Big Bash League: Perth Scorchers fans desperate to see club win sixth title in The Final against Sydney Sixers

Perth Scorchers fans have made their way to Optus Stadium by their thousands for the Big Bash League grand final — and they are hoping for both a similar atmosphere and result to the last decider at the venue.

The Scorchers looked gone for all money in the 2022-23 final against Brisbane Heat, but an epic stand between a then-teenaged Cooper Connolly and Nick Hobson got them to victory and sent 53,886 fans into raptures.

Despite some light rain beginning to come down around an hour before the first ball was due to be bowled, the club is hopeful is hopeful of surpassing their record crowd figure in today’s final against Sydney Sixers.

Scorchers superfan Richard Beukes said he held the fondest of memories from the day and was delighted to see his side in the final for the ninth time in the competition’s 15-year history.

“It’s a great feeling. I was here for the last final, amazing atmosphere. The noise after the Scorchers won that one, it was just great,” he said.

“You look at what they’ve done, the results speak for themselves. We’re the most successful team so far and hopefully we can get one more.

“It’s great for a Perth team to not have to travel in the finals, for once.”

With sons Jack and Rhys in tow, another attendee from the 2023 thriller Erin Bayntun said she was hoping this season’s final would prove similarly action-packed.

“It was so hot. I’m so thankful it’s a really nice day and I’m really thankful we’re all here together as well,” she said.

“It was so loud, it was exciting.”

Atmosphere was the common refrain when fans like Mark Fiori were asked what separated the hugely-successful Scorchers from the rest of the competition.

“They say you get a better view on the telly, but you don’t get the atmosphere,” he said.

“This is my third (final) — the first one we lost, they second one they won, so hopefully today goes the same.”

The Sixers have made the cross-country trip to Perth for the second time in the span of a week, having lost Tuesday’s Qualifier between the sides.

An eastern-state team appearing to battle with a travel load which is customary for WA sides was not lost on Perth’s fans.

“I hope we send them back on that plane with their tail between their legs, whingeing the whole way,” Bayntun said through laughter.

The competition’s form batter Steve Smith will again stand in the way of the Scorchers, with the legend having smashed 275 runs in his five appearances in the competition since the conclusion of his Test duties.

Some creative Perth fans waved in the crowd and flashed their phone’s lights in an attempt to get inside the head of the easily-distracted Smith, and the club’s fans had no doubt they would try the tactic again.

“We’ll do all we can. I’m sure 50,000 people here will come up with an idea,” Beukes said.

“He’s a good player, you’ve got to give him that credit.”

“I’ll let the guys on the field do their job,” Bayntun said.