‘Proven match winner’: BBL free agency off to a fast start with Jason Behrendorff joining the Renegades on a long-term deal

BBL free agency is off to a fast start with experienced quick Jason Behrendorff leaving the Scorchers to link up with a rival club on a long-term deal.

The Melbourne Renegades have landed the first major blow of the BBL’s inaugural player movement window, with leading quick Jason Behrendorff signing for the next three seasons following a decorated career in Perth.

Behrendorff was one of 52 free agents eligible to be signed by rival clubs over the next 10 days, with the likes of Travis Head, who is only playing BBL and IPL outside of international duties, Mitch Marsh and Chris Lynn among those looking for new homes.

The Renegades swooped quickly on the left-armer who finished the most recent season with tournament-high 17 wickets.

He’ll join a quality pace attack which includes Tom Rogers who claimed 16 scalps, with Behrendorff the fifth-leading wicket-taker in BBL history.

Jason Behrendorff has signed a new deal to move to the Renegades in the first major move of the BBL’s free agency period. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“Moving to Melbourne has something my wife, Juvelle, and I have talked about as a goal whether the end of my career happened so to continue my career and play cricket in a city we both love is a blessing,” he said.

“I am really excited for what the next chapter holds with the Melbourne Renegades but just as importantly for my family too.”

The Renegades missed out on the finals for the second year in a row, but there’s a quiet optimism that they’re on the right track with young gun Jake Fraser-McGurk returning to form in the final game of the season with a blistering 95 against the Heat.

Signing a former international quick on a long-term deal will only boost their chances of returning to the finals next season.

Behrendorff has been one of the most consistent fast bowlers in BBL history. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

“Jason is a world-class bowler and proven match-winner, so we’re delighted to have him on board,” Renegades general manager James Rosengarten said.

“His performances in BBL|14 and over a long period of time shows why he’s one of the most dangerous bowlers in the competition.

“Jason’s experience and leadership qualities will also be invaluable as we continue to develop our squad and strive for sustained success.”

Originally published as ‘Proven match winner’: BBL free agency off to a fast start with Jason Behrendorff joining the Renegades on a long-term deal