THE ninth Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season us almost upon us, with the competition set to kick off next week.

In the lead up to the opening day, Rookie Me Central will countdown by previewing each of the teams set to be contesting the tournament this season.

Next up is the Perth Scorchers.

WBBL08 was a case of so close yet so far for those in orange.

One win was all that separated them from making the finals and being able to continue their title defence.

But, with that frustration behind them they will no doubt be keen to use that heartache as fuel for another deep push into finals this season.

However, they will have to do so without some of their biggest players.

Thanks to the rules of the WBBL Draft, they were always going to lose one of their big international in either Sophie Devine or Marizanne Kapp, which was going to be a big loss either way. They ultimately chose to keep Devine, which sent Kapp to the Thunder.

Kapp was not the only international to leave the Scorchers, with Maddy Green also not returning to the league.

Mathilda Carmichael has joined the Sixers, while Holly Ferling and Georgia Wyllie also not returning to the WBBL this season.

In their place comes a mix of youth and experience.

New South Welshwoman and former Sixer Lisa Griffith has come out west to join the Scorchers, as has fellow New South Welshwoman and young speedster Stella Campbell.

They join young West Australian Chloe Ainsworth and English wicket keeper and star batter Amy Jones as the other inclusions for the Scorchers this season.

The Scorchers do still have one spot open in their lineup, so time will tell what kind of player fills that role.

Even with those big name departures, there is still plenty of talent left in the Sorchers squad.

Perhaps none more so than the skipper in Devine, who is dangerous with either bat or ball in hand.

Alana King is coming into this season off a remarkable 18 or so months for the national team, and would love nothing more than to continue that good form into the WBBL.

Beth Mooney is another who has enjoyed a strong year with the national team, and when she gets going can be hard to stop.

Perth Scorchers WBBL09 Squad

Chloe Ainsworth, Charis Bekker, Stella Campbell, Piepa Cleary, Maddy Darke, Sophie Devine, Amy Edgar, Lisa Griffith, Amy Jones, Alana King, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney, Taneale Peschel, Chloe Piparo

*1 spot left