The Western Power will be looking to build on missing finals in BPL|01 and based of this years recruiting drive, it is clear to see that they definitely mean business for the Century!
With solid retentions based on some experience and skill, the Power had already started with some great talent going into trade and auction period. A former grade stalwart in Steve Paulsen, a current Peter Burge medalist in Harry Wood, former Aus youth rep Dylan McAteer as well as some very consistent and handy grade performers in Bryn Llewellyn, Jake Cross and seamer Sean Lutter.
The theme all along with the Power franchise has been to look to local talent, and this certainly bodes well for this season. 10 of the 14 players in their senior squad play grade cricket in the western corridor coming from Wests and Ipswhich Logan respectfully. You can hardly blame them however given these two teams fought it out for the Qld Grade Cricket grand final this year showcasing how much talent lies in that western corridor.
The Power’s interstate flavor has a fair few tints of sky blue for this season. Pre Auction selection welcomes Nick Bertus, a former NSW Blues and Sydney Sixers player. Adding to this brigade is Luke Hodges, a Left Arm Orthodox spinner from Parramatta Districts who was picked up for $150,000 at auction. Joining Luke and Nick at the Power is Luke Dempsey, a hard hitting middle order batter and medium pace bowler who has the ability to take the game away from the opposition. With performances on the board like a 105 off 51 balls vs Blacktown, Luke was a hot commodity for a few franchises on auction night with the Power eventually winning out, snapping him up for $1.35 million.
Trade period saw young gun Jared Sippel move over in a cash plus player trade with the Coastal Marlins, and Rowan Lutter joins his brother Sean from the Bayside Pirates in exchange for Lucky Peterson. These two players in particular added some additional firepower and depth to a solid looking squad.
Not to be outdone there, the final places within the Power lineup were taken by a trio of young, up and coming cricketers. 2 QLD U19 players in Noah Emmerson ($250,000) and Stephan Muller ($100,000) who will provide some quality and youth to the squad along with young seam bowler Josh Creevey ($50,000) who had a breakout year in QLD premier cricket for Ipswich Logan.
With this squad, can the Power stake a name for themselves and put in some quality performances? This squad on paper could be anything!
Power Player of the tournament – Harry Wood
BPL Prediction – Luke Dempsey to hit a hundred off less than 65 balls
Under the radar – Stephan Muller