Adelaide have celebrated their Super Netball minor premiership in dominant fashion, thrashing Sunshine Coast 67-49.
But the Diamonds and Lightning may be left to count the cost of the loss after attacker Cara Koenen left the court in the third quarter with a finger injury.
After the second-placed Melbourne Vixens suffered a 59-50 loss to the Melbourne Mavericks last Sunday, the Thunderbirds (13-1) knew that Saturday's result at UniSC Arena wouldn't affect their final standing on the ladder, as they sat an unassailable two wins clear of last season's premiers.
Regardless, they looked desperate for a victory knowing that a win against the star-studded Lightning would provide the perfect preparation for their home major semi-final against the Vixens next week.
