THE 2022/23 WNCL season is just around the corner, and in anticipation of the new season we are going to take a look at each of the competing teams and where they sit heading into the new season.

First cab off the rank is the ACT Meteors, who finished fourth in 2021/22.

For a small territory which does not have the star names that many of the states do, the ACT often punches above it weight, and last season was no different.

The Meteors finished fourth last season, but it is one of their best results off the past few years and included more wins in a season than they have managed to achieve in the past few years. This included a thumping win over the once dominant Victorian side.

This season, the Meteors will be looking to build on what they achieved last time out and seeing whether they can push up into contention for a place in the WNCL final.

There have been a few changes to the squad from last season. ACT managed to pull off one of the coups of the off-season, picking up Australian representative Holly Ferling from Queensland. She has had a horrible run with injury in the last few years, but if she can stay fit and healthy, she will be an absolute weapon for the Meteors.

They have also brought in fellow Queenslander Annie Wikman, fast bowling all-rounder Angelina Genford and Alisha Bates, who made her debut for the Meteors last season but was not part of the contracted squad at the time.

However, despite how huge having an inclusion like Ferling is, she and the other inclusions come into a side that has lost a lot of experience.

The biggest name on the Meteors’ departure list is Erin Osborne, who has called time on her illustrious career.

The Meteors have also lost Madeline Penna to South Australia and Nicola Hancock has gone to Queensland, while Erica Kershaw was delisted.

Also, while Angela Reakes is not an official departure, she will be missing the first part of the season due to maternity, having given birth to her first child in August.

ACT METEORS 2022/23 SQUAD

In: Holly Ferling (Queensland), Alisha Bates, Annie Wikman, Angelina Genford

Out: Erin Osborne (retired), Madeline Penna (South Australia), Nicola Hancock (Queensland), Erica Kershaw (delisted)

Contract list: Angela Reakes, Katie Mack, Kayla Burton, Gabrielle Sutcliffe, Chloe Rafferty, Carly Leeson, Matilda Lugg, Olivia Porter, Rebecca Carter, Amy Yates, Zoe Cooke, Holly Ferling, Alisha Bates, Angelina Genford, Annie Wikman