April 11-18, Geelong Baseball Centre.
The cream of Australian womens baseball has arrived in Geelong ahead of the 2009 Australian Womens Baseball Championships which begin on Saturday.
And following Tuesday's announcement that the IBAF will add womens baseball to its IOC submission for the 2016 Olympic Games, this tournament promises to be like no other.
To be held at 
previous two nationals without losing a game. However they will face tough opposition from perennial rivals New South Wales, with teams from Western Australia, Queensland, Country NSW and a second Victorian side also competing.
So which team will take out the honours this year? Find out here in the team previews. See bottom for links to the 2009 Australian Womens Baseball Championships website.
VICTORIA -
Having claimed eight titles in the past ten years, losing only to
The team boasts a new coaching staff in 2009 with current He will be joined by fellow women's program debutant Dean Anglin (Asst Coach), and Australian pitching coach Tim Ballard.
The 2009 team possesses an internationally-experienced batting order and outstanding defensive lineup, with 2008 Australian team members Samantha Hamilton, Shae Lillywhite and Amy McCann, all regarded the best in the world in their positions, headlining the team.
First baseman Hamilton and former Australian team member Melissa Whitaker are the only two players to be selected in every state team since 1999 and both played an integral part in the team's recent victories, knocking in the winning runs in the past two grand finals. 
With the retirement of long time team stalwart and world reknowned pitcher Simone Wearne, the pitching rotation will now be lead by 2006 Australian team member Ailsa Davidson and Kathy Welsh.
The player to watch is no doubt Erin Collins. The former state softballer swings the bat as hard as any player to have worn the Big V and has an arm to match. Others to keep an eye on include 15-year-old Bronwyn Gell who will provide much versatility around the field.
Head Coach Bitmead is happy with the team's attitude and potential following a grueling training campaign.
"We have a great mix of youth and experience, and the new and returning players have added some extra spice into selections," said Bitmead.
"It has forced every player to lift their training intensity and as a result, we are entering the championships with some great form.
"The other teams always have us in their sights, but this year we will need to be on our toes more than ever."
NSW - 2008 finish: Runner Up
Going down by just one run in the past two championship games, 2003 and 2006 national champions
Former assistant coach Darren King will take over the reigns in 2009 and is joined by debutants Todd Darvall and Derek VanHilst.
The team will be lead by 2008 Australian, and former all world team members, Katie Gaynor and Angela Catford. The hard hitting duo will be heavily relied upon for not only for their outstanding offense and defense, but their leadership.
Fellow 2008 Australian players Lauren Murphy, Tahnee Lovering and Loren Vella will also play a big part in team direction.
The players to watch include 16-year-old Lauren Murphy who was outstanding in the 2008 championship game pitching duel with Simone Wearne (VIC) and was rewarded with a trip to the Womens World Cup. Also, pitcher Ellen Young who has had a great preparation so far and is expected to perform strongly on the mound.
"Every time a NSW team is selected it is done with the belief that we can win the tournament, but this year will be a testing one," said Head Coach Darren King.
"We have lost some very experienced, high quality players that are not easy to replace, but this is an excellent team with some great leaders and talented youth, and time will tell if we have enough to win the tournament this year."
QLD - 2008 finish: Third
Still the only team, other than
However the team will need to work hard to overcome the loss of key players if its want to improve on the third place finish in 2008.
Peter Marriott and Daniel Almond return to lead a young team, but are faced with the loss of Australian team member Kim Schulte and Laura Wagner from the starting rotation.
However, the young team will receive solid support from former Australian player Karina Sexton and Sandie Nicholson.
Team stalwart Annmarie McLaughlin will add power to the hitting lineup, whilst Lisa Norrie makes her welcome return to the team bringing much needed experience.
Player to watch is Cate Lessmann, the youngest
"For the second year in a row we have a young team, but with so many of them returning from last year, we expect to have a more balanced team," said Head Coach Peter Marriott.
"Our goal is to be aggressive with the stick and make things happen rather than waiting for someone else."
CNSW - 2008 finish: Fourth
Country NSW team experienced a whirlwind 2008 tournament, not only knocking off fierce rivals NSW for the first time in history, but coming within one win of making it through to the championship game.
Ultimately they finished the tournament fourth, though they gained the respect of opponents and spectators alike, ensuring that all teams will be highly anticipating the 2009 country edition.
Despite its members facing extreme geographical separation, the team will no doubt arrive as prepared, if not more so, than every other competing team.
Head Coach Terry Pearce and assistants Adam Herrera, Ross Baker and Justin Norman have conducted numerous weekend camps on the central coast since November, plus multiple road trips to
Despite losing Australian team member Julia Fellows who is having a year away from the game, Womens World Cup team mate Kim McMillan and former national squad veterans Stacey and Samantha Saggus, will add talent and experience to a lineup which has an average age of just 20.
The player to watch is six-foot tall, fourteen-year-old Claire O'Sullivan, sister of Elodie, who will make her debut.
"Even though some of our younger players have limited nationals experience, when the average age of this team is as young as it is, you may be excused by my referring to some of our players as the veterans of the squad," said Head Coach Terry Pearce.
"Of course we are definitely looking for a top three minimum and a medal, and anything else will be a major disappointment."
WA - 2008 finish: Fifth
Undoubtedly the perennial 'dark horses', it will be no different with the
Disappointed with their fifth place finish in 2008, Head Coach Aaron Olivieri will take charge of harnessing the talent from the west and will be assisted by Greg Harrison and Daniel Schmidt.
2008 Australian team members Christina Kreppold and Jacinda Barclay headline the team, though Rebecca Crosby is a withdrawal.
A veteran at just 25, in addition to her power hitting, Kreppold's skills cover the outfield, mound and behind the dish, playing each position at world cup level.
Part of the national team rotation at the 2008 Womens World Cup, at just 18, Barclay will lead a young group of pitchers as they strive for success.
In notable inclusions, the team welcomes back Erin Fox, with new player Sue Mcgiffen expected to perform strongly.
Player to watch will Natalie Rawlings. At her 3rd national tournament at just 17, the former Australian Squad member is considered one of, if not the, quickest around the base paths.
"This dedicated group of baseballers have been working hard over the last 5 months, so be prepared cause you'll know when the HEAT hits you," warned Aaron Olivieri.
VICTORIA B (previously known as Provincial) - 2008 finish: Sixth
Such is the strength of women's baseball in the southern state, a second Victorian team, the B team, will also contest the championships.
Over the years, the team has allowed up and coming players to hone their skills and work their way to the 'A' team. This year alone, four players (Holmes, Pedersen, Foura and Flanigan) were recognised with selection into the A team following outstanding nationals in 2008.
The 2009 B team will feature two former Australian players Emma Binks and Shelli Marklew. The two, along with veteran Marita Taylor who will also provide a wealth of experience, will no doubt be the team leaders both on and off the field.
The team also features young country
Player to watch will be kittle known Bianca Kirk who has been travelling down from Mildura by car bus or plane to train in
"She is so keen and she is a good all round player," said Head Coach Tony Culph.
And despite finishing sixth after a promising first half of the tournament last year, Culph is quietly confident of improvement.
"Look out for us as once we all meet and get acquainted we may form a formidable outfit."
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