Geelong BayCats
-Geelong, Victoria
-3 playoff appearances, 3 championships (2025,2027,2029)
-Rivals: Melbourne, Sydney
Geelong, a team added with Sunshine Coast in the second round of expansion, is arguably the most successful expansion team. Reaching and winning the Claxton Shield in their second year. Amazingly they have won the series each time they finish within the top two of the table. Geelong has two title victories over Sydney. Additionly, along with Sunshine Coast, they served as the first two small market teams in the ABL.
Geelong is lead by GM John Lauden and Manager Ryan Spilborghs. The duo has maximized the ABL draft fetching 2 MVPs (Al Bridge) and 2 Newcomer of the Year Winners in the draft. These two, form the most respected front office in the ABL. Many writers and media members think the BayCats may see them move onto to an Asian team with more resources despite their unprecidented success over the past 6 years.
On the field. Geelong is lead by homegrown star 3B Wayne Warren. Their success will be determined by replacing former Pitcher of the Year Mike Foltynewicz and Two Time MVP OF Thomas Buckby.
Gold Coast Blue Tongues
-Gold Coast, Brisbane
-5 playoff appearances, 2 championships (2020, 2022)
-Rivals: Brisbane, Sunshine Coast
Gold Coast, a 2018 round of expansion team, entered the league with Newcastle. In just their third year they made the top 2 and rattled off three straight playoff appearances, netting just one title. Overall Gold Coast was able to reach the final in 5 of 7 years (2020-2026).
Gold Coast's two titles came with nearly two sets of different players. The franchise leader and superstar is Casper Barber. Gold Coast has been good at finding deals on the market, specifically with older American pitchers.
Gold Coast sits in a position heading into 2030 where we could see them compete for a top four spot if they can find help in the infield, and potentially sneak into the top 2 for a shot at the final.
Gold Coast sits in a similar position to archrival Brisbane. The two and Sunshine Coast helped establish baseball in Queensland with early success in the late 10's and early 20s.
Melbourne Aces
-Melbourne, Victoria
-4 playoff appearances, 3 championshps (2018, 2024, 2026).
-Rivals: Geelong, Sydney
Melbourne, an original six franchise, has arguably been the evil empire of the ABL. A team that has always focused on pitching, Melbourne often spends extravagantly. Melbourne and Geelong have a fierce rivalry, as does Melbourne and Sydney.
Melbourne titles have come at a large expense, although their owner has said numerous times he does not care about the cost for building championship teams and building baseball in Victoria. A strong supporter for baseball in the state, Melbourne was key to brining Geelong into the fold over other expansion bids from New South Wales and Queensland.
Melbourne's team will look extremely different going into 2030 as their owner looks to overhaul a team that has a 3rd, 4th, and 5th place finish over the last three years.
Newcastle Eagles
-Newcastle, New South Wales
-1 playoff appearance, 1 championship (2028)
-Rivals: Sydney, Canberra
Newcastle entered the league in 2018 with the Gold Coast Blue Tongues. 10 years later they won their first and only title over Port Adelaide. Despite their lack of postseasons, Newcaslte sits with an overall record of 360-361. Newcastle should see continued growth - along with growing pains - over the next few years as they have a top farm system with many of their established starters leaving this year in free agency.