AO Manchester Thunder secured a historic fifth Netball Super League title by defeating London Pulse 54-51 in a thrilling Soft & Gentle Grand Final at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. The victory drew them level with Team Bath as the most successful clubs in the league's history.
Emotional Victory for Greig's Side
Head coach Karen Greig, who has been part of all five titles as either a player or coach, described the achievement as a fairytale. "It means everything. We’ve been talking about the stars aligning all season," she said. "To do this in my tenth year [as head coach], in the club’s 25th anniversary, and win our fifth title - drawing level with Team Bath - is really special."
The Grand Final was held in Manchester for the first time, adding to the significance for Thunder, who last won the title in 2022.
Comeback from a Rocky Start
The triumph marked a remarkable turnaround for Thunder, who began the season without a win at the Soft & Gentle Super Cup and lost their opening league match to Pulse. However, they lost only one more game thereafter, finishing top of the regular season table and defeating Pulse in both the Major Semi-Final and the Grand Final.
"What a ride it’s been this season," Greig added. "From not winning a game at the Super Cup, to winning the league, and then going on to win the Netball Super League Grand Final. It’s epic."
Thrilling Final Quarter
Thunder led by six goals at the start of the final quarter, but Pulse fought back, with Sophie Kelly sinking two Amex Super Shots to level the score at 49-49 with two minutes remaining. Thunder then regained control to seal the win.
Greig acknowledged Pulse's resilience: "We knew Pulse would win the ball quickly, they’re hungry, they get hands to everything. At times we gave them opportunities by making sloppy choices and stopping our ball movement, and they capitalised on that."
Fawns Shines as Game-Changer
A key tactical move was introducing Australian goal attack Sophie Fawns midway through the second quarter. She injected pace into Thunder's attack and earned the Experience Kissimmee Player of the Match award.
"Sophie was our 'joker card'," Greig said. "We knew she could come on at any time. In the second quarter, we got a bit tight and stopped moving the ball. She came on, added speed, and really opened things up. Her baseline work was outstanding. It added a completely new dimension to our attack."
