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BBL15 SWOT analysis: Will Glenn Maxwell’s Melbourne Stars finally win their first BBL title?

Kaushik Kashyap

Melbourne Stars SWOT analysis. [Source - AFP]Melbourne Stars SWOT analysis. [Source - AFP]

Melbourne Stars are set to kick-off their 2025–26 BBL campaign on December 18 against Hobart Hurricanes at the MCG. Still chasing their first title, the Stars will look to start strong in familiar home conditions.

With a settled core and match-winners across departments, the Stars appear well balanced on paper. Ending their long wait for a maiden BBL crown remains the key challenge ahead of another new season.

Melbourne Stars squad for BBL 2025-26

Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Austin Anlezark, Scott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke, Tom Curran, Sam Harper, Liam Hatcher, Campbell Kellaway, Hamish McKenzie, Jon Merlo, Haris Rauf, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Mark Steketee (injured), Mitch Swepson and Tom Whitney, Aryan Sharma.

Strengths of Melbourne Stars in BBL 2025-26

1. Experienced middle-order with all-round depth

Melbourne Stars’ middle-order gives them the ability to control momentum through the middle and late overs, combining power-hitting with valuable bowling options to maintain balance accross conditions.

  • Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis headline a destructive middle order with proven match-winning pedigree.
  • Hilton Cartwright provides stability and flexibility around the power-hitters.
  • Tom Curran adds late-overs firepower along with a reliable bowling option.
  • Stars were one of the most successful middle-order units last season, scoring over 900 runs at a strike rate of 141.

2. Variety and experience in bowling attack

Melbourne Stars’ bowling attack have a great variety in pace, spin, and experience, giving them the ability to adapt across conditions.

  • Haris Rauf leads the pace attack with express speed and consistent breakthroughs.
  • Mitchell Swepson arrival adds leg-spin option to generate more wicket-taking opportunitiees in middle-overs.
  • Peter Siddle brings experience and control, especially in pressure situations.
  • Tom Curran and Liam Hatcher offer depth and flexibility across all the phases.

Weaknesses of Melbourne Stars in BBL 2025-26

1. Lack of stability at the top order

The Stars’ top-order struggled for consistency last season, and little seems to have changed ahead of the 2025–26 season. A settled opening combination remains a concern, leaving the team vulnerable in the Powerplay.

  • Joe Clarke comes off a decent Hundred season, scoring 229 runs at a strike rate of 153, but the team may rely too heavily on him.
  • Tom Rogers and Sam Harper provide little aggression, limiting early momentum.
  • Young Campbell Kellaway is another option, but he has yet to make a significant impact to strengthen this area.
  • Melbourne Stars were the worst among all teams last season at the top-order, averaging just 19.57 and striking at only 124.
  • Powerplay firepower remains a major concern, with the team’s overall strike-rate last season in the first six overs at 114.65, and little change in the player profiles ahead of the new season.

2. Lack of pace hitters

Melbourne Stars struggled against fast bowling last season, lacking consistent power to counter pace attacks. With key hitters underperforming, this weakness could be costly in crunch overs.

  • Marcus Stoinis remains their best bet against high-pace bowlers but struggled last season and cannot afford to repeat the same.
  • Sam Harper from the top-order was the only player to struck at over 155 last season against express pace, showing rare aggression.
  • The Stars suffered 14 dismissals in against high pace fast bowlers, averaging just 16.71 with a strike rate of 107.83 last season, highligting the magnitude of this weakness. 

Opportunities

 1. Quest for maiden BBL title

Melbourne Stars have yet to win a Big Bash title, and since the start of 2025, many sporting teams achieved their first-ever trophies. This presents a unique motivational boost for the Stars to chase their maiden title.

  • The team can use the hunger for a first title as a driving force across the season.
  • Experienced match-winners like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis can lead by example in pressure situations.
  • Young players like Campbell Kellaway and Liam Hatcher have a chance to step up and make significant contributions.
  • Consistent performance in middle and late overs can still take the team over the line despite of having a fragile top-order.

Threats

1. Absence of Mark Steketee due to injury

Melbourne Stars face a major threat with Mark Steketee sidelined for the entire season. He was one of their most effective bowlers last year, especially in the Powerplay, and his absence leaves a proven wicket-taking option missing.

  • Steketee took 15 wickets in just 6 games last season, striking every 7.80 balls and averaging 9.40.
  • He excelled in the Powerplay, claiming 9 of his 15 wickets with the new ball.
  • Without a bowler of his calibre, the Stars may struggle to make early breakthroughs and control the opposition’s scoring rate.

Melbourne Stars probable XI for BBL 2025-26

Tom Rogers, Sam Harper, Joe Clarke, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell (c), Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Mitch Swepson, Liam Hatcher, Peter Siddle, and Haris Rauf.

Expected Finish: Should qualify to knockouts.