South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) graduates Georgie Horjus and Maisie Nankivell have re-signed with the Adelaide Thunderbirds ahead of the 2022 season.

Horjus has committed to the club for a further two years while Nankivell has signed on for next year.

In her second year for the Thunderbirds, Horjus shot 183 goals, had 118 goal assists, and led her team in centre pass receives with 252, improving upon her already fantastic previous year.

On three occasions during the 2021 season (in rounds 5,6 and 13), Horjus was awarded goal attack player of the Nissan Net Points Team of the round.

Horjus was also named the overall player of the round in rounds 6 and 13 and received her first-ever player of the match accolade in round 13 after her side’s nine-goal victory over the Melbourne Vixens.

Only last month she was named in the 2021/22 Australian Development squad at just 20 years of age - a huge accomplishment for such a young athlete.

Maisie Nankivell joined the Thunderbirds leadership group in 2021, proving her versatility by moving from wing defence and centre to her more natural position of wing attack.

During the season, Nankivell led the Thunderbirds in goal assists with 255 and was ranked third in deflections with 23, being selected in the wing attack Nissan Net Points Team in rounds 3 and 9.

Nankivell was also named overall Player of the Match in round 9 after having 31 goal assists, 13 centre pass receives, and two intercepts in the win over the Collingwood Magpies.

Like Horjus, Nankivell was also selected in the 2021/22 Australian Development squad, an outstanding accomplishment for the two SASI graduates.

SASI Head Netball Coach Jenny Borlase, was delighted with the career progress of the two girls and credits their training at SASI as a key part of their development in the sport.

“It's great to see SA athletes who have moved through the SASI pathway being signed with the Thunderbirds,” Borlase said.

“This includes several years at SASI establishing technical and tactical skills and physical qualities which prepare them for international competition.”