World champions Australia to face off with New Zealand in softball showcase in Canberra

Australia holds the mantle of mens and U23s world champions, and now they prepare for a rare set of fixtures at home. Meet the 24 players set to line up in the green and gold against New Zealand.

Australia celebrates its success in the 2022 Softball World Cup. Picture: Shane Wenzlick/World Baseball Softball Confederation

The Australian Steelers return ashore for a rare set of fixtures on home soil against the old enemy in New Zealand.

Australia are the current reigning world champions of both the mens and U23s divisions and will feature in six fixtures in Canberra on Monday.

We take a look at the 24 players who are set to don the green and gold against New Zealand.

STEELERS

JACK BESGROVE

Orange, NSW

Pitcher

The marquee player and one of the best pitchers in the world. Currently playing professionally in Japan (Daiwa Act) and America (New York Gremlins), Besgrove recently won the Japanese Pro League. Pitched Australia to victory at the most recent World Cup and U23s World Cup.

JARROD BRADBURY

Canberra, ACT

Third base

Made his Australian Steelers debut in Samoa last year and has been a long-time member of the ACT 89ers. Has previously competed in the ISC in Canada and the specialist third-base is a schoolteacher away from the diamond.

JACK BURT

Perth, WA

Catcher

Has plenty of experience on the big stage as a World Champion with the Steelers in 2022. Was most recently an import for Toowoomba in the Queensland Cup. The catcher started his journey in WA over a decade ago.

JEREMY GARLAND

Cranebrook, NSW

Utility

A player that has come through the junior program and gets to live out a dream when he represents Australia for the first time on Monday. A versatile utility who came up with some big moments during the U23s World Cup success.

MATTHEW HARROW

Canberra, ACT

Second Base

The surname Harrow is synonymous with baseball and Matthew is building an incredible legacy of his own. Has won gold with the U18s in 2018, the national team in 2022 and the U23s a year later. Has been in the system since he could walk.

HAYDEN MATTHEWS

Picnic Point, NSW

Outfielder

Was part of the leadership group for the 2022 World Cup success. The outfielder has been part of the last three World Cup campaigns and his experience around the side has proven invaluable in the group.

JOSH MCGOVERN

Canberra, ACT

Catcher

A catcher from the ACT who is one of the senior members of the team. On the professional scene alongside Besgrove with stints in Japan and America, enjoying a high level of success in the process. Has been part of four World Cup campaigns.

JOSEPH SCARAMELLA

Perth, WA

Catcher

Another player in the side who is making his senior debut. Didn’t come through the junior program but has made an impact in recent years and performing strongly in New Zealand.

CODY SMITH

Waverley, Victoria

Short Stop

Has been around the mark since making his debut in 2021 at the Oceania qualifiers. Smith was part of the U23s World Champion side a few years ago. A shortstop who will be looking to punch his 2025 World Cup ticket.

JAMES TODHUNTER

Camden, NSW

Infielder

The captain of the Steelers and the longest serving player in the side. Captain – longest serving. Been in the team since five world championships, captained the team in 2022 – leadership to the team, standout captain of the side.

PETER WARDS

Camden, NSW

Infielder

The 33-year-old infielder has been in the program for the best part of a decade and is looking to solidify his place in his first World Cup next year. Brings a wealth of experience that makes him a crucial part of the side.

MATTHEW WICKHAM

Canberra, ACT

Infielder

The ACT native made his international debut in Samoa last year and he’s another looking to make the position his own coming into a big 2025. Has shown his class as a previous National Champs MVP.

Australia claimed the 2022 Softball World Cup. Picture: Shane Wenzlick/World Baseball Softball Confederation

UNDER 23s

MATTHEW BEDWELL

Werribee, VIC

Pitcher

Bedwell has built a reputation as a leader of Victoria and that has shown in his game. One of the bright young up and coming pitchers within the system and was named best pitcher at the U18s Nationals earlier this year.

JOEL BYRNE

Gregory Hills, NSW

Pitcher

Another strong pitcher within the side. A super strong young talent who recently made the NSW Opens team as an 18-year-old. Recently came back from representing the Australia U18s in Mexico and is also a strong batter.

NICHOLAS CROUCH

Rockhampton, Queensland

Utility

Was crowned the MVP of the U23s Nationals held this year in Victoria, such is the class that he brings to the fold. Crouch can play multiple positions but is an exceptional talent who specialises in the outfield.

HAYDEN DOBE

Gold Coast, Queensland

Catcher

Brings fantastic leadership qualities, highlighted by captaining the U18s national team in Mexico at the end of last year. Part of the Australian U23s World Cup win and brings high level play at catcher and with the bat.

ALEX DUNCALFE

Bunya, Queensland

Utility

The youngest player in the squad. An exceptional pitcher who specialises with the bat. He helped lead Queensland to a Nationals U16s success where he was crowned best batter, grand final MVP and overall MVP. Also a very good shortstop.

ASHLEE GOFFER

Brisbane, Queensland

Pitcher

When he’s not pitching he is very strong in the outfield and can cover ground at a good rate. Another in the U23s winning side in 2023, Goffer is a strong player with the bat and has made his mark there.

SHANNON GOFFER

Brisbane, Queensland

First base

The brother of Ashlee who is a specialist first base. Can also field in the outfield when called upon. Like Ashlee he is strong with the bat and earned a brilliant honour as part of the U23s side.

AUSTIN GOODEN

Wagga, NSW

Utility

An exceptional young player who is the second youngest on the team. The captain of the U18s NSW side who can fill a number of roles - pivot, shortstop and pitching. Won’t pitch in Canberra but has been part of Australian junior squads since 14.

BOSTON LOWE

Camden, NSW

First base

Continues to take steps in the sport and has graduated from an appearance with the U18s at the 202 World Cup. A very good first base but has built his reputation as one of the best batters in the game.

KYNAN MOLANDER

Redland, Queensland

First Base

Part of the U18s team with Lowe, Molander is a first base who has tremendous range. One of the best hitters in the team and showcased that with the best batting stats throughout the 2020 campaign.

OLIVER STEWART

Camden, NSW

Catcher

Was part of the U18s team that visited Mexico at the end of last year and is from the strong softball production line in the Macarthur region. A catcher who can cover a range of positions including first base and in the outfield.

LINCOLN WALK

Toowoomba, Queensland

Pitcher

The Toowoomba local was part of the U23s World Champion team and his pitching is his specialty. Made the most of his one at bat in the tournament with a great hit. Will make life very tough for the NZ batters.

Originally published as World champions Australia to face off with New Zealand in softball showcase in Canberra