Both WBBL finalists claim they have been advantaged by the competition’s quirky finals system as the well travelled Brisbane Heat try to upset Adelaide’s bid for back-to-back titles on Saturday.
The Strikers have not had to play during the WBBL finals after finishing on top and qualifying directly for a home final at the Adelaide Oval, but the Heat were forced onto the road for two knockout clashes at home and then in Perth the next day in a madcap run to the tournament decider.
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Brisbane Heat captain Jess Jonassen said the chaotic travel schedule was “no disadvantage at all” for the away side, who have found form again after a late season slump with big wins over the Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers.
“It’s not a disadvantage at all, to be honest we actually weren’t too displeased we were going to Perth, because it meant we actually got the opportunity to play … the forecast in (Brisbane) was diabolical,” Jonassen said.
“All teams have been in a similar position with the amount of travel, but we’ve got some really good momentum at an ideal and opportunistic time, so we’re looking to go for one more.”
Opposing captain Tahlia McGrath disagreed, saying the Strikers stood to benefit from time off at home after a busy season which included playing “home” games at interstate venues as part of the packed schedule.
“I think it’s been an advantage – there’s been so much travel and it’s such a hectic schedule.
We’ve been able to spend the last four or five days at home, we had a couple of days off, a really good hitout with some centre wicket stuff and then it’s just been about getting the individual prep we need to be ready,” McGrath said.
“We’ve been in this situation four times in the last five years and we’ve kept that same core group for pretty much all those finals, so we’re really calm.
“We’re really excited and we’re stoked that it’s a home final, we haven’t played a grand final in front of the home crowd.
“And we’ve played some really good games at home this year, we’re undefeated at home and love it when we have that crowd supporting us.”
Alastair Dobson, general manager of the BBL and WBBL, defended the finals format.
“We like it,” Dobson told SEN.
“We think it’s an appropriate reward for first and second.
“First place obviously gets a pretty big advantage of going home and getting to wait and see who they play.
“Second place deserves a good leg-up as well.
“We will have another look (at the finals structure) at the end of this season.
“The Brisbane Heat have done a great job to get through.
“It is slightly different to the men’s (finals) but at this time of the year for the purpose of the WBBL, we think it works pretty well.”
Strikers swing bowler Megan Schutt’s comments from last year that the Heat came across as an “arrogant” side resurfaced when Grace Harris fired a barb at their finals opponents after the Scorchers win, but Jonassen said she wasn’t fussed how the Heat were perceived.
“We do have the confidence. And if that’s perceived as something else, then so be it,” she said.
“But we back the style of play that we have and we believe in that … and ultimately that’s what it comes down to, we’re really clear as a team what we’re about.
“That’s how you have got to play T20 cricket.”
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McGrath said the (delayed) exchange between Schutt and Harris would motivate the Strikers on Saturday.
“When there’s a little bit extra on the line and there’s some things being said behind the scenes, of course you’re going to lift,” she said.
“Grace Harris is in some unbelievable form so we can’t wait to get out there and match-up against her.”
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