There's a month to go until the Netball Super League Grand Final - and the AO Manchester Thunder are coveting the opportunity to win it all on home soil for the first time.
The Thunder currently sit second in the NSL table, having won nine of their 11 matches thus far, and are already qualified for the play-offs alongside the high-flying Loughborough Lightning and London Pulse.
Karen Greig's team, though, have work to do before securing their place in front of their home fans. The first-placed Lightning are considered title favourites and have a 68-58 win against the Thunder under their belt - but their head coach is feeling that fate could be a factor in her side's chances of Super League glory.
"Hopefully it's written in the stars," said Greig. "To have a final in Manchester, for us it would just be unbelievable if we're able to get there.
"The girls were really buzzing when they found out that it was going to be at Co-op Live, it was just a real lift around the group.
"We're going to do all that we can to be there and hopefully we'll be able to pack out the arena."
England and Thunder star Eleanor Cardwell:
"AO Manchester Thunder is such a strong team and the fact that we can get into that top four each and every year is incredible.
"The fact that the Grand Final is in Manchester gives us that extra bit of motivation to get to that final.
"Having that home crowd would be unbelievable!"
The Thunder have not won the NSL in four years - despite coming painfully close when losing the Grand Final in 2024. There is no doubt that their 2026 season provides a perfect opportunity to right that wrong.
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