David Saker has turned the 2018-19 champions around but a squad that will be decimated by clashes with franchise and international cricket needs last season's star performers to shine again
Mercilessly for Melbourne Renegades a three-season run of eighth-place finishes was ended by a run to the Qualifier where they ran into a Brisbane Heat side who could boast a handful of Australia Test players. In short, there was no disgrace in falling short of the final but now the challenge is to build.
Personnel-wise, there is a strong argument that they have deeper resources and at one stage will be able to field Quinton de Kock, Adam Zampa and Mujeeb ur Rahman, three stars of the recent World Cup, in the same XI.
Departures and a late-season overhaul may disrupt things but they have the experience - head coach David Saker, Aaron Finch, returning captain Nic Maddinson and Kane Richardson - and the star power - Will Sutherland and Jake Fraser-McGurk - to sustain their return to form.
Coach: David Saker
About to embark on the third season of his second stint as head coach. Managed to finally turn around the Renegades' fortunes in 2022/23 but must now back that up. More recently, he was part of England's T20 World Cup winning campaign and the Ashes comeback last summer.
The backroom team is led by former England batter Ian Bell, whose only BBL appearances came for Perth Scorchers in 2016/17. Lloyd Mash remains as assistant coach while Matthew Gale, who had underwhelming spells with Brisbane Heat in 2012/13 (when he didn't play) and the Renegades in 2014/15 (one wicket at 103).
Captain: Nic Maddinson
Fit-again for the start of the campaign after rupturing knee ligaments on New Year's Day last season. "It's been a long, long winter," admitted Maddinson, who returned to action for club side St Kilda and is now bidding to make up for lost time. Back under the leadership of Aaron Finch, the Renegades reached the Knockout but they were a much-improved outfit from the outset, winning the opening three matches to rebound from three successive eight-place finishes.
How strong is the batting?
Though his Big Bash returns are pretty modest, you can't help but look immediately in the direction of Jake Fraser-McGurk, given how he has begun the Australian domestic season.
On his way to scoring 125 against Tasmania, he broke AB de Villiers' record for the fastest century in List A cricket, reaching three figures in just 29 deliveries. A note of caution: he averages 13 in BBL cricket - but he should regarded as a different beast now.
The 21-year-old doesn't represent the only question mark. Aaron Finch, unburdened by the captaincy until the New Year, enjoyed his best BBL season for runs in 2022/23 but he and Maddinson, owing to his year-long injury, have been largely inactive in recent months (unless you count Finch's forays in Major League Cricket and the US Masters T10).
There will be plenty of pressure on the overseas recruits to improve on the third-worst run rate in the powerplay (7.12) last season. Quinton de Kock's stint will be short but undoubtedly sweet and Joe Clarke must fill his boots and gloves.
What's more likely is that Will Sutherland will be needed to replicate his death-hitting (Renegades scored at more than 10 an over in the powerplay last term) helped by his 210 runs at a strike rate of 250.
Aaron Finch rediscovered some of his best form last season (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
How strong is the bowling?
Renegades added three experienced bowlers with more than 250 BBL wickets between them during the off-season. Adam Zampa, Nathan Lyon and Peter Siddle inject the team with ample experience and plenty of matchwinning ability.
Kane Richardson and Tom Rogers, who took 23 wickets a year ago (seven of which came in the death overs), will lead the seam threat while the retained Mujeeb ur Rahman displayed during the ODI World Cup that he can bowl at any stage of the innings and doesn't need movement off the pitch to be threatening.
Renegades were particularly adept in the last four overs in BBL12 (only Sydney Sixers conceded a lower economy rate than their 9.29) and repeating that trend will be key if they are to return to the playoffs.
Why should the fans be excited?
After a deep malaise between 2019 and the start of 2022, Renegades look to be on the turn under Saker and are well-placed to challenge for a top-four spot.
The arrival of Zampa is one of the most significant of the off-season, moving across Melbourne from the Stars. Though conditions won't always be particularly conducive, he also arrives off the back of an impressive ODI World Cup with champions Australia.
He is the only spinner with more than a century of BBL wickets and the tournament opener with his 100th in the competition. With his country not back in white-ball action until February, he will have a clear run at a maiden title having three times been a beaten finalist. How he is initially received after last term's fun and game with Rogers will be interesting viewing.
What impact can Peter Siddle have following his switch from Adelaide Strikers? (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Why fans should be worried?
Late arrival De Kock (SA20), Clarke and ur Rahman (both ILT20) - who also has international commitments - are all scheduled to depart for lucrative stints elsewhere and though Renegades have the freedom to make recruits, what that looks like in reality remains to be seen.
Lyon looks like a marquee addition in isolation but he won't feature in the opening round against Sydney Sixers - preparing to reach 500 Test wickets will take priority - and may not appear again. It may be just as well he signed a three-year deal.
Squad: Nic Maddinson, Aaron Finch, Jake Fraser-McGurk, MacKenzie Harvey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Jon Wells, Will Sutherland, Adam Zampa, Quinton de Kock, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Joe Clarke, Harry Dixon
Fixtures: December 8 – Sydney Sixers (a, 8.15am), December 10 – Perth Scorchers (h, 8.15am), December 21 – Brisbane Heat (h, 8.15am), December 23 - Hobart Hurricanes (h, 8.15am), December 26 - Perth Scorchers (a, 10.15am), December 29 - Adelaide Strikers (h, 8.15am), January 2 - Melbourne Stars (a, 8.15am), January 4 - Hobart Hurricanes (a, 8.40am), January 13 - Melbourne Stars (h, 8.30am), January 17 - Sydney Thunder (h, 8.15am)
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