Breakers dreaming it’s not over

LAST season the NSW Breakers had captain Alex Blackwell to send out a winner in the WNCL final, this year it's star allrounder Ellyse Perry.

Perry will move south to Victoria next season to be closer to husband Matt Toomua, who is contracted to rugby team the Melbourne Rebels, which means this is likely the last time she'll be seen in the champion sky blue strip.

Her teammates are keen to send her out victorious like they did Blackwell, but they are keeping a small flame of hope burning that things may change between now and next spring.

Breakers know it’s probably goodbye to Ellyse Perry, but hope it’s not. Pic: AAP

"I know from my point of view, I'm still in a little bit of denial," said Perry's long-time Breakers teammate Sarah Aley.

"I think she's still going to be playing next year, but that could be different come first round of national league when she's got the navy blue on

"I did actually say to Ellyse when she told me she was moving, I said 'What are the Waratahs doing? I'm happy to storm in there and find out what's going on and why they're not wanting to sign Matt.'

The Breakers know only a full team effort will put them in a position to win. Pic: AAP

"I guess that's the way it is and it's great they've got the opportunity to actually be able to spend time together. It's been a fairly tough few years for them being apart for so long, but sometimes people say that's the best way to keep a marriage together is to spend time apart!"

Aware the best way to claim victory is to focus on getting the game plan right, rather than worrying about the fairytale farewell, Aley is sure Perry - known for being the ultimate professional - will be doing the same.

"She's definitely had a fantastic career for NSW and I know she'll be putting everything she has into Saturday's game to make sure that we play the best game that we can and hopefully win that title."

Aley celebrates the winning wicket in last year’s final. Pic: AAP

Standing in the way of NSW continuing their WNCL dominance is Queensland Fire.

The Breakers have won 19 of 22 titles and been in every final of the domestic competition, but their northern neighbours are keen to place the Ruth Preddy Cup next to the WBBL trophy that Brisbane Heat claimed just two weeks ago.

Heat knocked Sydney Thunder out at semi-final stage, then defeated Sydney Sixers in the final and with these teams being made up mostly of those Big Bash players, the rivalry will pick up where it left off.

"It's been a bit of a theme this season," Aley said.