Dawson has made three changes to his squad for this weekend's Women's National Cricket League series against Queensland at Manuka Oval.

Former England international Lynsey Askew has returned to the UK and opening batter Sara Hungerford is unavailable with illness, while Kate Owen has been dropped.

In their place come uncapped trio Jodie Hicks from Hay, Canberra medium-pace bowler Sarah Sekold-McIntyre and Sydney fast bowler Anna Horton.

The Meteors are winless in the Twenty20 competition this season, but are still in the running to qualify for the finals of the 50-over series.

Dawson said he had taken a harsh stance on fitness, admitting it had been an area that was previously lacking in the Meteors' program.

"A lot of the time in women's cricket, players don't get dropped," Dawson said. "I think one or two players have cruised, and that's reality.

"With the women's Big Bash League potentially coming up, the players need to understand that you're only going to look at the most athletic players that can also perform under pressure. If you're not going to turn up in very good athletic condition, you're wasting your time and you're wasting the coaching staff's time."

Dawson made the changes after the Meteors failed to win a game in their most recent series against South Australia in Adelaide.

He has taken the chance to bring in Hicks, Sekold-McIntyre and Horton, with an eye to next season.

"It's exciting to have fresh faces, fresh attitude, and I think it's critical for the program going forward," Dawson said. "Our T20 performances have been poor, so we have to start looking towards next season with T20 cricket."

Meteors captain Kris Britt will play her 100th WNCL game in Saturday's 50-over match against Queensland.

WNCL: ACT Meteors v Queensland Fire at Manuka Oval. Friday, Twenty20 game from 6pm. Saturday, one-day game from 10am. Sunday, Twenty20 game from 10am.