By Stephanie Smarrelli
Matilda Garrett is no stranger to the pressure that a Grand Final brings.
And ahead of the biggest event on this year's netball calendar, the Thunderbirds defender has no doubt this weekend poses a huge challenge for the South Australian outfit, but she believes they have two key ingredients that create a recipe for success.
Versatility and defensive pressure.
“We have 10 players who can come on at any stage and play their role, but each player brings their own individual flair, that's the strength of our team,” she said.
The side's other strength is an area Garrett excels at herself, defensive pressure.
“Our full court defensive pressure starts from shooter and goes all the way down the court,” she said.
The Thunderbirds are chasing back-to-back premiership glory, only this year they carry the pressure of being hot favourites to take home the trophy.
The reigning premiers are hunting for back-to-back titles this weekend.But that doesn’t worry Garrett. She’s drawing on last year’s Grand Final berth for inspiration.
“2023 was unbelievable. I still pinch myself every time I think back to the Grand Final,” Garrett said.
"It motivates me to want to win another this year because the feeling of winning with your best mates is unexplainable.”
It's the goal that's been on the whiteboard throughout the year for the reigning premiers who will win their sixth national league title if they win on Saturday.
Finishing as minor premiers, Garrett credited the addition of Romelda Aiken-George, Lauren Frew and Laura Scherian as critical to their team's successful season.
“We had three new players come into the team this year, which added value and meant the other teams had to analyse how we played differently,” she said.
Throughout the season head coach Tania Obst has injected fresh legs into the game and for the most part the Thunderbirds haven't missed a beat.
And having absorbed the pressure of last year’s thriller Garrett's discovered the key to her Grand Final Day will be to not get caught up in the big occasion.
"I'll try and treat it like any other game day. The Grand Final is an ordinary game but in extraordinary circumstances,” she said.
Garrett will focus on keeping her regular routine on Grand Final Day."During the day...I'll do all the things I usually would and try not to think too much about the game until I get there. I'll be nervous, but the key to my game day is staying relaxed.”
Throughout 2024 Garrett has run out alongside her teammates to a roaring Adelaide Entertainment Centre, almost triple the size of the side's previous home.
With AEC to host this year's Grand Final, Garrett is looking forward to hitting the court in front of the Thunderbirds' loyal fans on the league's biggest stage.
“The crowd really are our 11th and 12th player their screaming gets us over the line,” she said.
“It's exciting knowing we're playing at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, every time I go to a clinic, I have so many people excited because they've got tickets or are trying to get tickets.”
Garrett is excited to play in front of the Thunderbirds' home crowd.The only thing standing in the way of a Thunderbirds dynasty, an experienced Melbourne Vixens.
Despite defeating the Vixens by 25 goals two weeks ago, Garrett is wary of the damage the Vixens are capable of inflicting but she's confident the Thunderbirds' hunger in front of their home crowd will prevail.
“The Vixens are such a quality side,” she said.
“I expect they will come out firing and really hungry to win.
“But so will we.”
