By Zainab Shafiq 
Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars have undergone significant changes in their high-performance management, with Wade Seccombe and Clint McKay taking on key roles, respectively.
Seccombe, fresh from leading Brisbane Heat to their second BBL title, will now transition to Melbourne to serve as the high-performance manager for the Renegades. However, this move follows his departure from the Heat and Queensland coach positions due to a review into the men’s Sheffield Shield team’s underperformance.
Similarly, McKay, the former bowling coach for the Stars, will step into a broader role, overseeing list management, coaching, and high-performance structures for the Stars.
These appointments signal a strategic shift for both Melbourne BBL clubs, aiming to enhance their on-field performance and establish closer ties with Cricket Victoria’s high-performance program. The focus will be on talent management and identification, with an emphasis on T20 skills and potential, aligning with Cricket Victoria’s elite and development programs.
Seccombe’s immediate task will be to spearhead the recruitment process for a new head coach for the Renegades, following David Saker’s departure. Speculation surrounds former Australia players Shane Watson and Cameron White as potential candidates for the role.
According to Graham Manou, Cricket Victoria’s high-performance manager, Seccombe and McKay’s appointments mark an important step in aligning the BBL clubs’ list management decisions with Victoria’s overarching high-performance strategy. Their involvement will bring greater synergy and cooperation between the BBL clubs and Cricket Victoria’s programs, fostering a renewed emphasis on T20 cricket development.
“It is really pleasing to be able to have two people of Clint and Wade’s calibre joining our cricket performance program at Cricket Victoria and working closely with both our Big Bash clubs,” Manou said.
“They will play a vital role in the talent management and identification process with a specific focus on T20 skills and potential. They will also be an active part of our existing elite and development programs, putting a renewed emphasis on T20 cricket within our programs.”
Overall, the additions of Seccombe and McKay are poised to strengthen the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars and elevate their performance levels in the upcoming BBL seasons.
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