By Matt Fotia
Sixteen seasons.
Seven Grand Finals.
Four premierships.
Romelda Aiken-George’s CV borders on unrivalled in Australian netball circles, making it even more incredible she has been one of the final players signed over the past two SSN seasons.
The Jamaican superstar played every game of the 2023 season for the NSW Swifts as a replacement player, including a losing Grand Final against the Thunderbirds, but was informed she would not be offered a Swifts contract ahead of the 2024 campaign.
“At the end of last season, I knew my role in the Swifts environment,” Aiken-George said.
Fortunately for Aiken-George, the Adelaide Thunderbirds were in the market for an experienced goal shooter.
“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,” Aiken-George explained.
“I knew I still had so much more to give.”
Aiken-George has flourished under the tutelage of Obst.
The Sunshine Girl veteran played every game of the Thunderbirds premiership campaign, shooting more than 500 goals and leading the league for offensive rebounds.
Aiken-George cut a cool and composed figure in the goal circle for the Thunderbirds all season, offering a consistent out ball for those up court.
She saved her best until last though, with the champion goaler named the 2024 Grand Final Player of the Match, with 42 goals and 10 offensive rebounds.
Aiken-George said the Thunderbirds environment has allowed the best version of herself to flourish.
“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,” Aiken-George explained.
“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.
“In today’s game Tania said something to me, and I went back out on court and my shoulders felt as big as a backboard and I felt like a superwoman.”
Aiken-George has loved the environment at the ThunderbirdsWith 227 games of national league experience, Aiken-George is well placed to comment on club environments and coaching structures.
She said the Thunderbirds approach is 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,” Aiken-George stated.
“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.
“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.”
Aiken-George opted to miss the 2022 season due to pregnancy but has maintained her lofty standards since her return.
She says the drive to improve still burns deep inside her.
“I’m still trying to find ways I can make myself better,” Aiken-George said.
“I’m just one of many women who has had a child and gone back into sport yearning for success, because that’s how we rate how we’ve done.
“I just want to play, and I just love the game.”
