It’s mid-season in the Netball Super League and time to get under the skin of AO Manchester Thunder on game day… so get your trainers on, do a few lunges, we’re going in….

Broadcaster and Netball Commentator Lindsey Chapman goes behind the scenes at Belle Vue, AO Manchester Thunder’s beloved home venue.

Heading into the player changing rooms she encounters 4 times Netball Super League winner and fan favourite Eleanor Cardwell. Returning to the franchise after winning the Suncorp Super Netball with Adelaide Thunderbirds, and overcoming serious injury, El shares her netball goals and explains what fans can expect from the team in the second half of the season.

A player with bags of experience, El knows her time playing out in Australia has influenced her game and mentality. Keen to bring that learning back to AO Thunder, she’s also realistic about the steps the league needs to take as the game in the UK moves towards full professionalisation.

When it comes to AO Thunder’s prospects for 2026, El is clear and focussed. The team are cementing their connections and know, if everything comes together, they can challenge for the top of the table.

Lindsey then goes out into the crowd to speak to AO Thunder’s brilliant fans. Handing the mic over, she’s keen to hear the analysis of those watching AO Thunder week in week out. FANalysis this time features a group of netball mums and daughters. As season ticket holders, Claire Standley and Hannah Jeal have brought their girls Flo, Izzy and Grace to the northern derby. The girls know their stuff and the mums have a keen eye on the top 4.

Netball dad Danny Nixon and his daughter Olivia love watching AO Thunder together. They share their thought on Thunders performance so far and what they hope for next.

Access All Areas features the incredible volunteer team who do so much behind the scenes to make game days at the Thunderdome special. Julie Naughton and Jules Rule are the life and soul of AO Manchester Thunder and they’ve got a story or two to tell.

Finally, as Lindsey heads to commentary with Sky Sports, Thundercast Producer Ed Heaton takes a roving mic into the stands to meet more brilliant fans and get a real flavour of game day.

The pod features info on group bookings – if have a group of 10 or more, make sure you take advantage of our group ticket discounts and save 20% on ticket prices – and on the arena games. Head to https://www.thundernetball.co.uk/group-tickets/ for more info.

If you would like to appear on FANalysis as part of Thundercast – get in touch:
Instagram: @Lindseychapmanpresenter
Email: [email protected]

Thundercast is written and presented by Lindsey Chapman and produced by Ed Heaton. It is an ALINED MEDIA production for AO Manchester Thunder.