BBL 2025-26 | Melbourne Stars – SWOT Analysis
As the Melbourne Stars gear up for the 2025–26 Big Bash League season, the team enters with a powerful core of experienced internationals and homegrown talent. Following a mixed campaign last year, the Stars have reshaped their squad with key additions, looking to finally claim their first BBL title.
Squad Overview
The Stars’ 2025–26 squad boasts a mix of explosive all-rounders, elite pacers, dependable domestic batters, and international firepower. Anchoring the squad are marquee names like Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and express pace duo Haris Rauf and Scott Boland. They are joined by Englishmen Joe Clarke (keeper-batter) and Tom Curran (seam-bowling all-rounder), plus the newly signed leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson.
Batting support comes from Hilton Cartwright, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, and promising youngster Austin Anlezark. In the pace department, the Stars have added Liam Hatcher and retained the veteran Peter Siddle, while Mark Steketee adds further firepower. Spin is covered by Swepson and Hamish McKenzie.
Key transfers include:
- IN: Liam Hatcher (Thunder), Mitchell Swepson (Heat)
- OUT: Beau Webster (Hurricanes), Joel Paris (Scorchers)
Also Check: BBL 2025-26 | Melbourne Renegades – SWOT Analysis
Squad Balance
Batting: The Stars’ batting depth is led by the all-round brilliance of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, complemented by Joe Clarke and Sam Harper’s top-order hitting. Cartwright, Kellaway, and Anlezark offer depth, while Clarke provides wicketkeeping duties. There’s a good mix of right-handers and left-handers, though Maxwell and Stoinis remain the fulcrum of their batting success.
Bowling: On paper, Melbourne’s pace battery is one of the best in the competition. Rauf, Boland, Steketee, and Curran can all bowl at pace with variation. Hatcher and Siddle offer backup with different skill sets. Spin depth is boosted by the signing of Swepson, alongside McKenzie and part-timers like Maxwell.
All-round strength: The Stars are blessed with multiple genuine all-rounders – Maxwell, Stoinis, and Curran can all contribute with bat and ball, giving the team flexibility in their XI and cover in both disciplines.
Strengths
- All-Round Depth: The trio of Maxwell, Stoinis, and Curran provide the team with elite flexibility. They can change a game with either bat or ball, offering balance and match-winning ability in multiple areas.
- Elite Pace Attack: Haris Rauf and Scott Boland bring international-level pace and death bowling skills. Backed by Steketee, Hatcher, and Curran, the Stars boast one of the league’s most dangerous seam arsenals.
- Veteran Leadership: Glenn Maxwell’s leadership, paired with Peter Siddle’s experience and Stoinis’ competitive drive, gives the Stars a seasoned group who know the pressure of big moments.
- Explosive Top Order: Clarke, Harper, and Maxwell can all start quickly, giving the Stars the potential to post big totals or chase aggressively.
Weaknesses
- Reliance on Maxwell and Stoinis: The Stars’ middle order leans heavily on their two senior all-rounders. If both fail in the same match, the team often struggles to recover.
- Inconsistent Batting Depth: Outside the top four, there are few consistently proven finishers. Cartwright and Kellaway show promise but lack long-term T20 records.
- Spin Under Pressure: While the signing of Swepson is a boost, his form has fluctuated in recent seasons. McKenzie is still relatively inexperienced at BBL level, which could expose them on spin-friendly tracks.
- Fitness Concerns: Maxwell and Stoinis have both had injury interruptions in recent years, and Tom Curran has missed games due to back issues. An injury to any of these key all-rounders would be a major blow.
Also Check: BBL 2025-26 | Perth Scorchers – SWOT Analysis
Opportunities
- Bounce-Back Season: After underperforming in past years, the Stars have a chance to surprise with a more rounded attack and an established core. The pressure is on, but their best lineup can beat any team.
- Young Players to Step Up: Anlezark, Kellaway, and McKenzie could have breakout seasons. With guidance from veterans, the young brigade can add fresh energy to the campaign.
- Home Advantage at the MCG: The Melbourne Cricket Ground offers true bounce and pace, ideal for their fast-bowling unit. Leveraging home conditions could swing close matches in their favor.
- New Spin Combo: The addition of Swepson could form a potent spin pairing with Maxwell, especially if Swepson rediscovers his rhythm.
Threats
- Stronger Rivals: Teams like Perth Scorchers, Brisbane Heat, and Hobart Hurricanes have deep, stable squads and recently better records. The Stars need to overcome these consistent rivals to make the finals.
- Pressure to Perform: With several high-profile players and no title yet, the weight of expectation grows each season. The Stars need to manage this mentally.
- Injury Vulnerability: Maxwell, Stoinis, Curran, and Siddle have all had recent injury layoffs. Depth will be tested if multiple senior players are unavailable.
- Spin-heavy Teams: Against sides like Adelaide and Sydney Sixers who rely on spin, the Stars may find scoring tough in the middle overs unless Maxwell or Stoinis anchor effectively.
SWOT Summary Table
| Strengths | Weaknesses | Opportunities | Threats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite all-rounders (Maxwell, Stoinis, Curran) | Overreliance on senior all-rounders | Emerging talent like Anlezark and Kellaway | Injuries to key players (Maxwell, Stoinis, Curran) |
| World-class pace attack (Rauf, Boland, Steketee) | Limited middle-order finishers | Potential for spin combo with Swepson | Consistent rivals with stronger past performance |
| Strong leadership and experience | Inconsistent spin backup (Swepson’s form, McKenzie’s experience) | Bounce-back potential after past underachievement | Pressure of being title-less despite marquee players |
| Explosive top order with Clarke and Harper | Batting depth under pressure | Home advantage at MCG | Matchups against spin-heavy teams could be difficult |
Final Thoughts
The Melbourne Stars enter BBL 2025–26 with a squad that has the ingredients to challenge for a maiden title—provided they can stay healthy and find consistency. The top-heavy talent pool, power-packed bowling attack, and experienced all-rounders offer plenty of firepower. But their fate may hinge on whether their younger players rise to the occasion and if their stars can fire throughout the season.
