Coming off four practice match losses in Darwin and a win and a loss in trial matches here, lead-up form doesn't inspire confidence for the Victorians, who made it to the semi-finals of the first Champions League in India last year.
But coach Greg Shipperd said his group, armed with a potent attack and some heavy hitters, were quietly confident of overcoming the losses of captain Cameron White and imports Dwayne Bravo and Ross Taylor to Indian Premier League teams that have also qualified.
"The two games we played at Wanderers (against IPL teams Mumbai and Bangalore) were terrific for the confidence of the top order in particular, which had struggled on up-and-down wickets in Darwin," Shipperd said.
"They've had some good time at the crease now. The bowlers have been less of a headache because they've all done a pretty good job really."
In fact, the major headache for selectors is who of their top-line bowlers they will leave out.
"We're going to have to make some tough calls on who we think can get the job done. It will be no sad reflection on those who miss out, it's just probably a case of trying to read the conditions," he said.
"Dirk Nannes speaks for himself and Shane Harwood looked particularly good in the first practice game here, but there are about five of them all with genuine claims."
Clint McKay was Victoria's only Champions League all-star last year, John Hastings was the success story of last summer, while internationals Peter Siddle and Shane Harwood are back to good health.
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