The fierce rivalry between the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades has entered a bold new era. With the revealing of the Melbourne Mace, a massive 1.4 metre tall trophy. This Cricket Victory has raised concern for the Big Bash League (BBL 15). This 10 kg symbol of city supremacy adds cricket tradition with the weird and wacky tradition that defines the BBL.
A Grand Revelation: The Rocky Style Launch of Melbourne Mace
In a ceremony at Fitzroy Town Hall that felt more like a heavy weight title fight than a traditional cricket launch, Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece presented the Melbourne Mace. Accompanied by trumpeters playing the iconic theme from Rocky. the Lord Mayor handed the towering trophy to rival captains Marcus Stoinis (Stars) and Will Sutherland (Renegades).
Standing taller than many young fans, the Mace features a high-tech game that glows in the winning team’s colors- vibrant green for the Stars or bold red for the Renegades. In a quick twist for the 2024-25 Big Bash season, the Mace will be rushed onto the field immediately following a Derby win, handed directly to the player who hits the winning runs or takes the final wicket.
Why the Melbourne Mace is a Game-Changer for BBL-15
For over a decade, the Melbourne Derby has been defined by explosive, viral moments. From the legendary Shane Warne and Marlon Samuels confrontation to Adam Zampa’s wicked mankading attempt, the rivalry has never lacked intensity. However, it has lacked a fair prize until now.
The Derby is the biggest sporting club rivalry of the summer, and the Mace puts it rights on the line in a way that’s bold, loud, and unmistakably BBL, said Stars General Manager Max Abbott.
The introduction of the Mace also serves a strategic purpose. With the Melbourne Renegades deal at Marvel Stadium expiring and interest from Geelong growing, this trophy signals a commitment to keeping both franchises rooted in the heart of Melbourne. Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins noted that while Geelong is a strong bidder, it would take a very tempting offer to move the Renegades away from their metropolitan base.
Will Sutherland Leads Melbourne Renegades into New Era, BBL 15 Captaincy and the Melbourne Mace
The Melbourne Renegades are a franchise transformed in BBL 15, and at the center of this resurgence is their captain, Will Sutherland. As the 25 year old all rounder enters his second full season as leader, the stakes have never been higher, not just for the championship, but for city-wide bragging rights following the unveiling of the Melbourne Mace.
Sutherland, a strapping all-rounder who famously chose cricket over a promising AFL career, has become the face of the Renegades youth led revolution. After a solid start to the 2025-26 Big Bash League season, where the Renegades secured a 14 run victory over the Brisbane Heat, Sutherland is proving that his leadership is as sharp as his right-arm fast-medium bowling.
Leading from the Front: Will Sutherland’s Stats and Form
Will Sutherland has already made his mark on the BKT Golden Arm leaderboard early in BBL 15. In the opening clash against the Heat at GMHBA Stadium, Sutherland claimed 3 scalps, anchoring a bowling attack that successfully defended a massive total of.
While teammates like Tim Seifert (who struck a brilliant 102) and young gun Ollie Peake (57 off 29) handled the fireworks with the bat, Sutherland provided the tactical stability required to navigate the high-pressure Power Surge. His ability to own the number six and seven spot while delivering important overs at the death makes him one of the most versatile assets in Australian T20 cricket.
The Battle for the Melbourne Mace
The rivalry between the Stars and Renegades has reached a fever with the introduction of the Melbourne Mace. A trophy Standing 1.4 metres tall and weighing over 10kg, this new trophy will be contested for the first time on January 4 at the MCG.
For Sutherland, the Mace represents a chance to strengthen the Renegades identity in the heart of Melbourne.
Every team is really strong this year, but we are happy to go under the radar, Sutherland noted during the trophy launch. We will just do our thing, and hopefully be there at the back end.
The captain’s calm nature will be essential as the team faces a refreshed squad dynamic. With Adam Zampa returning to the lineup and the addition of experienced players such as Jason Behrendorff and Andrew Tye, Sutherland has a wealth of international experience to draw upon as he chases the Renegades second BBL title.
Will Sutherland: A Legacy in the Making
Cricket is in the Sutherland blood. As the son of former Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland and brother to Melbourne Stars WBBL captain Annabel Sutherland, Will is well versed with the pressures of the spotlight. However, his journey is uniquely his own. From winning the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year in 2021 to signing with Yorkshire for the 2025 County season, his trajectory is firmly upward.
As the Renegades prepare for their next clash against the Hobart Hurricanes in Geelong, fans are looking to Sutherland to maintain the momentum. With a balanced team roster and a captain who can handle and play well under pressure, the Men in Red are no longer just making up the numbers, they are genuine creating a challenge for their opponents.
Chasing Records: MCG Attendance and WBBL Integration
The first battle for the Melbourne Mace takes place on January 4 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), followed by their return at Marvel Stadium on January 10.
Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece has set an ambitious target for the January 4 clash, toppling the all-time BBL attendance record of 80,883/-, set during a 2016 Derby. With both teams showing strong form—the Stars recently dismantled the reigning championship is building for a record-breaking summer.
Importantly, the prize will also be contested in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), ensuring the Melbourne Mace becomes the definitive symbol of cricket dominance across both the men’s and women’s competitions.
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