Star Eagle taken to hospital as Rachele inspires Crows
All-Australian forward Jake Waterman has been taken to hospital after dislocating his right shoulder in West Coast's 66-point loss to the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
In a match played in a swirling breeze, Adelaide led by just four points midway through the second quarter before piling on 10 of the next 12 goals to set up the 19.14 (128) to 8.14 (62) win.
Josh Rachele cashed in with five goals, while Jordan Dawson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, two goals and 602m gained in a best-afield display on Sunday.
Tempers boiled over in the dying minutes when Eagles recruit Liam Baker pushed his forearm into the back of James Peatling's neck while the Crow was face-down on the ground.
The incident sparked a major melee that is sure to attract plenty of fines.
The percentage-boosting result ensured Adelaide (7-4) will finish the round in the top four, while West Coast (1-10) couldn't reproduce the heroics from last week's breakthrough win over St Kilda.
Adding to West Coast's woes was a serious injury to Waterman, whose right shoulder popped out when he was sandwiched in a final-quarter marking contest.
Waterman had been a rare shining light for West Coast with three goals, but his season could be over if he requires surgery.
The 27-year-old was immediately in pain and had to go to the bench to have his shoulder put back in place. He was seen with his arm in a sling after the match, and was taken to hospital for scans.
"He won't fly home tonight," West Coast coach Andrew McQualter said.
"He's clearly in a fair bit of pain. It (the shoulder) did come out, and there was some trouble getting it back in, or it might have popped out again.
"He's gone to hospital now to get some scans and we'll find out the full extent of that later on.
"Jake's one of our leaders, one of our best players. You never want to lose your leaders."
The Crows were error-riddled early against the Eagles, but once they hit their straps they were simply unstoppable.
Reilly O'Brien (45 hit-outs) was the dominant figure in the ruck, while Izak Rankine (23 disposals, six clearances, one goal) was a creative spark.
Rachele hadn't kicked five goals since his debut in 2022, and he was lapping up his efforts on Sunday.
"It's been a while - 64 games later. It's good to get another bag," Rachele told Fox Sports.
West Coast were breathing a huge sigh of relief when veteran Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker was ruled out an hour before the first bounce.
Walker kicked bags of 10 and nine goals against West Coast in 2023, but the Crows decided it was time to rest the 35-year-old.
West Coast won the territory battle in the first half, but Adelaide's efficiency was better and the Crows turned on the afterburners in the second half to secure the easy win.
"I think maybe just a little bit of our focus had gone away from what makes us a good side," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said of his side's lacklustre first half.
"So to be able to fix that in the game is a great result.
"In previous years it might be one where you see four quarters of the same and we come out maybe with a small win or we lose the game."
All-Australian forward Jake Waterman has been taken to hospital after dislocating his right shoulder in West Coast's 66-point loss to the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
In a match played in a swirling breeze, Adelaide led by just four points midway through the second quarter before piling on 10 of the next 12 goals to set up the 19.14 (128) to 8.14 (62) win.
Josh Rachele cashed in with five goals, while Jordan Dawson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, two goals and 602m gained in a best-afield display on Sunday.
Tempers boiled over in the dying minutes when Eagles recruit Liam Baker pushed his forearm into the back of James Peatling's neck while the Crow was face-down on the ground.
The incident sparked a major melee that is sure to attract plenty of fines.
The percentage-boosting result ensured Adelaide (7-4) will finish the round in the top four, while West Coast (1-10) couldn't reproduce the heroics from last week's breakthrough win over St Kilda.
Adding to West Coast's woes was a serious injury to Waterman, whose right shoulder popped out when he was sandwiched in a final-quarter marking contest.
Waterman had been a rare shining light for West Coast with three goals, but his season could be over if he requires surgery.
The 27-year-old was immediately in pain and had to go to the bench to have his shoulder put back in place. He was seen with his arm in a sling after the match, and was taken to hospital for scans.
"He won't fly home tonight," West Coast coach Andrew McQualter said.
"He's clearly in a fair bit of pain. It (the shoulder) did come out, and there was some trouble getting it back in, or it might have popped out again.
"He's gone to hospital now to get some scans and we'll find out the full extent of that later on.
"Jake's one of our leaders, one of our best players. You never want to lose your leaders."
The Crows were error-riddled early against the Eagles, but once they hit their straps they were simply unstoppable.
Reilly O'Brien (45 hit-outs) was the dominant figure in the ruck, while Izak Rankine (23 disposals, six clearances, one goal) was a creative spark.
Rachele hadn't kicked five goals since his debut in 2022, and he was lapping up his efforts on Sunday.
"It's been a while - 64 games later. It's good to get another bag," Rachele told Fox Sports.
West Coast were breathing a huge sigh of relief when veteran Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker was ruled out an hour before the first bounce.
Walker kicked bags of 10 and nine goals against West Coast in 2023, but the Crows decided it was time to rest the 35-year-old.
West Coast won the territory battle in the first half, but Adelaide's efficiency was better and the Crows turned on the afterburners in the second half to secure the easy win.
"I think maybe just a little bit of our focus had gone away from what makes us a good side," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said of his side's lacklustre first half.
"So to be able to fix that in the game is a great result.
"In previous years it might be one where you see four quarters of the same and we come out maybe with a small win or we lose the game."
All-Australian forward Jake Waterman has been taken to hospital after dislocating his right shoulder in West Coast's 66-point loss to the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
In a match played in a swirling breeze, Adelaide led by just four points midway through the second quarter before piling on 10 of the next 12 goals to set up the 19.14 (128) to 8.14 (62) win.
Josh Rachele cashed in with five goals, while Jordan Dawson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, two goals and 602m gained in a best-afield display on Sunday.
Tempers boiled over in the dying minutes when Eagles recruit Liam Baker pushed his forearm into the back of James Peatling's neck while the Crow was face-down on the ground.
The incident sparked a major melee that is sure to attract plenty of fines.
The percentage-boosting result ensured Adelaide (7-4) will finish the round in the top four, while West Coast (1-10) couldn't reproduce the heroics from last week's breakthrough win over St Kilda.
Adding to West Coast's woes was a serious injury to Waterman, whose right shoulder popped out when he was sandwiched in a final-quarter marking contest.
Waterman had been a rare shining light for West Coast with three goals, but his season could be over if he requires surgery.
The 27-year-old was immediately in pain and had to go to the bench to have his shoulder put back in place. He was seen with his arm in a sling after the match, and was taken to hospital for scans.
"He won't fly home tonight," West Coast coach Andrew McQualter said.
"He's clearly in a fair bit of pain. It (the shoulder) did come out, and there was some trouble getting it back in, or it might have popped out again.
"He's gone to hospital now to get some scans and we'll find out the full extent of that later on.
"Jake's one of our leaders, one of our best players. You never want to lose your leaders."
The Crows were error-riddled early against the Eagles, but once they hit their straps they were simply unstoppable.
Reilly O'Brien (45 hit-outs) was the dominant figure in the ruck, while Izak Rankine (23 disposals, six clearances, one goal) was a creative spark.
Rachele hadn't kicked five goals since his debut in 2022, and he was lapping up his efforts on Sunday.
"It's been a while - 64 games later. It's good to get another bag," Rachele told Fox Sports.
West Coast were breathing a huge sigh of relief when veteran Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker was ruled out an hour before the first bounce.
Walker kicked bags of 10 and nine goals against West Coast in 2023, but the Crows decided it was time to rest the 35-year-old.
West Coast won the territory battle in the first half, but Adelaide's efficiency was better and the Crows turned on the afterburners in the second half to secure the easy win.
"I think maybe just a little bit of our focus had gone away from what makes us a good side," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said of his side's lacklustre first half.
"So to be able to fix that in the game is a great result.
"In previous years it might be one where you see four quarters of the same and we come out maybe with a small win or we lose the game."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
43 minutes ago
- Perth Now
Curtain comes down on Big Show's Australian ODI career
Glenn Maxwell has been hailed as one of the most influential figures in one-day cricket history after the destructive batsman retired from the 50-over format. Maxwell announced on Monday he had played his last ODI for Australia, instead opting to focus solely on Twenty20 cricket ahead of next year's World Cup in India and Sri Lanka amid concerns over his body. The 36-year-old's exit from the format comes after Steve Smith also walked away following this year's Champions Trophy, part of a national changing of the guard. Maxwell finishes with the second highest strike-rate in ODI history, with his 3149 career runs struck at a rate of 126.70 and average of 33.81. He also has both the fastest hundred and only double century by an Australian, after his back-to-back epics against Netherlands and Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup. Maxwell said he had been tempted to play on until Australia's title defence in 2027, but felt his body could no longer handle 50 overs in the field during the Champions Trophy. "I started to think if I don't have the perfect conditions in 50-over cricket, my body probably struggles to get through," Maxwell said in an extended interview on the Final Word Podcast. "I realised it was probably a bit far-fetched to to keep I suppose reaching for that next series and try to hold on. "In reality, I think I'd be doing a disservice to the team ... more hoping rather than expecting to get through. "I don't think that would be fair to anyone." Maxwell broke onto the scene when he was picked for an ODI against Pakistan in Sharjah in 2012 as a batting allrounder. He almost immediately followed the line of Michael Bevan and Mike Hussey as great middle-order talents, albeit with more flair and punch. The right-hander played a prominent role in Australia's 2015 success on home soil, belting 102 from 53 balls against Sri Lanka in a match at the SCG. He was dropped from the team a year later, but was back for the 2019 World Cup and then had his crowning moment four years later in India. With Australia's spot in the tournament in peril, Maxwell famously blasted an unbeaten 201 from 128 balls while batting on one leg to take Australia from 7-91 to a successful chase of 292 against Afghanistan. "I'm extremely fortunate that I was able to have my moment," Maxwell said. "Almost everything that you've worked hard for, the peak of your powers, being able to put it in front of the world to see. "It's almost like saying this is the best of me, you can either take it or leave it, but this is all I've got." Maxwell would hit the winning runs in the final against India, after also getting the key wicket of Rohit Sharma with the ball. "Congratulations to Glenn on what has been one of the most exciting and influential one-day international careers in the format's history," Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said."Glenn's ballistic batting has lit up the cricket world and been one of the cornerstones of Australia's continued success in the 50 over game, including his heroic role in the 2023 World Cup triumph."
West Australian
an hour ago
- West Australian
Curtain comes down on Big Show's Australian ODI career
Glenn Maxwell has been hailed as one of the most influential figures in one-day cricket history after the destructive batsman retired from the 50-over format. Maxwell announced on Monday he had played his last ODI for Australia, instead opting to focus solely on Twenty20 cricket ahead of next year's World Cup in India and Sri Lanka amid concerns over his body. The 36-year-old's exit from the format comes after Steve Smith also walked away following this year's Champions Trophy, part of a national changing of the guard. Maxwell finishes with the second highest strike-rate in ODI history, with his 3149 career runs struck at a rate of 126.70 and average of 33.81. He also has both the fastest hundred and only double century by an Australian, after his back-to-back epics against Netherlands and Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup. Maxwell said he had been tempted to play on until Australia's title defence in 2027, but felt his body could no longer handle 50 overs in the field during the Champions Trophy. "I started to think if I don't have the perfect conditions in 50-over cricket, my body probably struggles to get through," Maxwell said in an extended interview on the Final Word Podcast. "I realised it was probably a bit far-fetched to to keep I suppose reaching for that next series and try to hold on. "In reality, I think I'd be doing a disservice to the team ... more hoping rather than expecting to get through. "I don't think that would be fair to anyone." Maxwell broke onto the scene when he was picked for an ODI against Pakistan in Sharjah in 2012 as a batting allrounder. He almost immediately followed the line of Michael Bevan and Mike Hussey as great middle-order talents, albeit with more flair and punch. The right-hander played a prominent role in Australia's 2015 success on home soil, belting 102 from 53 balls against Sri Lanka in a match at the SCG. He was dropped from the team a year later, but was back for the 2019 World Cup and then had his crowning moment four years later in India. With Australia's spot in the tournament in peril, Maxwell famously blasted an unbeaten 201 from 128 balls while batting on one leg to take Australia from 7-91 to a successful chase of 292 against Afghanistan. "I'm extremely fortunate that I was able to have my moment," Maxwell said. "Almost everything that you've worked hard for, the peak of your powers, being able to put it in front of the world to see. "It's almost like saying this is the best of me, you can either take it or leave it, but this is all I've got." Maxwell would hit the winning runs in the final against India, after also getting the key wicket of Rohit Sharma with the ball. "Congratulations to Glenn on what has been one of the most exciting and influential one-day international careers in the format's history," Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said."Glenn's ballistic batting has lit up the cricket world and been one of the cornerstones of Australia's continued success in the 50 over game, including his heroic role in the 2023 World Cup triumph."
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Australia A call-up follows summer of redemption for Wallsend Tigers junior
Jason Sangha thought his first-class career was over. But, after a summer of redemption which culminated in a starring role to help South Australia win the Sheffield Shield final in March, the Wallsend Tigers junior has earned an Australia A call-up. The 25-year-old was part of a 16-player squad named on Monday to play five matches - three one-day fixtures and two four-day exchanges - against Sri Lanka A in Darwin in July. Sangha's international call-up came after a break-out campaign with South Australia, where he finished the season with 704 runs at 78.22 from just six games. The elegant right-hand bat scored one of three centuries in 2024-25 on debut for South Australia. Sangha then entered South Australia sporting folklore in March by hitting the winning runs in a knock of 126 not out as the Redbacks completed a record final chase against Queensland to secure the Sheffield Shield title for the first time in 29 years.. The performance came a year after being told by NSW he was no longer required. "I thought my career was over," Sangha told media at the time. "South Australia gave me a second chance. I owe them everything, really. They have saved my career." Sangha also topscored for Sydney Thunder in the 2024 BBL final, which was won by the Hobart Hurricanes. The former Australian under-19 captain, who scored his maiden first-class century playing for Cricket Australia XI against a touring England team as a teenager, was signed by Thunder at just 16 but recently committed to the Adelaide Strikers for the next two BBL campaigns. Six years after playing his last Test for Australia, Kurtis Patterson has been given another chance to stake his claim for an unlikely international comeback as one of several big names to headline the Australia A squad. Nathan McSweeney will feature after playing three Tests last summer before losing his spot at the top of the order, while Matt Renshaw was also named. "We've picked a balanced squad which provides a number of options, which we expect will be required over the course of the series," chief selector George Bailey said. "Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson have all had dominant Sheffield Shield seasons and earned the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition. "Additionally, there is a strong presence of emerging talent in the squad who will benefit from playing alongside senior players including Nathan McSweeney and Matthew Renshaw, who bring substantial experience at 'A' level." AUSTRALIA A SQUAD TO FACE SRI LANKA A: Sam Elliott, Matt Gilkes, Bryce Jackson, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Jack Nisbet, Mitch Perry, Kurtis Patterson, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Billy Stanlake, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald. Meanwhile, Newcastle teenage cricket prodigy Caoimhe Bray has earned a rookie contract with the NSW Breakers for the 2025-26 Women's National Cricket League. The Denman product, who now lives in Adamstown, capped a break-out year when she was called into the Breakers squad last December. The 15-year-old all-rounder made history in October when she became the youngest person to ink a WBBL contract, signing a three-year deal with the Sydney Sixers. Bray made a dream WBBL debut by hitting the winning runs in the Sixers' opening victory over eventual champions Melbourne Renegades on October 27. She also played for Australia at the under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in January. Bray is one of three Newcastle cricketers named in the Breakers squad alongside spinners Samantha Bates and Sienna Eve. Jason Sangha thought his first-class career was over. But, after a summer of redemption which culminated in a starring role to help South Australia win the Sheffield Shield final in March, the Wallsend Tigers junior has earned an Australia A call-up. The 25-year-old was part of a 16-player squad named on Monday to play five matches - three one-day fixtures and two four-day exchanges - against Sri Lanka A in Darwin in July. Sangha's international call-up came after a break-out campaign with South Australia, where he finished the season with 704 runs at 78.22 from just six games. The elegant right-hand bat scored one of three centuries in 2024-25 on debut for South Australia. Sangha then entered South Australia sporting folklore in March by hitting the winning runs in a knock of 126 not out as the Redbacks completed a record final chase against Queensland to secure the Sheffield Shield title for the first time in 29 years.. The performance came a year after being told by NSW he was no longer required. "I thought my career was over," Sangha told media at the time. "South Australia gave me a second chance. I owe them everything, really. They have saved my career." Sangha also topscored for Sydney Thunder in the 2024 BBL final, which was won by the Hobart Hurricanes. The former Australian under-19 captain, who scored his maiden first-class century playing for Cricket Australia XI against a touring England team as a teenager, was signed by Thunder at just 16 but recently committed to the Adelaide Strikers for the next two BBL campaigns. Six years after playing his last Test for Australia, Kurtis Patterson has been given another chance to stake his claim for an unlikely international comeback as one of several big names to headline the Australia A squad. Nathan McSweeney will feature after playing three Tests last summer before losing his spot at the top of the order, while Matt Renshaw was also named. "We've picked a balanced squad which provides a number of options, which we expect will be required over the course of the series," chief selector George Bailey said. "Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson have all had dominant Sheffield Shield seasons and earned the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition. "Additionally, there is a strong presence of emerging talent in the squad who will benefit from playing alongside senior players including Nathan McSweeney and Matthew Renshaw, who bring substantial experience at 'A' level." AUSTRALIA A SQUAD TO FACE SRI LANKA A: Sam Elliott, Matt Gilkes, Bryce Jackson, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Jack Nisbet, Mitch Perry, Kurtis Patterson, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Billy Stanlake, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald. Meanwhile, Newcastle teenage cricket prodigy Caoimhe Bray has earned a rookie contract with the NSW Breakers for the 2025-26 Women's National Cricket League. The Denman product, who now lives in Adamstown, capped a break-out year when she was called into the Breakers squad last December. The 15-year-old all-rounder made history in October when she became the youngest person to ink a WBBL contract, signing a three-year deal with the Sydney Sixers. Bray made a dream WBBL debut by hitting the winning runs in the Sixers' opening victory over eventual champions Melbourne Renegades on October 27. She also played for Australia at the under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in January. Bray is one of three Newcastle cricketers named in the Breakers squad alongside spinners Samantha Bates and Sienna Eve. Jason Sangha thought his first-class career was over. But, after a summer of redemption which culminated in a starring role to help South Australia win the Sheffield Shield final in March, the Wallsend Tigers junior has earned an Australia A call-up. The 25-year-old was part of a 16-player squad named on Monday to play five matches - three one-day fixtures and two four-day exchanges - against Sri Lanka A in Darwin in July. Sangha's international call-up came after a break-out campaign with South Australia, where he finished the season with 704 runs at 78.22 from just six games. The elegant right-hand bat scored one of three centuries in 2024-25 on debut for South Australia. Sangha then entered South Australia sporting folklore in March by hitting the winning runs in a knock of 126 not out as the Redbacks completed a record final chase against Queensland to secure the Sheffield Shield title for the first time in 29 years.. The performance came a year after being told by NSW he was no longer required. "I thought my career was over," Sangha told media at the time. "South Australia gave me a second chance. I owe them everything, really. They have saved my career." Sangha also topscored for Sydney Thunder in the 2024 BBL final, which was won by the Hobart Hurricanes. The former Australian under-19 captain, who scored his maiden first-class century playing for Cricket Australia XI against a touring England team as a teenager, was signed by Thunder at just 16 but recently committed to the Adelaide Strikers for the next two BBL campaigns. Six years after playing his last Test for Australia, Kurtis Patterson has been given another chance to stake his claim for an unlikely international comeback as one of several big names to headline the Australia A squad. Nathan McSweeney will feature after playing three Tests last summer before losing his spot at the top of the order, while Matt Renshaw was also named. "We've picked a balanced squad which provides a number of options, which we expect will be required over the course of the series," chief selector George Bailey said. "Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson have all had dominant Sheffield Shield seasons and earned the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition. "Additionally, there is a strong presence of emerging talent in the squad who will benefit from playing alongside senior players including Nathan McSweeney and Matthew Renshaw, who bring substantial experience at 'A' level." AUSTRALIA A SQUAD TO FACE SRI LANKA A: Sam Elliott, Matt Gilkes, Bryce Jackson, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Jack Nisbet, Mitch Perry, Kurtis Patterson, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Billy Stanlake, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald. Meanwhile, Newcastle teenage cricket prodigy Caoimhe Bray has earned a rookie contract with the NSW Breakers for the 2025-26 Women's National Cricket League. The Denman product, who now lives in Adamstown, capped a break-out year when she was called into the Breakers squad last December. The 15-year-old all-rounder made history in October when she became the youngest person to ink a WBBL contract, signing a three-year deal with the Sydney Sixers. Bray made a dream WBBL debut by hitting the winning runs in the Sixers' opening victory over eventual champions Melbourne Renegades on October 27. She also played for Australia at the under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in January. Bray is one of three Newcastle cricketers named in the Breakers squad alongside spinners Samantha Bates and Sienna Eve. Jason Sangha thought his first-class career was over. But, after a summer of redemption which culminated in a starring role to help South Australia win the Sheffield Shield final in March, the Wallsend Tigers junior has earned an Australia A call-up. The 25-year-old was part of a 16-player squad named on Monday to play five matches - three one-day fixtures and two four-day exchanges - against Sri Lanka A in Darwin in July. Sangha's international call-up came after a break-out campaign with South Australia, where he finished the season with 704 runs at 78.22 from just six games. The elegant right-hand bat scored one of three centuries in 2024-25 on debut for South Australia. Sangha then entered South Australia sporting folklore in March by hitting the winning runs in a knock of 126 not out as the Redbacks completed a record final chase against Queensland to secure the Sheffield Shield title for the first time in 29 years.. The performance came a year after being told by NSW he was no longer required. "I thought my career was over," Sangha told media at the time. "South Australia gave me a second chance. I owe them everything, really. They have saved my career." Sangha also topscored for Sydney Thunder in the 2024 BBL final, which was won by the Hobart Hurricanes. The former Australian under-19 captain, who scored his maiden first-class century playing for Cricket Australia XI against a touring England team as a teenager, was signed by Thunder at just 16 but recently committed to the Adelaide Strikers for the next two BBL campaigns. Six years after playing his last Test for Australia, Kurtis Patterson has been given another chance to stake his claim for an unlikely international comeback as one of several big names to headline the Australia A squad. Nathan McSweeney will feature after playing three Tests last summer before losing his spot at the top of the order, while Matt Renshaw was also named. "We've picked a balanced squad which provides a number of options, which we expect will be required over the course of the series," chief selector George Bailey said. "Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson have all had dominant Sheffield Shield seasons and earned the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition. "Additionally, there is a strong presence of emerging talent in the squad who will benefit from playing alongside senior players including Nathan McSweeney and Matthew Renshaw, who bring substantial experience at 'A' level." AUSTRALIA A SQUAD TO FACE SRI LANKA A: Sam Elliott, Matt Gilkes, Bryce Jackson, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Jack Nisbet, Mitch Perry, Kurtis Patterson, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Billy Stanlake, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald. Meanwhile, Newcastle teenage cricket prodigy Caoimhe Bray has earned a rookie contract with the NSW Breakers for the 2025-26 Women's National Cricket League. The Denman product, who now lives in Adamstown, capped a break-out year when she was called into the Breakers squad last December. The 15-year-old all-rounder made history in October when she became the youngest person to ink a WBBL contract, signing a three-year deal with the Sydney Sixers. Bray made a dream WBBL debut by hitting the winning runs in the Sixers' opening victory over eventual champions Melbourne Renegades on October 27. She also played for Australia at the under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in January. Bray is one of three Newcastle cricketers named in the Breakers squad alongside spinners Samantha Bates and Sienna Eve.
