at the end of the 2023 season.

“Tania made it clear… ‘you’re coming to play your role, you’re not filling in for anyone, you’re just coming in to do your thing.’ I knew I still had so much more to give,” Aiken-George explained.

“This environment I’m in, everyone is always having a hand in what I do, making sure when I rock up to training, I’m in the best mental headspace.

“When I look back at when I first came here, I was very closed off, but just being here I feel like everyone helps me to bring out my weapon and to be comfortable,” she added.

Aiken-George described the Thunderbirds approach as “unique” and believes the open lines of communication Obst and her players have with each other is the key to their success.

“This group is just so amazing. Every week we held each other so accountable and there was a lot of space for learning each week.

“The way we analyse the game is so different from any other team I’ve been a part of, and by doing that we pick up on little things I don’t think other teams pick up on,” said Aiken-George, who has been in the league for 16 seasons.

“The way we look at the game, through our own eyes, and then chat with Tania, it’s just so great. By having those tough conversations each week, we grew and grew every week.

“We expect so much from each other, but in a loving way. We’ve got something special over here,” she maintained.