What did Redmayne, Coyte and Johnson share ahead of 2024-25 WNCL Final?

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as Queensland Fire and New South Wales Breakers prepare to battle for the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) title at Allan Border Field on March 2. Both teams, boasting eight wins from 12 matches, now stand on the brink of history.

For Queensland, the final represents redemption after last season’s heartbreak against Tasmania. Meanwhile, New South Wales, the most decorated team in WNCL history with 20 titles, is back in the title fight for the first time since 2019-20, aiming to reclaim their throne.

Queensland captain Georgia Redmayne acknowledged the significance of the occasion, emphasizing that her team is determined to erase the disappointment of last year’s final. Having dominated the league phase with eight wins, Queensland is eager to prove they are the true champions.

However, their campaign took a hit just before the final, with rising star Georgia Voll departing for India to join the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Redmayne admitted Voll’s absence is a setback but remains confident in her squad’s depth.

“It’s disappointing – we would have loved her to play, and I know she would have loved to have played as well, but it’s a great opportunity for her and a good reward for her season so far,” Redmayne said.

Despite the loss, Redmayne highlighted how Queensland has built a well-rounded unit, ensuring that all 13 players in their squad have been given match time.

“The good thing about having so many players in and out is that we’ve been able to give a lot of opportunities to a lot of girls throughout the season,” she explained. “Everyone in our squad of 13 has played games this season, so everyone’s been there and been exposed to it – we’re not bringing new players into the team suddenly for a final, so I think that bodes well for us.”

Queensland will rely on their leading run-scorer, Charli Knott (542 runs, HS: 110), to anchor the batting once again. However, with their top wicket-taker, Jess Jonassen (20 wickets, best: 4/31), away in India, the team will need other bowlers to step up on the big stage. After falling short last season, Queensland will be eager to go one step further and finally claim the title.

For New South Wales, this final carries an emotional weight beyond just another trophy. After an uncharacteristic five-year absence from the final, NSW is eager to prove that their dominance in Australian women’s cricket is far from over.

Captain Georgia Adams led from the front all season, contributing 309 runs and 17 wickets to her team’s success. NSW last claimed the title in 2018-19, and after years of rebuilding, they have finally reclaimed their place among the contenders.

One player who embodies NSW’s resurgence is Sarah Coyte, a veteran chasing a record-extending 10th WNCL title. Having won six titles with NSW (2010-2015) before adding one with South Australia (2015-16) and two with Tasmania (2021-22, 2022-23), Coyte understands what it takes to win.

“Just for the sheer fact that NSW have spent the last four- or five-years rebuilding,” Coyte said. “Back when NSW kept winning, it was just an expectation because we had all the big names. The program has completely changed since then. You don’t have as many big names; the Australian team have always got something on. Now we have to fight and work so hard for it, and it shows.”

Like Queensland, New South Wales finished the season with eight wins and four losses, but their journey to the final was far from smooth. Their leading run-scorer, Tahlia Wilson (667 runs, HS: 142), and top wicket-taker, Sammy-Jo Johnson (21 wickets, best: 4/40) played key roles in their resurgence. A dramatic DLS victory over ACT secured them a crucial three-point lead over South Australia, sealing their place in the final.

Johnson, who once had to leave NSW for Queensland to find opportunities, now finds herself back in her home state, helping guide the Breakers back to their former glory.

“The goal for me growing up was to play for NSW,” Johnson said. “That’s all I dreamt about, I just wanted to wear a baggy blue. But Queensland gave me an opportunity, and I wouldn’t have made a name for myself if I didn’t go chase it somewhere else.”

Now back in NSW colors, she believes this team has finally forged its own identity, separate from the legendary sides of the past.

“The history is very rich, but the cool thing about this group is we’ve forged our own path,” Johnson remarked. “We’ve gone through the struggles. We’ve had so many injuries … We’ve had to go through the grind.”

The contrast between the two teams adds an extra layer of intrigue to this blockbuster final. For Queensland, it’s about redemption and proving they belong at the top. For New South Wales, it’s about restoring a dynasty and showing that their next generation can carry the legacy forward.

With star players on both sides and two hungry captains leading the charge, one thing is certain—come March 2, the WNCL will have a champion with a story worth remembering.

(Quotes sourced from ESPN Cricinfo)

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