KFC T20 Max Pathway Celebrated

After a breakthrough KFC T20 Max last year, Annie O’Neil is set to return to Western Suburbs for the 2026 campaign. 

Doors were opened for the top order batter after smashing 231 runs at an average of 77. The new Queensland Fire player was the third highest run scorer of the tournament and caught the eye of State selectors and WBBL Heat recruiters alike.

Western Suburbs have been a leading side in both KFC T20 Max and the Katherine Raymont Shield for many years. “I think we’re definitely looking to push for finals again, obviously a very strong comp but the loss in last year’s final is definitely a driving force for us to get that trophy,” O’Neil stated.

The past 12 months have been vital in O’Neil’s cricket journey. Bringing a wealth of experience from South Australia where she played WNCL and also WBBL, her game has continued to develop rapidly. 

The batter has proven KFC T20 Max is a genuine pathway for cricketers across the country exploring opportunities with both the Brisbane Heat and Queensland Fire. 

Going from strength-to-strength last year, the 27-year-old has been working hard in preseason.  “I love being a power hitter and someone who can find the boundary rope so a lot of focus on power hitting and being able to do that consistently,” O’Neil stated.

New to the Queensland family, the batter praises recent time spent in the Sunshine State. “I don’t think I could have asked for a better welcome. All the girls and support staff have been incredible, and I’ve loved being up here,” O’Neil stated. 

The South Australian describes the Western Suburbs lineup this season as “explosive.” Katie Mack will be joining the Bulldogs for the first time as a marquee player and is set to make an impact at the top of the order. 

“We were both at the Adelaide Strikers for a couple season and she is one of my favourite people on the planet,” stated O’Neil.

Young talent continues to rise for Wests with many Queensland youth pathway representatives. “I’d also say Fillipa Susee, she has a very promising future, and she can make a real impact this year as a young player.”

Annie O’Neil has predicted Charli Knott being a significant contributor once again in the tournament for University of Queensland. “She’s just come back from a UK summer where she won player of the tournament in the T20 Blast so she’s in fine form.” 

Western Suburbs kick off their campaign on Friday afternoon from 3pm at Allan Border Field against University of Queensland, with the match to be streamed on 7 plus.

Western Suburbs Women’s Squad
Georgia Redmayne (Heat)
Katie Mack (Scorchers)
Grace Harris (Heat)
Annie O'Neil (Heat)
Ruby Strange (Scorchers)
Lily Bassingthwaighte (Heat)
Sarah Coyte (Renegades)
Filippa Sue See (QLD)
Aya Stafford (QLD)
Trinity Doyle
Abbie Trevethan
Charlotte Rafton
Brooke Morrish
Caitlin Lutvey
Lucy Logan
Georgia Black
Madhumika Dinesh