The Victorian Women’s Premier Cricket Crystal Ball

The team to beat is:

Duncan Harrison: I think it’s hard to go past Essendon Maribyrnong Park (EMP) who have lots of talent on their list. Prahran will be strong competition for them if Prahran can cover player absences when WBBL begins. Melbourne could be ready to take the next step as well.

Paul Montgomery: I’m thinking EMP. They finished on top last year and have maintained a squad full of depth and talent. Box Hill have lost a few key players who were important to their structure. EMP have some quality players for when the absences during WNCL and WBBL occur.

The surprise packet will be:

Duncan Harrison: There are some great young players in the Carlton-Brunswick and Ringwood squads and I expect some great individual performances throughout the year.

Paul Montgomery: Ringwood for me. A talented and well-coached young group of players with some wise older heads and a couple of Irish recruits (Leah Paul and Rebecca Stokell) who could surprise some teams and will be dangerous around WNCL & WBBL time. Could be one of a group of teams vying for that fourth spot in their first season in the top flight.

The clever recruiting award will go to:

Duncan Harrison: All the clubs have recruited well with a mix of international, interstate, regional and youth players joining clubs this season. I think you have to give special credit to Ringwood and Carlton-Brunswick in putting their lists together to compete in Premier Cricket again. They have searched far and wide for specific players and some experience to help them out.

Paul Montgomery: EMP with the recruitment of Elyse Villani in her return to Victoria is hard to go past. It’s been hard for other clubs to snare a proven top notch international performer. At various stages this summer, Villani will punish some bowling attacks.

The Una Paisley Medallist will be:

Duncan Harrison: I’ll go with Amy Vine at Melbourne. Big season ahead.

Paul Montgomery: Molly Strano has been close a couple of times and is due to salute sooner rather than later. She can win games with the ball and the bat for EMP.

Notable player movements:
• Ellie Mason (UK) to Carlton-Brunswick
• Joanne Gardner (UK) to Box Hill
• Leah Paul and Rebecca Stokell (Ireland) to Ringwood
• Providence Cowdrill (UK) returning to Plenty Valley
• Elyse Villani – returned from WA to EMP
• Kate Shallard – returned from WA to Plenty Valley