Basking in the glory of a record third Super Netball premiership, Adelaide Thunderbirds captain Shamera Sterling-Humphrey has finally got what she always wanted.
"I always wanted to have a baby, then come back to netball for him to witness how great his mum is," Sterling-Humphrey said.
Sterling-Humphrey's defensive prowess was on full display against the Melbourne Vixens as the Thunderbirds cemented their dynasty with a 61-40 grand final demolition job.
With fellow Jamaican defender Latanya Wilson, Sterling-Humphrey was an unbeatable presence in the circle for the Vixens attack of Diamonds mainstays Kiera Austin (15 goals from 20 attempts) and Sophie Garbin (16/18).
SPECIAL. pic.twitter.com/frXJeYjit7
— Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) July 4, 2026
The grand final victory caps off a fairytale season for the Thunderbirds, who lost just one game en route to John Cain Arena.
For Sterling-Humphrey, winning a third premiership feels different to the titles she won back-to-back from 2023 with the Thunderbirds.
The 30-year-old has navigated post-partum depression in her comeback following the birth of her son Xaihire in October, speaking openly about her mental health struggles.
Xaihire stole the show in their post-match celebrations after Sterling-Humphrey brought her son on the court.
"This was always something I wanted," Sterling-Humphrey said.
"I'm glad I was able to get that moment in, and topping it off with a championship.
"And for everything that I've been through just to bring him here, I'm super, super grateful, and I wouldn't change it for anything."
Sterling-Humphrey wasn't the only international star calling the shots against the Vixens.
Wilson was named player of the match for her efforts in defence and on the wing, while South African shooter Elmere van der Berg scored 51 goals from 52 attempts.
Van der Berg and Silver Ferns midcourter Kate Heffernan were playing in their first grand final appearance after moving to Super Netball this season.
"It's like I knew that we would have won based on how our team was this year," Sterling-Humphrey said.
"The depth in our team and all of that, and how Thunderbirds have even supported me through my postpartum depression - I'm really, really grateful."
Thunderbirds coach Tania Obst could only heap praise on Sterling-Humphrey.
"She came here as a shy Jamaican girl," Obst said.
"There were times, perhaps back at the end of last year, where I think just making Shamira happy again would have been a win for her.
"The work that she's had to do both on and off the court has been, yeah, so commendable.
"Just the spirit that she's shown - to come back and to play like she hasn't been off the court has been amazing.
"I don't have the words for her."
