The Melbourne Renegades have parted ways with coach David Saker, ending his tenure a year shy of his contract. This move follows a string of underwhelming performances by the BBL franchise.
Saker, 57, was brought in for the 2021-22 season with the hope of reviving the Renegades’ fortunes. While they managed a third-place finish in 2022-23, the 2023-24 season proved disastrous, resulting in a seventh-place finish. This inconsistency has become a hallmark for the Renegades since their BBL title win in 2018-19 under coach Andrew McDonald.
McDonald’s departure for a national coaching role left a significant void. His successor, Michael Klinger, lasted only two seasons, overseeing BBL cellar finishes. Saker initially replicated this trend before the temporary resurgence in 2022-23.
The 2023-24 season exposed the Renegades’ struggles. A winless start followed by inconsistent performances throughout the tournament painted a bleak picture. Frequent player changes, including the axing of captain Nic Maddinson and the retirement of veterans Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh, further disrupted the team’s rhythm.
Looking ahead, the Renegades have begun rebuilding. The signing of Brisbane Heat opener Josh Brown alongside young gun Jake Fraser-McGurk bolsters their opening partnership. Additionally, the team is actively searching for a new high-performance manager to oversee the cricket program. This move aligns with Cricket Victoria’s efforts to strengthen the connection between the Victoria men’s program and the two BBL clubs in Melbourne – the Renegades and the Stars.
The Renegades’ coaching search is just beginning. Only time will tell if they can find the right person to replicate the success of Andrew McDonald and propel the team back to the top of the BBL table.
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