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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.
READ MORE: HOW STRIKERS BUILT A WBBL SUPERPOWER
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.”
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