One of the BBL's most successful teams, the Sydney Sixers are on the quest for a fourth title.
The Sixers bring back the same squad which went down convincingly in last season's final to rivals: the Perth Scorchers.
With the side's lineup ranking amongst the top, it is further bolstered by the additions of Kurtis Patterson, pace bowler Chris Jordan, and English batsman James Vince.
Having only missed out on finals on three occasions during 11 seasons, it won't be a surprise if the Sixers are one of the last teams standing.
Key players
Whilst showing slight glimpses of his capabilities in the tournament with the Sydney Sixers in BBL06 and BBL07, it wouldn't be until last season when Patterson flourished.
A key piece in the Scorchers' march to a fourth title, the left-hander finished 10th amongst the leading run-getters with 391 runs.
His knock of 55 in the opening game against the Brisbane Heat set the tone for what would play out.
Whilst Patterson has made a living at First Class level for New South Wales scoring over 4000 runs in his career, adding another string to the bow in the T20 format solidifies him as one of the Sixers' most important players.
Not only does the side possess one of the deepest squads, but it has the flexibility to arrange batting lineups depending on the circumstances.
For the majority of last season, Patterson opened the batting, but with Josh Phillipe and James Vince opening and Moises Henriques at number three, a shift down the middle order is more liekly.
Patterson should fit in seamlessly, thus giving opposition bowling attacks further conundrums to contend with.
One of the League's most deadliest bowlers, the New South Welshman will be key again in the Sixers' quest to regain the trophy. Currently the BBL's all-time leading wicket-taker with 125, Abbott is set to add further scalps to the wickets column.
Coming off last season's tournament with 19 wickets at 19.89, at an economy rate of 8.19, the 30-year-old had brilliant performances with the ball.
Performances included taking 3/14 in the Sixers' 152 run demolition of the Melbourne Stars, 3/24 against the Adelaide Strikers, and 4/31 against the Brisbane Heat.
Combining his relentless speed with a deadly-yorker, Abbott will be a nightmare all opposing batsmen have grown accustomed to.
Although he is more known for his exploits with the ball, he possesses the ability to strike well with the bat. None more so than his 37 not out in a thrilling 2-wicket victory over the Heat, after the side were in a dire position at 8/47.
A vast range of depth has never been an issue for the Sixers, none more so than its most powerful, and destructive players in Josh Philippe. Since crossing over from the Perth Scorchers at the conclusion of BBL07, the West Australian has made every post a winner.
In his four seasons with the Sixers, the 25-year-old has scored 1728 runs at an average of 28.32, including 14 half-centuries, possessing a strike rate over 140. Phillipe had a consistent BBL11 campaign scoring 429 runs at a strike rate of 143.48, including a knock of 99 not out against the Melbourne Stars.
With James Vince returning to the squad for BBL12, the pair are ready to ramp up the pressure on opposition bowling attacks.
Player to watch
Todd Murphy
The upcoming spinner is back for the Sixers after coming in last season as an injury-replacement for veteran spinner Stephen O'Keefe. Although only featuring in three games, his bowling was highly encouraging, having not gone for more than six runs and over.
The Sixers possess a deep quartet of spinners led by Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, Stephen O'Keefe and the side's newest International Izharulhaq Naveed.
Although a spot as the team's number one spinner is off the cards, Sixers Coach Greg Shipperd speaking to the team's website in October praised Murphy's versatility.
No doubt, there are going to be opportunities for the off-spinner to display his craft in BBL12.
Sixers matches to watch
Saturday, December 17 v Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium
Sunday, January 1 v Brisbane Heat at The Gabba
Wednesday, January 4 v Brisbane Heat at North Sydney Oval
Saturday, January 21 v Sydney Thunder at the Sydney Cricket Ground
Monday, January 23 v Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena
