The return of goal defence Brooke Thompson from the Melbourne Vixens lifted the spirits of the Lightning last Wednesday night.

The Lightning went on to win 54-46 over the Boroondara Genesis at the State Netball and Hockey Centre.

Planning for the season-at-the-crossroads game was made easier for Lightning coach Joy Grubb with the inclusion of her court general.

"Brooke was the instigator," she said.

"She just dictates the game and marshals the troops. The goal defence can cover two-thirds of the court so you will often see her right on our attacking circle leading the way."

Thompson is one of the best netballers to come out of the western suburbs over the past decade. The 26-year-old has been involved at national league level since 2005 and was an Australian under-21 representative.

"She's been at Altona since she was 14," Grubb said. "She went to the AIS and plays for the Melbourne Vixens, but she always comes back to us."

It would not be up to one player to keep the Lightning's season alive.

Goal shooter Sophie O'Shea was the cornerstone to the Lightning's best quarter of the season.

In the second term, the Lightning shot a remarkable 19-from-19 and O'Shea was at the coalface.

She was on-target for the duration of the game with 43-from-51 at 84per cent.

The Lightning will continue to chip away at a return to the top four when it meets Peninsula Waves in the 9.40pm game tonight.