TODAY it all begins – the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball finals.

The series kicks off with the major semi-final between Adelaide Thunderbirds and Melbourne Vixens.

The prize for winning today is huge – a spot in the grand final. Lose though, and not all hope is lost. Hosting duties for the preliminary final await next week for the loser.

MAJOR SEMI-FINAL

Adelaide Thunderbirds vs Melbourne Vixens
5pm AEST (4:30pm local time)
Adelaide 36ers Arena

RECENT FORM

The Adelaide Thunderbirds have had a very strong end to the season. So much so they are on a six-match winning streak.

The Vixens meanwhile have not had the most ideal back end to their season – suffering two of their three losses for the entire year in the last three weeks of the year – but are coming off a massive win last week, which will give them a boost of confidence.

2024 HISTORY

Today will be the third time these two sides have met in 2024.

Back in Round 2, it was an absolute nail-biter that saw the Vixens prevail by a solitary goal. That day, the scores were tied heading into the final minute, but the Vixens pinched one final goal in the dying seconds to pip their visitors at the death.

In Round 12 though it was a very different story. A strong second and final quarter from the Thunderbirds saw them defeat the Vixens by 15 goals.

THE GREAT NEUTRALISER

One factor that should not be forgotten about today’s match is that it is not at the Thunderbirds’ usual home court, so although it should not play as bigger factor as it would if netball was an outdoor sport, it still might.

Thanks to the Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Glow Party, the netball has had to move to the Adelaide 36ers Arena for today, which has not hosted netball since the early 2000s.

KEY PLAYERS

The Thunderbirds’ defensive group is highly spoken of for a reason, and is the best in the competition at what they do.

The Vixens will need to be careful how they feed Sophie Garbin, Kiera Austin and Lily Graham in the shooting circle as Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Matilda Garrett and Latanya Wilson are all international level defenders, and under no circumstances can the Vixens go the aerial route as they will get picked off far too easily.