Round 6 Series Preview: Bandits Head West - Eyeing Momentum Against Perth Heat

BRISBANE, Australia - The Brisbane Bandits head west this week looking to build momentum and climb the ABL ladder as they open a four-game Round 6 series against the Perth Heat from December 18–20 at NSR Hire Ballpark.

Brisbane enters the series at 9–10, holding second place on the ladder and looking to create separation from Adelaide (8-10) while gaining ground on first-place Sydney (14-5). With four games in three days, the road trip presents a key opportunity for the Bandits to establish consistency as the season approaches its midpoint.

The two clubs split their first meeting of the season 2–2 at Viticon Stadium in Brisbane, a tightly contested series marked by offensive swings and late-inning drama. While the results were even, the matchup highlighted Brisbane’s ability to pressure Perth’s pitching staff and manufacture runs in key moments.

Offensively, the Bandits were led in that series by Robbie Perkins, who delivered four home runs and drove in 9 runs across the four games. Perkins continues to pace Brisbane’s lineup, entering Round 6 batting .344 with six home runs, 15 RBIs and a 1.159 OPS.

Production around him has been trending upward. Rixon Wingrove has been a steady presence in the middle of the order, batting .309 with 15 RBIs, while Liam MacDonald has made the most of his opportunities, posting a .323 average and a 1.013 OPS. Dermot Fritsch and Max Durrington also delivered timely hits in the previous series, combining for multiple extra-base hits and run-producing at-bats.

As a team, Brisbane is hitting .242 on the season, but the power profile has been a defining trait. The Bandits rank as the league leaders in home runs(25) and are 3rd in slugging percentage, an asset that played a role in their earlier success against teams this season.

On the mound, Brisbane is expected to rely on a mix of starters and bullpen depth, with Connor MacDonald, Jon Kennedy, Hayate Nakagawa, and Kamdyn Perry likely factoring into the rotation. Kennedy has been Brisbane’s most consistent starter statistically, carrying a 3.13 ERA, while MacDonald has provided length in recent outings. Out of the bullpen, Tyler Jeans has secured five saves, with Brandon Herbold handling high-leverage situations.

Perth enters the series in last place at 6–12 but remains dangerous offensively, hitting .264 as a team with 20 home runs. The Heat have struggled to translate production into wins, particularly at home, and Brisbane will look to capitalize early and control the series pace.

With ladder positioning tightening behind Sydney, the Bandits view the Perth series as a chance to strengthen their position and continue pushing upward as the season progresses.