In: Lauren Cheatle (Sydney Thunder), Erin Burns (Hobart Hurricanes), Clara Iemma
Out: Lisa Sthalekar, Rhiannon Dick (Adelaide Strikers), Haylee Hoffmeister
Tons of runs: that's how the Sixers get it done. And that is why they are the defending champions, after beating the Perth Scorchers in a tight final last season. They did that without Ellyse Perry, who was injured at the time, with Alyssa Healy stepping into the breach.
Much like their crosstown rivals, the Sixers boast an imposing team sheet filled with international mainstays. Healy finished third in the run charts last year, while Sarah Aley's stack of 28 wickets was by far the biggest in the tournament, winning her an international debut in both white-ball formats at the age of 33.
Lauren Cheatle is a fantastic acquisition from the Sydney Thunder, the teenage left-arm seamer being one of the most exciting talents from the local system. The same could be said for Ashleigh Gardner, who this year catapulted onto the international stage due to 414 runs in the 2016-17 edition.
South African duo Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk give Perry a world-class seamer and wristspinner, but both will miss the final for the second year running, given commitments to play for their country in late January. The Sixers should dominate more often than not.
Perth Scorchers
Where they finished last season: Runners-up
Captain: Elyse Villani
International players: Elyse Villani (Australia), Nicole Bolton (Australia), Katherine Brunt (England), Nat Sciver (England)
In: Meg Lanning (Melbourne Stars), Natalie Sciver (Melbourne Stars), Mikayla Hinkley (Sydney Thunder)
Out: Suzie Bates (Adelaide Strikers), Anya Shrubsole, Emma Biss
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