Perth Scorchers captain Ashton Turner doesn’t see his team’s BBL dynasty ending any time soon, and has revealed he almost selected Joel Paris “on one leg” for their latest triumphant title decider.
The Scorchers lift the BBL trophy.Credit: Getty Images
The Scorchers sealed a record-extending sixth title on Sunday when they crushed the Sydney Sixers by six wickets with 15 balls to spare in front of 55,018 fans at Optus Stadium.
In 15 completed seasons of BBL, Perth have reached a remarkable nine grand finals and boast a 6-3 record in those title deciders.
The next most successful team is the Sixers, who have nabbed three titles from eight grand finals.
Perth’s formula of backing local stars complemented with quality, hard-working imports has worked a treat throughout their history.
It was the same this season, with locals such as Cooper Connolly, Mitch Marsh, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner, Jhye Richardson, Paris and Mahli Beardman all playing key roles, with imports Finn Allen and David Payne adding more match-winning firepower.
In the final, Payne snared 3-18 off four overs before Allen smashed 36 off 22 balls to get the Scorchers’ run chase off to a hot start.
Allen’s two-year deal with the Scorchers has now finished, but he is keen to return, and the Scorchers have the option of signing him to another multi-year deal on a platinum contract instead of risking losing him in the draft.
Payne, who has now won two titles with the Scorchers either side of a stint with the Adelaide Strikers, is also keen to return to Perth – but would be at the mercy of the draft.