Deadline day coup as Stars lure international spinner from Heat

Former international spinner Mitch Swepson is leaving the Brisbane Heat in a shock deadline-day signing by Melbourne Stars.

Swepson, who captained the Heat twice in KFC BBL|14, wasn't one of 10 players contracted by the club by the end of the season and has signed a new three-year deal with the Stars as an eligible free agent in the Player Movement Window.

The 31-year-old leggie is a huge boost for the Stars' spin stocks that have struggled to maintain continuity after trading Adam Zampa to Melbourne Renegades two years ago.

The club signed West Australian left-armer Hamish McKenzie on a two-year deal ahead of BBL|14 but he missed most of last season due to a side strain.

Pakistan leg-spinner Usama Mir was their first-choice option for the rest of the campaign, impressing with 11 wickets in eight games with economy rate of 7.70.

But securing Swepson adds huge depth to the Stars list for BBL|15 to |17 and means they don't have to rely on the overseas player draft for a second spin option.

"We've been on the lookout for a high performing domestic spinner and Mitch will form an important part of the Stars attack over the next three years," said outgoing Stars general manager Blair Crouch.

"As well as his talent with the ball, Mitch is a very experienced T20 player in Australia. (He) will provide valuable leadership and support to Marcus Stoinis and, at 31, is at the peak of his powers."

The Queenslander is the second acquisition for the club in the BBL's inaugural Player Movement Window after securing the return of fast bowler Liam Hatcher last week. However, they've also lost free agents Beau Webster (Hobart Hurricanes) and Joel Paris (Perth Scorchers) who have returned to the respective home states during the period.

Swepson captured 72 wickets with an exceptional economy rate of 7.66 across a 10-year career at the Heat and was a key member of their BBL|13 championship alongside left-armer Matt Kuhnemann.

Behind new Stars teammate Mark Steketee (88), Swepson is second highest men's wicket-taker in the club's history, although BBL|14 was the least productive of his 10 seasons with just four wickets in nine games.

"Mitch has been a terrific player and leader for the Brisbane Heat over the past decade," said Joe Dawes, Heat general manager of elite cricket.

"He has played a big role in helping the club achieve success and was instrumental in our BBL|13 win. 

"Mitch was open and honest in our conversations today. He was very much in our retention plans, but we understand his decision is based on looking after his family long-term, which we respect. He will always be welcome at the Heat."

In a statement released by the Stars, Swepson thanked the Heat for kickstarting his T20 career.

"I'll be forever grateful for all of the support they've given me and my family over the years," he said.

"I'm really excited to sign for the Stars and watching from afar this year, the team took some huge steps forward.

"I can't wait to head to Melbourne and the MCG next summer and get stuck in to working with 'Stoin', Peter Moores and the team."

Melbourne Stars list for BBL|15: Scott Boland (contracted until BBL|15), Hilton Cartwright (BBL|15), Tom Curran (BBL|15), Liam Hatcher (BBL|16), Glenn Maxwell (BBL|15), Hamish McKenzie (BBL|15), Tom Rogers (BBL|16), Peter Siddle (BBL|15), Marcus Stoinis (BBL|16), Mitch Swepson (BBL|17)

 

Ins: Liam Hatcher (Thunder), Mitch Swepson (Heat)

 

Outs: Beau Webster (Hurricanes), Joel Paris (Scorchers)

 

Eligible free agents: Brody Couch, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Jon Merlo, Mark Steketee, Doug Warren

 

Uncontracted: Joe Clarke, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Adam Milne, Usama Mir, Austin Anlezark, Peter Handscomb, Blake Macdonald