BBL|09 season preview: Melbourne Stars

After having a maiden KFC Big Bash League title ripped away from them by their biggest rivals last summer, the competition's perennial near-misses are hopeful this season could finally be the one.

The Melbourne Stars' new coach David Hussey strenuously denies the 'chokers' tag fits the side he played six seasons for and captained to their first final defeat back in BBL05.

The MCG-based outfit has made the finals in all-but-one of the eight seasons but is yet to taste ultimate glory.

But adding the likes of Dale Steyn and Nathan Coulter-Nile to the side that was defeated by the Renegades in the final following a horror collapse has the Stars well placed to finally break the hoodoo, believes Hussey.

The former Australia limited-overs batsman has replaced Stephen Fleming in the top job.

The Stars received a timely boost this week with confirmation that Glenn Maxwell will not only make his return to top-flight cricket in the BBL following a six-week mental health break, but that he will also again captain the side after a successful first season at the helm.

Coulter-Nile and Hilton Cartwright are major inclusions having crossed from the Perth Scorchers. With bowlers Jackson Bird, Michael Beer and Scott Boland all departing, they may need the likes of Jackson Coleman, Tom O'Connell and Lance Morris to step up.

Especially given they'll have the familiar challenge of covering for numerous Australian limited-overs call-ups midway through the season, although all will be back in time for any finals campaign.

While the Renegades last month pinched the Stars' newly-appointed batting coach, Michael Klinger, to take the head job, they have secured their long-time former overseas pro from England, Luke Wright, as a replacement.

2018 result: Runners-up (fourth on regular season standings with seven wins and seven losses)

Squad: Pat Brown (England), Hilton Cartwright, Jackson Coleman, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ben Dunk, Seb Gotch, Peter Handscomb, Clinton Hinchliffe, Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal), Nick Larkin, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jonathan Merlo, Lance Morris, Tom O'Connell, Dale Steyn (South Africa), Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa.

In: Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Clinton Hinchliffe, Dale Steyn, Pat Brown

Out: Michael Beer (retired), Jackson Bird (Sydney Sixers), Scott Boland (Hobart Hurricanes), Liam Bowe, Dwayne Bravo, Travis Dean, Evan Gulbis, Liam Plunkett.

(Players can be added during the tournament if squad members are unavailable due to injury or national selection)

Possible best XI for first game: Ben Dunk, Nic Maddinson, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell (c), Peter Handscomb (wk), Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa, Dale Steyn, Sandeep Lamichhane.

The inside word with coach David Hussey

The off-season

Just improving on the result in the final would be good. Talking to all the players who were involved last season, their idea of success is having as much fun on and off the field as they possibly can, play with freedom, win some games of cricket and win the trophy. If we do all that it's going to be a very successful year.

I've revisited it (the final) with a few of them who played in the game. If I'm brutally honest, I don't they were too concerned with the result. But like every professional sportsman, if you lose a grand final, you're desperate to win the next one. You'll find a few players who are desperate to right the wrongs of last year.

Injury update

Jackson Coleman won't be available until round three or four and Seb Gotch won't be available until around the same time. They're two key players for us which probably gives the opportunity to Tom O'Connell, Jono Merlo, Clinton Hinchliffe and Lance Morris. The depth of the squad will be tested from pretty much the first ball.

Imports

We've got Dale Steyn up front with Sandeep Lamichhane for the start of the tournament. Steyn will be here for the first six games, Pat Brown will replace him when he goes and Sandeep will stay for the whole tournament.

I can't wait to see Dale Steyn play, at the MCG first and foremost, but also at Moe (on January 23) in front of our fans in the Latrobe Valley. We've had our eye on Brown for the last couple of seasons, unfortunately he did a back injury last season otherwise we probably would have picked him up. He's trending in the right direction, he's performing really well for Worcestershire, he made his debut for England in New Zealand. He's a great fielder and he's a great middle-overs, death bowler and a good team man.

Young gun

I'd like to see Jono Merlo take a step to a new level. He's a good all-round cricketer but also a good person. He epitomises what the Stars are all about.

Tom O'Connell can do a really good replacing job if Adam Zampa gets picked to play for Australia. Clint Hinchliffe and Lance Morris – when they get their opportunities, I think they'll be ready to go too. I'm looking forward to seeing Morris bowl fast to his WA teammates.

Player to watch

Marcus Stoinis' recent omission from Australia's T20 side caught everybody by surprise really. He was probably the best player in the tournament last year and he didn't get picked to play for Australia in T20 cricket – he's probably one of the most sought-after IPL players. Maybe he has a point to prove. After meeting with him a few times, I honestly just want him to be happy and healthy. If he's playing at his best, we've got one hell of a cricketer on our books. Every time Stoin goes out to play, he competes, he plays for the team. He's just a good all-round citizen. I think he's got a lot to give to Australian cricket.

Team's biggest strength

Our team environment – we always look out for each other and have each other's backs.

Biggest threat

Probably the Brisbane Heat. They've made a couple of good signings. They can anything on their day but they can also be anything but on their day. I think they're going to be the team to beat.