The Melbourne Stars have secured a major boost ahead of the next Big Bash cycle, with BBL 15 Player of the Tournament Sam Harper headlining a trio of key re-signings as the club continues its pursuit of a long-awaited first title.
Harper, who enjoyed a breakout campaign at the top of the order, has penned a two-year extension, alongside veteran allrounder Hilton Cartwright, while evergreen fast bowler Peter Siddle has committed for a further season through BBL 16. The announcements come just days after the Stars’ season ended in a rain-affected sudden-death loss to the Hobart Hurricanes.
Harper’s re-signing caps a remarkable turnaround year. Initially handed only a one-season deal following inconsistent returns, the wicketkeeper-batter seized his opportunity after a mid-game injury to Tom Rogers early in the tournament and never looked back. He finished the season with 381 runs at a strike rate of 155.51, ranking third overall for runs and producing his maiden T20 century, a blistering 110* at the SCG on Boxing Day. Among the top ten run-scorers, only Finn Allen struck at a faster rate.
Cartwright, meanwhile, delivered consistency across all 11 matches, contributing with both bat and in the field. The West Australian has become one of the Stars’ most reliable performers, having not missed a match since the 2020–21 season, and remains a central figure in the club’s long-term plans.
At 41, Siddle continues to defy time. The veteran seamer claimed 16 wickets at an economy rate of 7.12, marking his most productive BBL season since 2021–22. His impact earned him a place in the BBL 15 Team of the Tournament, alongside Harper, underlining his enduring value in the shortest format.
With these deals completed, the Stars have now filled seven of their 10 permitted list spots ahead of the league’s contracting embargo, which begins on January 27. Attention now turns to the Player Movement Window, and the future of club great Glenn Maxwell, who remains unsigned amid reported interest from rival franchises.
Despite outside attention, Maxwell is understood to be keen on staying in green as the Stars attempt once again to rewrite their history. For now, the re-signing of Harper, Cartwright and Siddle provides stability, momentum and belief, essential ingredients as Melbourne chase the one prize that has eluded them for 15 seasons.
