THE 2023 Suncorp Super Netball Season is only a matter of weeks away, and in anticipation of the new season we here at Rookie Me Central are going to take an in depth look at each of the sides and preview what this year may have in store for them.

First cab off the rank is the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

Season 2022 was no doubt a frustrating one for those from the City of Churches.

They finished in seventh with only the five wins, but that tally could have been much higher.

They struggled to get the job done in close finishes last season, so if only a couple of those results had gone their way, things could have been very different for them come the back end of the season. They were in the finals race up until the dying weeks of the season, but those close losses ultimately did cost them.

With their defensive end its strongest asset last season, Adelaide have gone about improving its attacking end this offseason.

The Thunderbirds’ squad is largely the same as it was in 2022, but there are two changes to last season’s squad.

Lenize Potgieter and Elle McDonald have left the City of Churches, heading over to the UK to play in the Netball Super League for Manchester Thunder and Leeds Rhinos respectively.

In their place comes two shooters with very different levels of experience, but both are sure to make their mark in the league.

Lucy Austin has been a Training Partner with the Thunderbirds for a few years, and now steps up to a senior contract after making a few appearances for the Thunderbirds in the SSN last season. She looked at home in those appearances last season so will be keen to continue that this season.

Addition number two is Roses star Eleanor Cardwell, who comes down under from reigning Netball Super League champions Manchester Thunder, and will provide crucial experience to an otherwise fairly inexperienced Thunderbirds shooting end.

There is an injury worry in the Adelaide camp, with captain Hannah Petty missing the Team Girls Cup a few weeks ago with an ankle injury. Now it has not been confirmed whether Petty will miss Round 1 yet, but the Thunderbirds are taking a cautious approach with the injury so time will tell whether she does.

Adelaide Thunderbirds 2023 Squad

Lucy Austin

Eleanor Cardwell

Tippah Dwan

Matilda Garrett

Georgie Horjus

Maisie Nankivell

Hannah Petty

Shamera Sterling

Tayla Williams

Latanya Wilson