Van der Berg stars for Thunderbirds as records tumble
Joel Gould |
South Africa superstar Elmere van der Berg has made a stunning debut for Adelaide Thunderbirds in a dominant and record-breaking 74-54 first-round win over NSW Swifts.
Van der Berg scored an extraordinary 59 goals, all one-pointers, to announce that she will be a formidable attacking threat for the rest of the Super Netball season.
The 24-year-old scored the most goals ever by a Thunderbird player in a match before being given a well-deserved rest in the final quarter.
Their 74-point tally was also the most ever by a Thunderbirds side in Super Netball history.
A 191cm goal shooter, van der Berg was the top scorer in the UK’s Netball Super League in 2025 with 567 goals at 92 per cent accuracy.
She missed just two shots on Saturday night in Adelaide in a remarkable display.
Van der Berg forged a lethal combination with selfless goal attack Georgie Horjus, whose drives and setup play were first-class.
New Zealand Silver Ferns midcourter Kate Heffernan was also a livewire on her debut for the Thunderbirds.
Their third-quarter haul of 22 points was the most ever by an Adelaide side in history.
The two teams had strong 2025 seasons with the Swifts finishing second and Thunderbirds third on the ladder.
Both teams failed to win a final with Swifts going out in straight sets.
There was a lot to play for in the opening round of the season and the physicality of the clash was evidence of that.
Van Der Berg had 18 points in the first quarter and 33 by halftime for the hosts to lead 34-29.
The Adelaide-based side led 18-12 after the first quarter but Swifts had more of the possession and won the second quarter 17-16
The introduction of Swifts goalkeeper Teigan O’Shannassy made a difference and helped turn the tide but not for long.
The hosts took charge in the third quarter and by the end of it had opened up an unassailable lead.
England gun Helen Housby was quiet at goal attack for the Swifts and was unable to stamp her class on the contest.
New Zealand international shooter Grace Nweke did well for Swifts, scoring 42 of her side’s points, including two super shots.
Swifts captain Maddy Turner played her 150th national league match in her home state.
AAP