The Adelaide Thunderbirds have gone and done it again, hopping on to social media with some huge news! On their star player, Shimona Aiken-George, who is poised to make her own remarkable milestone in her young netball career. Judging by the reaction on Twitter from both fans and players, the announcement did not go unnoticed. It’s a historic day for both Aiken-George and the league!
Aiken-George, who has otherwise kept a stoic front about her feelings, wept with joy in the celebration. Her mom said the gesture from the Thunderbirds really touched her. It displayed the club’s deep respect for its players and what they accomplished.
Aiken-George further honed her exceptional talent as an educator throughout her storied career. She has played in patches for teams including the Swifts and Mavericks. This season, she’s solidified herself as the most consistently impactful player on the Thunderbirds. Her transformation from training partner to last year’s MVP for the Mavericks is an understated testament to her exceptional development within the sport.
Aiken-George’s Impressive Journey
Shimona Aiken-George is more than a player, she’s a true force and an inspiration to the whole netball community. As a teenager, she made a monumental jump by inking with the Firebirds. She then headed across the ditch to play in the first-year season of the trans-Tasman Championship. After taking maternity leave during the 2022 season, she found herself without a contract at the Firebirds, but her perseverance led her back into the spotlight with the Thunderbirds.
This week, Aiken-George got to toast a huge accomplishment. In doing so she became the first player in Super Netball history to ever reach 5,000 career goals! The league couldn’t be happier about this wonderful milestone. She’s gained the respect of both her teammate and the fans lucky enough to have watched her career from the very beginning.
Aiken-George broke the grand final performance record in 2016. She netted an astonishing 63 goals, the most by an individual in a championship decider on record. These accolades have made her one of the most powerful influencers in the game.
“The milestone was massive, this is something that’s been celebrated all week,” – Tracey Neville
Thunderbirds Celebrate Aiken-George’s Milestone
To celebrate Aiken-George’s incredible accomplishment, the Thunderbirds held a post-game party decked out in flowers and balloons. The mood was electric as players, fans, and staff came together to honor one of their own. The emotional highpoint of the event came when Aiken-George walked through a created honor guard of educators. She kissed her six-month-old daughter, Gigi goodbye as she passed over custody.
This emotional scene summed up Aiken-George’s victory, her story as a mother and athlete. Her success as both athlete and activist is a testament to her drive and passion for the sport and its culture.
Prominent netball identity and coach of the England Roses, Tracey Neville spoke to the importance and emotion in the occasion.
“I think for Shimona, it was quite emotional because you think about where she started to her next club, then missing out on a contract, now having her moment to celebrate with family and friends.” – Tracey Neville
…those kinds of feelings speak to the degree to which Aiken-George’s evolution has touched so many people in the netball community.
Mavericks Find Their Momentum
As the Thunderbirds honor Aiken-George’s historic achievement, it’s a new period of trailblazing among other teams. For the Melbourne Mavericks, it was finally time to celebrate their first victory of the season! They defeated the Giants at John Cain Arena, winning 71-56. This victory marks an important new chapter for the Mavericks. Though they have hardly missed a beat without their star Sasha Glasgow, they have inched past the mounts of Michiga State and N.C.
Now, the Mavericks’ camp is brimming with contention after their unexpected strong showing. The team’s decisive win over fierce competitors proves they are more than prepared. They are ready to compete for even greater honors this season!
It’s during this ongoing Super Netball league that the attention turned towards Aiken-George’s historic milestone, as well as the Mavers’ resurgence. These developments highlight the competitive spirit of Australian netball while showcasing individual talents who continue to push boundaries within the sport.
