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.

In the penultimate preview of the series, it is time to take a look at the Sydney Sixers.

Often one of the more dominant sides in any WBBL season, the Sixers experienced the ultimate heartache last season. After finishing the regular season on top of the table, they were unable to go all the way, finishing as the runners up, losing the Grand Final to the Strikers.

But with a few new fresh faces in the squad, can they get back to the top this season?

There are five new faces in the Sixers line up this season.

Kate Pelle is a young wicket keeper bat who has come up through the NSW pathway, and was a star at the Under 19 World Cup earlier this year.

Gabby Sutcliffe is another young star, who was the leading wicker taker for the ACT in last summer’s WNCL campaign.

Mathilda Carmichael is a middle order batter who has come across from the Scorchers, while Emma Hughes is returning to the Sixers squad this season after having to miss WBBL08 with an ACL injury.

There are also two new internationals pulling on the magenta this season. Kiwi Jess Kerr comes down from the Heat and will have to play against sister Amelia, while Chloe Tryon moves across town from the Thunder.

This group replaces the retired Nicole Bolton, the injured Sophie Ecclestone, Stella Campbell who has headed west to the Scorchers, and Ange Genford.

Of those who remain from last season, there are certainly some massive names in this Sixers line up. From Kiwi opener Suzie Bates to Australian team regulars Ash Gardner, Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry, there is certainly a lot of firepower in the Sixers’ top order. The Sixers will have to play without Perry for their season opener though, as she has been suspended for a slow overrate last season.

This experience and firepower with the bat is combined with exciting young bowlers, including the likes of Maitlin Brown and Kate Peterson.  

Sydney Sixers WBBL09 Squad

Jade Allen, Suzie Bates, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Mathilda Carmichael, Lauren Cheatle, Ash Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Emma Hughes, Jess Kerr, Kate Pelle, Kate Peterson, Ellyse Perry, Gabby Sutcliffe, Chloe Tryon