Brad Hogg signs with Melbourne Renegades

The BBL's oldest player, spinner Brad Hogg, has joined the Melbourne Renegades for the 2016-17 season. Hogg, 45, has spent the past five seasons as something of a cult figure with the Perth Scorchers and is their all-time leading BBL wicket taker, and second on the wicket tally for all teams since the tournament began in 2011-12.

However, Hogg has decided against remaining in his home state, much to the disappointment of Scorchers coach Justin Langer. "I have been a very fortunate man in every respect and had five great seasons with the Scorchers," Hogg said on Monday. "It was simply time for me to move on.

"I had been rejecting other BBL offers for years, but this year I realised the end is coming closer - hopefully it's still a few years away yet - but I know this is the time to grab those opportunities and experience everything I possibly can. The competition between the two Melbourne teams is a fierce rivalry and I want to be a part of that intensity over the BBL season.

"Melbourne is the sporting hub of the country so I see it as a great honour to play there. It's also a great team, and the fever pitch of a two-team rivalry, within the competition will be brilliant. Coming from Perth, the only time we get a taste of that is in AFL with the Dockers and Eagles. It's electrifying.

"The Renegades and Stars games will offer an intense rivalry within the competition itself. It adds an element to the game that I haven't experienced. The Renegades can win this league and I cannot wait to get out there and feel the roar of that competition."

Hogg played in successful back-to-back BBL campaigns with the Scorchers in 2013-14 and 2014-15, and became Australia's oldest T20 international player at the age of 43. This year, at 45, he became the oldest man ever to play in the IPL.

"It's just amazing when you consider that Brad's still fit, got the fire and more to the point in-demand around the world," Renegades coach David Saker said. "I don't think there are many recent summers where we haven't stood there and applauded his BBL performances

"His experience goes without saying. He'll be great for the guys in the group to learn from and you can't teach the energy and enthusiasm he brings to the club. He loves the battle on the field and we can't wait to see his competitive side come out in red."