Preston Baseball Club is pleased to announce the signing of their new head coach, William “Pookie” Wilson.
A former AAA outfielder with the Florida Marlins from 1992-97, Wilson brings a wealth of experience to the club, which is enjoying pristine new facilities at La Trobe University in Bundoora.
In addition to his playing experience, Wilson spent one year as an area scout for Montreal Expos before moving back to the Marlins to take on roles such as outfield/base running coach and hitting instructor across three seasons.
Wilson then moved to Kansas City Royals in 2002 to become their minor league hitting instructor which he held until 2005, and then again from 2009-10. He founded Pookie Wilson Baseball in Atlanta, designed to work with high-school student athletes to maintain positive mindsets amongst an effective program and training system to support player development and baseball hitting strategies. He continues to run this program since he left Kansas City, aiding young baseball talent by holding weekly hitting, baserunning and outfield classes.
Preston Baseball Club President Alex Djorgonoski is thrilled that the lengthy process has resulted in the appointment of a qualified coach.
“We see this as being a very positive move, not only for our senior playing group but for our entire club, including our junior players and coaches,” Djorgonoski said. “Pookie has a long playing career, both here and in the minor leagues in the US, along with his minor league appointments as a head coach, hitting coach and instructional coach.”
This is not Wilson’s first venture into Australian baseball, he was an integral part of the ABL team the Melbourne Monarchs in the 1992-93 season when they won the championships. He’d be fondly remembered by players and fans alike.
Djorgonoski says this appointment will be very special to the baseball community in Preston and the surrounding areas. “These coaching opportunities don’t come along all the time for any club let alone for a club in Australia,” Djorgonoski said. “The pure promotional opportunities that will come of this appointment will be invaluable, not to mention the injection of his international coaching experience.”
Defending champions Northern Metros, Hills and Manly remain undefeated after day two action at the 2019 Australian Intermediate League Championship in Mildura.
Hills and the Metros claimed two wins on Tuesday and Manly overpowered Western Suns 14-3 to enter day three without a loss.
Catch up on all the day two action:
Hills 17, Western Comets 3 | Box Score
Hills secured another impressive win at #AILC2019, powering past Western Comets 17-3 on day two in Mildura.
The Comets took a 2-0 lead in the first before Hills erased the deficit with a five-run second ahead of pulling away with a nine-run third.
Jett Watson and Edward Noy led the offence with two runs batted in.
Luke Hayhow had three hits and Jude Cusbert recorded four strikeouts in two innings of relief work.
Cruze Brendon drove in two runs for the Western Comets.
Manly 14, Western Suns 3 | Box Score
A nine-run third inning catapulted Manly to its second win of #AILC2019.
The big inning proved decisive in a 14-3 win over Western Suns on diamond three.
Manly scored two runs in the second to erase an early 1-0 deficit before adding to its advantage.
Edward Gall’s three runs batted in led the offence.
Zac Morris drove home two runs and Manly’s pitching kept the Western Suns to three hits.
Twins 15, Southern Mariners 4 | Box Score
Twins powered past Southern Mariners 15-4 on day two in Mildura to record their first win of #AILC2019.
The Twins scored 13 runs in the third to take control.
Addison Bishop-Worn was responsible for four runs scoring and Miller Wortley and Jacob White both collected two RBIs.
Declan Lynch, Sidney Stillwell and Harrison Maddaford drove in runs for the Mariners.
Northern Metros 8, Ryde Hawks 7 | Box Score
Northern Metros held off fast-finishing Ryde Hawks to secure an 8-7 win in their Pool B clash.
The Metros scored early runs and the Hawks the last five.
Jack Angeloff collected three hits for Northern, which spread the offence.
Starter Jayden Allen struck out three.
Tim Massey punched out four batters for the Hawks.
Hills 16, Eastern Athletics 8 | Box Score
Hills rode the long ball to a 3-0 start at #AILC2019.
Jude Cusbert homered twice and Harry Wilton once as Hills recorded a 16-8 win over Eastern Athletics.
Cusbert’s three-run shot in the fourth put Hills up 12-0 before the paid added solo shots later in the game.
Luke Hayhow drove in six runs for Hills on a couple of hits.
Ethan Jenkins had three hits for Eastern Athletics.
Northern Metros 19, Southern Mariners 4 | Box Score
Northern Metros wrapped up a perfect day two of action at #AILC2019 in Mildura.
The Metros made it two from two on Tuesday after overpowering Southern Mariners 19-4.
Dawson George and Jack Angeloff both collected three runs batted in and Xavier Fatai struck out four batters.
Sidney Stillwell was responsible for two of the Mariners’ runs scoring.
Ryde Hawks 17, Twins 10 | Box Score
Ollivier Flokstra and Liam Hilliger each drove in three runs as Ryde Hawks overcame Twins 17-10.
A seven-run sixth put the Hawks out to healthy lead as they bounced back from a narrow loss to Northern Metros earlier in the day.
James Fergusson had four hits at the top of the Ryde batting lineup.
Nathan Blakemore, Ben Howard and Miller Wortley had two hits a piece for Twins.
Day three action in Mildura gets underway at 9.15am (local time).
Head to the #AILC2019 tournament page for results, rosters and the complete schedule.
The 2019 Australian Intermediate League Championships continued in Mildura for Day 2, and our three Victorian teams Eastern Athletics, Southern Mariners and Twins had some big moments today.
Catch up on all the day two action:
Twins 15, Southern Mariners 4 | Box Score
Twins got into the wins column this afternoon, at the expense of fellow Victorian side Southern Mariners.
Twins were no match for their rivals after a long, 13-run third innings, leaving Southern Mariners a mountain to climb.
For Twins, Ben Howard scored three runs including a three-base hit, as did Miller Wortley who also was credited with two RBIs.
Addison Bishop-Worn nailed her four at bats, responsible for scoring four of her teammates while crossing once herself.
Mitch Denny got the ball rolling at the top of the second for Southern Mariners, scoring once more in the fourth.
Griff Johnston and Ben Hallowell were the other Southern Mariners to contribute to their scoreline.
Bishop-Worn was an all-round star of the game, as his pitching resulted in minimising Southern Mariners to one run in three innings, however Declan Lynch made the most of his first pitches; 13 being called strikes.
Hills 16, Eastern Athletics 8 | Box Score
Eastern Athletics found themselves on the end of a rounded Hills side in their only AILC 2019 match on Day 2.
Hills scored in all but one inning, running away with a big win, however, Eastern Athletics looked poised to cut the deficit in a thrilling eight-run fifth inning.
More runs came in for Hills, but Eastern Athletics kept their heads held high at the conclusion of the match.
Ethan Jenkins had the most hits with three while Isaac Pinczewski and Max Saggers had two each.
Of the run scorers, no one scored more than once, however Cutter Harris drove two in during this here at bats.
Ashley Geary-Smith and Jackson Powell each pitched three innings each, showing a great display to record 12 first-pitch strikes each.
Eastern Athletics were magnificent in the field, recording just one error in 28 fielding attempts. Jenkins had four putouts from four attempts.
Northern Metros 19, Southern Mariners 4 | Box Score
Three consecutive innings of six or more runs from Northern Metros propelled them into the game quickly and while Southern Mariners drew four in the second inning, it was always difficult.
For Southern Mariners, their four-run third inning resulted in Ben Hallowell, Declan Lynch, Sidney Stillwell and Ryan Williams scoring.
Sidwell drove in two runs while at the plate too, completing a great game.
Ryan Meters was trusted with the ball first up and only had two hits against him but some errant pitching resukted in eight base on balls and nine runs.
Nonethlress, scoring dried up a little when the likes of Harrison Maddeford, Owen Cogar and Jeremey Hess briefly pitched.
Ryde Hawks 17, Twins 10 | Box Score
It was a story of too little, too late for Twins, following up a gruelling first win over Sothern Mariners.
Twins piled on the runs in the back half of the game, but fell a little short of their opponents, Ryde Hawks.
Ben Howard, Nathan Blakemore and Miller Wortley had three hits each with the latter two reaching third once in their times up to bat.
Wortley and Addison Bishop-Worn each collected two runs with the rest of the team competing well to get runs, or on base too.
Matthew Butler was the pick of the pitchers, coming on for one inning and gaining three strikeouts, allowing just one run with no errors.
Twins held up well in the field with less errors than Ryde Hawks which included a crafty double play between Howard and Wortley.
Day three action in Mildura gets underway at 9.15am (local time).
Head to the #AILC2019 tournament page for results, rosters and the complete schedule.
Catch up on all the day two action:
Twins 15, Southern Mariners 4 | Box Score
Twins got into the wins column this afternoon, at the expense of fellow Victorian side Southern Mariners.
Twins were no match for their rivals after a long, 13-run third innings, leaving Southern Mariners a mountain to climb.
For Twins, Ben Howard scored three runs including a three-base hit, as did Miller Wortley who also was credited with two RBIs.
Addison Bishop-Worn nailed her four at bats, responsible for scoring four of her teammates while crossing once herself.
Mitch Denny got the ball rolling at the top of the second for Southern Mariners, scoring once more in the fourth.
Griff Johnston and Ben Hallowell were the other Southern Mariners to contribute to their scoreline.
Bishop-Worn was an all-round star of the game, as his pitching resulted in minimising Southern Mariners to one run in three innings, however Declan Lynch made the most of his first pitches; 13 being called strikes.
Hills 16, Eastern Athletics 8 | Box Score
Eastern Athletics found themselves on the end of a rounded Hills side in their only AILC 2019 match on Day 2.
Hills scored in all but one inning, running away with a big win, however, Eastern Athletics looked poised to cut the deficit in a thrilling eight-run fifth inning.
More runs came in for Hills, but Eastern Athletics kept their heads held high at the conclusion of the match.
Ethan Jenkins had the most hits with three while Isaac Pinczewski and Max Saggers had two each.
Of the run scorers, no one scored more than once, however Cutter Harris drove two in during this here at bats.
Ashley Geary-Smith and Jackson Powell each pitched three innings each, showing a great display to record 12 first-pitch strikes each.
Eastern Athletics were magnificent in the field, recording just one error in 28 fielding attempts. Jenkins had four putouts from four attempts.
Northern Metros 19, Southern Mariners 4 | Box Score
Three consecutive innings of six or more runs from Northern Metros propelled them into the game quickly and while Southern Mariners drew four in the second inning, it was always difficult.
For Southern Mariners, their four-run third inning resulted in Ben Hallowell, Declan Lynch, Sidney Stillwell and Ryan Williams scoring.
Sidwell drove in two runs while at the plate too, completing a great game.
Ryan Meters was trusted with the ball first up and only had two hits against him but some errant pitching resukted in eight base on balls and nine runs.
Nonethlress, scoring dried up a little when the likes of Harrison Maddeford, Owen Cogar and Jeremey Hess briefly pitched.
Ryde Hawks 17, Twins 10 | Box Score
It was a story of too little, too late for Twins, following up a gruelling first win over Sothern Mariners.
Twins piled on the runs in the back half of the game, but fell a little short of their opponents, Ryde Hawks.
Ben Howard, Nathan Blakemore and Miller Wortley had three hits each with the latter two reaching third once in their times up to bat.
Wortley and Addison Bishop-Worn each collected two runs with the rest of the team competing well to get runs, or on base too.
Matthew Butler was the pick of the pitchers, coming on for one inning and gaining three strikeouts, allowing just one run with no errors.
Twins held up well in the field with less errors than Ryde Hawks which included a crafty double play between Howard and Wortley.
Day three action in Mildura gets underway at 9.15am (local time).
Head to the #AILC2019 tournament page for results, rosters and the complete schedule.
The opening day of the 2019 Australian Intermediate League Championships saw each of our Victorian teams – Twins, Southern Mariners, Eastern Athletics – compete. Day 1 of the tournament unfortunately proved difficult for the Victorian representatives, with neither finding a win despite showing strong signs throughout the day.
Twins 5, Northern Metros 8 I BOX SCORE
Twins got off to a great start in the opening game of the 2019 AILC, running across home plate twice in their first innings.
Jacob White and Ben Howard were the players who made a quick start in the batting stocks, with the latter able to keep their opponents to zero runs in a three-up three-down pitching display.
Northern Metros batted in the next five runs of the game through the following four innings, leading Twins to catch up.
They were able to cut the deficit by two runs in the top of the sixth through Miller Wortley and Edward Morgan, however Northern Metros rose to the challenge and came back with three more of their own.
Needing five runs to hit the lead in the final inning, Twins only managed one on the last play of the game when Howard scored once again.
Addison Bishop-Worn led the game with three hits from four at bats while a formidable pitching duo of Wortley and Howard combined for nine strikeouts between them.
Eastern Athletics 3, Western Comets 13 I BOX SCORE
Eastern Athletics contested in a close game within the first four innings, where both teams scored two runs in their respective first digs.
Eastern Athletics got their first runs to Ashley Geary-Smith and Declan Weichard courtesy of a Fletcher Powell double.
The next five digs were all three-up, three-down scenarios – save for one catcher’s interference in the Western Comets third inning.
Western Comets hit the lead in the fourth inning, however it was a super 10-run inning from them in the fifth that saw the result look less likely to favour Eastern Athletics.
Eastern Athletics scored a single run in the sixth from Ryder Wilson, however the game was ended shortly after.
Max Saggers stood tall on the mound, pitching 4.0 inning with 12 first pitches being called strikes.
Southern Mariners 6, Ryde Hawks 16 I BOX SCORE
In a game where there were runs galore, Ryde Hawks hit away in the later stages collecting nine runs in two inning.
Southern Mariners got off to a flyer with four runs to Declan Lynch, Ryan Williams, Mitch Denny and Harrison Maddaford but were behind when Ryde Hawks started their climb with six first inning scores of their own.
Southern Mariners evened the ledger in the second; Lynch and Williams again being the ones to come home.
Denny batted three runs in, as well as scoring once himself, while Lynch had a good eye on when he was at the plate, drawing three walks.
Jessica Brown did her part on the mound at the games beginning, grabbing a first-pitch strike nine times and allowing four hits.
Western Suns 24, Eastern Athletics 8 I BOX SCORE
Eastern Athletics were on the backfoot early in their second game of the day, experiencing a masterclass from their opponents.
Western Suns proved dominant for most of the game, including an 11-run sixth inning.
Declan Weichard continued his strong AILC form with three RBIs as Tom Barlow scored three runs.
Fletcher Powell followed up his double in Eastern Athletics first game of the tournament with a triple this time around, highlighting his exceptional hitting power.
In addition to Barlow’s three runs, Max Saggers scored twice and Powell, Jack Barlow, and Angus Hopkinson each score one.
Weichard also enjoyed time on the mound, starting the game in the pitching position. He was responsible for the first Western Suns inning to be done after three batters and had two strikeouts in the next inning.
Follow along with the rest of AILC 2019 here: http://www.littleleague.org.au/Int-League/Australian-Intermediate-League-Championship
The Victorian Government has put its support behind the Australian Intermediate League Championship in Mildura for the next four years.
Sunraysia Baseball League will host the 2019 event at Mildura’s Aerodrome Sporting Complex for the first time from June 17-21.
Baseball Australia general manager of participation Mat Sundstrom was thrilled the Victorian Government had backed the event.
“We are extremely excited to bring high-quality baseball to regional Victoria,” Sundstrom said.
“With the support of the Victorian Government, Mildura Rural City Council and Sunraysia Baseball League we are confident Mildura can make itself the home of Intermediate League baseball in Australia over the next four years.”
Intermediate League provides players aged 11-13 the chance to transition from Little League to Junior League.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said the event would showcase Sunraysia.
"Mildura and the wider Sunraysia region are renowned for spectacular sunsets, the iconic Murray River and premium wine and horticulture produce - and for the next week the focus will be on our baseball stars" he said.
"With around 600 players, officials, family members and fans arriving in town, it’s a great opportunity to showcase the best of Sunraysia.
"We're proud to support this event through our $17.7 million Significant Sporting Events Program."
The winner of Australian Intermediate League Championship will represent Australia Region at the Little League Intermediate (50/70) Baseball World Series in Livermore, California, from July 28 to August 4.
Western Australia’s Northern Metros won the inaugural Australian Intermediate League Championship in Lismore, New South Wales, last May.
She may be just shy of 16, but Maddi Weller has enjoyed some incredible moments in her baseball career thus far. The versatile athlete who specialises as a catcher capped off a decade of baseball by representing Victoria at the 2019 Australian Youth Women’s Championships in Canberra.
Maddi and her teammates took home bronze medals, having turned things around after an 0-3 start to the tournament. She says they broke free of their sluggish start thanks to the constant support and guidance from their coaches, including Head Coach Ursula Howard and Assistant Coaches Siobhan Stephenson and Kellie Manzie. “The development from the start to the finish of the tournament was amazing, and it was great that we were able to come away with bronze in the end,” Maddi said.
Coming away with their hard-fought first win of their AWC2019 campaign was a great feeling for the girls. “We made the coaches continue the team’s tradition with a victory lap on the way back to the motel,” Maddi added. As the starting catcher for 8 of Victoria’s 9 games, Maddi had a big role to play, and she was proud to contribute to her team, especially as they came together to bounce back from their challenging start. “It was amazing to see that we were able to pull it off and end the tournament on a high. Having to overcome these obstacles made the bronze medal feel like it was so much more meaningful.”
After hitting .632 across 9 games in 6 days for the 2nd best batting average in the tournament, as well as securing the highest putouts with 40, Maddi won’t forget about this year’s National Championships anytime soon. She also has fond memories of her first time representing Victoria last year, when the Youth Women’s team went undefeated and won gold for the first time ever at the National Championships. Selected as a development player, Maddi played the minimum number of games but she was so thankful for the experience. “It was amazing and I developed so much from being in the state program.”
Maddi has made it clear to her coaches that she’s responsible and reliable, and she served as one of the leaders for the younger girls on this year’s state squad. Plus, she put herself through her own personal fitness program, completing 3-4 half-hour sessions per week leading up to the tournament on top of state and club training. “I wanted to be physically ready for the coaches to be able to use me wherever and whenever they needed.”
Since beginning her career with T-Ball at age six before moving on to baseball at age 8, Maddi has participated in 10 winter seasons. She has no intentions of slowing down her baseball dreams, which currently see her suit up for Doncaster Dragons Baseball Club in the Victorian Summer Baseball League and Forest Hill Baseball Club in Melbourne Winter Baseball League. “I have had many opportunities and many coaches who have believed in me and made me fall in love with the game. I never want to stop playing,” Maddi said.
The standout athlete is appreciative of the avenues for female development in Victoria, including the 2016 and 2018 All-Girls Charter State Championships and the 2016/17 Winter Girls Academy. Her success in these programs led to her trying out for the State Youth Teams. “We are very lucky in Victoria to have such great female coaches, and I’m personally very lucky to have been coached by Ursula Howard, Sam Hamilton, Amy McCann, Bronwyn Gell, Vic Brown, Belinda Cannington, Siobhan Stephenson, Kellie Manzie, Shae Lillywhite and Abbey McLellan,” Maddi said. “All of these great coaches have had a big influence on me personally and I could never thank them enough for what they have done not only for me but also for women’s baseball.”
Maddi has experienced many highlights over the years, from training alongside her role models to making back-to-back state teams. She says she’s always loved training just as much of training, and this allows her to continue developing her skills to become the best baseball player she can be. “I hope to continue to improve and enjoy my baseball whilst playing club ball, and if anything else comes from that it’s a bonus.”
Seeking inspiration from the likes of Ursula Howard, Abbey McLellan, Bronwyn Gell and Belinda Cannington, Maddi plans to continue dedicating her life to her beloved baseball. Her parents stand by her dreams 100 percent, even serving as Executive Officers for the 2019 Youth Team. “We were very proud of Maddi’s tournament, not only with her playing but also how she led the younger players,” Mom Melissa Weller said. “As her parents we have only ever wanted for Maddi to enjoy what she does. To see her doing what she loves, and doing well at it, this was a time in our lives that we will always remember. She’s self-motived and dedicated to everything she does, and our future hopes for Maddi are for her to continue to keep doing what she loves and enjoy doing it.”
The Victorian Government has put its support behind the Australian Intermediate League Championship in Mildura for the next four years.
Sunraysia Baseball League will host the 2019 event at Mildura’s Aerodrome Sporting Complex for the first time from June 17-21.
Baseball Australia general manager of participation Mat Sundstrom was thrilled the Victorian Government had backed the event.
“We are extremely excited to bring high-quality baseball to regional Victoria,” Sundstrom said.
“With the support of the Victorian Government, Mildura Rural City Council and Sunraysia Baseball League we are confident Mildura can make itself the home of Intermediate League baseball in Australia over the next four years.”
Intermediate League provides players aged 11-13 the chance to transition from Little League to Junior League.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said the event would showcase Sunraysia.
"Mildura and the wider Sunraysia region are renowned for spectacular sunsets, the iconic Murray River and premium wine and horticulture produce - and for the next week the focus will be on our baseball stars" he said.
"With around 600 players, officials, family members and fans arriving in town, it’s a great opportunity to showcase the best of Sunraysia.
"We're proud to support this event through our $17.7 million Significant Sporting Events Program."
The winner of Australian Intermediate League Championship will represent Australia Region at the Little League Intermediate (50/70) Baseball World Series in Livermore, California, from July 28 to August 4.
Western Australia’s Northern Metros won the inaugural Australian Intermediate League Championship in Lismore, New South Wales, last May.
Baseball Victoria and Latrobe City Council are pleased to announce that the 2019 Victorian U14’s State Winter Championships and the 2019 Victorian U16’s State Winter Championships will take place in Latrobe Valley this winter. The 2019 U14’s State Winter Championships are set for 29th – 30th June and the U16’s State Winter Championships will be on 20th – 21st July. The Morwell and Traralgon venues will provide a fantastic location for these tournaments which will see hundreds of players and parents visit Latrobe Valley for a chance to compete against some of the state’s top teams.
Last year, the U16’s State Winter Championships and the U18’s State Winter Championships were held at Morwell, and Baseball Victoria is excited to return to Latrobe Valley for more fun-filled and action-packed tournaments this winter season. “It was great to bring the 2018 State Winter Championships to Morwell, and this year we are looking forward to improving our events even further and welcoming more participants to Latrobe Valley for the opportunity to win a State Winter Championship,” Baseball Victoria Acting CEO Jeff Paull said. “We appreciate the continued support of Latrobe City Council, Latrobe Valley Baseball Association and local baseball clubs in making these championships possible.”
Over the course of both championships, there will be plenty to do and see in Latrobe Valley, with baseball clinics and family-friendly activities planned for the winter weekends. Baseball Victoria has partnered with Big4 Traralgon Park Lane Holiday Park to provide special deals and discounts to players and families that choose to book at this ideal accommodation in the centre of all the action.
“I am very thrilled to see the State Winter Championships return to our region, as the opportunity to host some of the top teams from across the state is a fantastic opportunity,” Latrobe City Mayor Cr Graeme Middlemiss said. “The region has a strong history of baseball and I know our community can’t wait to see some of the emerging talent in our backyard. It’s a great chance for our local representative sides to play against the best in the state. I will be sure to catch a few games across the weekend.”
The 2019/2020 Australian Baseball League regular season will start a week later and finish with a blockbuster lineup of divisional matchups.
Baseball Australia today confirmed the ABL's 10th season would start on November 21 to avoid a clash with Premier12 and finish with three-straight rounds of divisional action.
Opening weekend will feature interdivisional matchups for a second-straight season with defending champions Brisbane hitting the road to face Adelaide and Auckland making its highly-anticipated North Harbour Stadium debut against Perth.
Canberra welcome Melbourne in a rematch of last season's Wildcard Game and Geelong-Korea starts its second ABL season at home to Sydney.
FULL FIXTURE Every game, team-by-team
Baseball Australia chief executive Cam Vale expected the altered format would deliver a thrilling finale to the 160-game regular season and build on the foundations of last season's expansion.
"The introduction of divisional baseball last season strengthened existing rivalries and forged new ones," Vale said.
"Having the final 12 games against divisional opponents will make the race to the playoffs even more fascinating and make every game matter.
"It's a win for fans, who showed a great interest in divisional rivalries last season, to have so many of these games in the popular January period."
All teams will host two series during January's fan-friendly school holiday period.
The final round of the regular season falls over the Australia Day long weekend.
Team Australia's Premier12 commitments will see the latest start to a season in ABL history.
"Premier12 is a historic occasion for baseball in Australia and our first chance at qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics," Vale said.
"Providing clear space in the ABL calendar will allow Team Australia players to focus solely on Premier12 and have less impact on their availability for ABL teams."
The ABL playoff structure will remain unchanged and start with the ABL Wildcard Game on Wednesday, January 29.
The best-of-three ABL Championship Series will be held between February 6-9, pending travel requirements of the two competing teams.
Teams will release their home game dates and times in coming weeks.
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS
+ Auckland takes on Perth on Opening Weekend (November 21-24) at its new permanent home at North Harbour Stadium.
+ Brisbane plays Geelong-Korea in its home opener from November 28 to December 1.
+ Adelaide and Melbourne renew their rivalry at West Beach from December 12-15.
+ The Bandits travel west to face Perth in a rematch of the 2018 ABLCS from January 2-5.
+ Geelong-Korea makes the trip to New Zealand for the first time from January 2-5.
+ Sydney hosts Canberra in the final round over the Australia Day long weekend.
HOW THE ABL SEASON WORKS
+ Each team will play two four-game series (one home, one away) against each divisional opponent and one four-game series against each team in the other division.
+ Teams will play a total of 24 games (12 at home, 12 away) against divisional rivals and 16 games (eight at home, eight away) against interdivisional opponents.
+ Interdivisional series will take place in round one, two, six and seven.
+ The two teams from each division with the best record qualify for playoffs along with the third-placed team with the best record.