When Melbourne Renegades won their first WBBL title in 2024/25, Hayley Matthews was player of the match in the final and Deandra Dottin had just come off a season worth 148 runs and 10 wickets. Matthews missed all of last season with a shoulder injury and Dottin struggled through it, 84 runs in eight innings. For WBBL 2026/27, both are back.
Matthews Returns from Injury
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, the world's No.1-ranked T20I allrounder, confirmed her return on 7 September 2026. In that 2024/25 title-winning final she scored 69 off 61 balls and took 2 for 24; across the whole season she made 324 runs at a strike rate of 130.64 and claimed 14 wickets.
"Hayley is a world-class cricketer and we know the impact she can have on a team, both with the bat and ball," Renegades coach Gavan Twining said. Matthews herself said: "Winning the championship with the Renegades was such a special experience and I'm really looking forward to being part of the group again."
Dottin Signs for a Third Season
Nine days later, on 16 September, West Indies allrounder Deandra Dottin confirmed a third Renegades season, reuniting her with her national team-mate. "[Deandra] was a huge part of the WBBL|10 title success, and we know exactly what she can bring to our group both on and off the field," Renegades high-performance manager Clint McKay said. "Her ability to influence games with both bat and ball is exceptional."
A New Coach Too
The Renegades will run out under a new head coach this season. Gavan Twining, previously an assistant with the Australia women's team, takes over after title-winning coach Simon Helmot left to coach Gulf Giants in the ILT20.
The local list has been reshaped too. Pace bowlers Sara Kennedy and Tayla Vlaeminck have both re-signed, while Charis Bekker has retired from cricket and moved to the USA to study.
Confirmed Squad So Far
Home ground is GMHBA Stadium in Melbourne. WBBL|10 (2024/25) remains the club's only title so far, won under Simon Helmot, who has since departed. Renegades finished 5th in WBBL|11 (5 wins, 5 losses). Source: Cricket Australia's official WBBL|12 squad tracker, checked 30 September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin both signed with Melbourne Renegades for WBBL 2026?
Yes. Matthews confirmed 7 September 2026, Dottin confirmed 16 September 2026.
Why did Hayley Matthews miss WBBL 2025/26?
A shoulder injury.
Who is the new Melbourne Renegades coach?
Gavan Twining, previously an assistant coach with Australia's women's team, replacing Simon Helmot who left to coach Gulf Giants in the ILT20.
How many WBBL titles have the Renegades won?
One, WBBL|10 in 2024/25, their only title.
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