GRP2 - QLD Preview - Nationals 2026 Podcast
The GRP2 podcast is back for the 2026 Nationals!
WBIP founder Amy McCann is teaming up with fellow Emeralds alumni Amy Cannington to bring you all the nationals news via our "Girls Are Players Too" podcast series.
The series will count down to the 2026 Australian Women’s and Australian Youth Women’s Championships which will take over Melbourne Ballpark from April 12-18.
wa PREVIEW
Western Australia have already shown they can get it done. Champions in 2023, fifth in 2024, and back on the podium in 2025 with bronze, they head into 2026 as one of the most well-rounded sides in the competition.
That progression brings them into this year with a squad built on depth, versatility and a growing level of experience across the group.
On the mound, Western Australia don’t rely on a single arm. Caitlin Eynon lead the staff and the Nationals in 2025 with three wins and 14 strikeouts, Ava Tyson adds more than just volume with 10 innings and nine strikeouts, and Meaghan Haggart continues to contribute both on the mound and around the field. With the return of Leah Cornish and Grace Spano, they have multiple options across a full tournament.
Offensively, they are just as dangerous. Chloe Atkinson headlines the lineup after a standout 2025 campaign, while Haggart, Briah Burke and Eynon all provide consistent production. The return of Elodie O’Sullivan, alongside Leah Cornish who was part of the 2023 gold medal side, adds further strength to a lineup that already runs deep.
What stands out most with this group is their ability to impact the game in multiple ways. They have players capable of shifting roles, covering positions and maintaining structure, which allows them to adapt across a long Nationals week without losing their shape.
There is also a strong mix within the squad. Players from the 2023 championship team remain, emerging talent continues to step up from youth level, and returning players bring added experience from time away, creating a balanced and confident group.
Those different journeys now come together in a Western Australian program that has already experienced success and is building towards another run.
Tune in to our podcast to hear from Wanneroo Giants teammates Meaghan Haggart and Grace Spano.
Haggart has been a constant within the WA program, playing every Nationals since her debut and representing the Emeralds in 2023, while Spano’s pathway into the team came through a far less traditional route, finding the game by chance and starting her Nationals journey via a Friendship team.
Together, they reflect on the 2023 championship run, what has changed since, and the belief building within this squad heading into 2026.
The challenge for Western Australia is clear. They are aiming to be there on the final day, and with the depth and balance across this roster, they have the tools to do exactly that.
FULL TEAM
Aislinn Morris
Ava Tyson
Bianca Ramsey
Briah Burke
Caitlin Eynon
Chloe Atkinson
Elodie O'Sullivan
Grace Spano
Isabella Clarke
Leah Cornish
Madison Lines
Madison White
Makayla George
Meaghan Haggart
Miané Van Splunder
Peyton Newman
GIRLS ARE PLAYERS TOO RANGE
The podcast series shares its name with the special “Girls Are Players Too” WBIP fundraising initiative, which aims to raise money for the 2025 Championships campaign.
The shirts are available in all state team colours, with $5 from each shirt and $10 from each hoodie sale going directly to the state teams.
Where you get your podcasts
Tune in via https://womensbaseballinsidepitch.podbean.com/ or Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more!
