Photo Credit: Melbourne Renegades
Cross-code star Jess Duffin will return to the Women’s Big Bash League this summer, signing on with the Melbourne Renegades.
Duffin, who announced her AFLW retirement at the end of last year, heads back to professional cricket after welcoming her second child, Archie, to the world in May.
She most recently played for the Renegades two seasons ago, in WBBL|07, juggling her cricket commitments and AFLW pre-season training – before the two sporting seasons overlapped.
Duffin was vice-captain for Hawthorn’s AFLW team in their inaugural season, but says she has unfinished business in cricket.
“I’m really excited to be coming home to the Renegades and to be back playing cricket,” Duffin said.
“I’ve been able to juggle both sports at different stages of my career, but with the seasons overlapping last year, it wasn’t possible to commit to both.
“I still feel like I have unfinished business in cricket, particularly with this group at the Renegades.
“The club has been a great support to me over the years. I’m looking forward to reuniting with ‘Helmo’ (coach Simon Helmot) and the playing group and would love to be part of the club’s first WBBL championship team.”
Duffin is one of the Renegades’ most decorated players.
The 34-year-old has played 50 WBBL games in red, is a former club captain and sits third (1205) for most runs scored by a Renegade. She has previously represented Australia on 117 occasions, across all three formats of the game.
“Jess has been part of our Renegades family for a long period of time now and we’re delighted to have her returning this season,” Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten, said.
“She is a fantastic person and leader, who will help to drive the positive culture that’s been built over the last couple of years. On the field, she’s a real competitor and brings a wealth of experience, which is invaluable in T20 cricket.
“Jess is a much-loved figure within our playing group and we can’t wait to see her back in action this summer.”
WBBL|09 Squad (so far): Sophie Molineux (c), Sarah Coyte, Jess Duffin, Ellie Falconer, Ella Hayward, Georgia Prestwidge, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham
Memberships are also now on sale, available from just $60 for Adults and $15 for Children, for access to three BBL games and every WBBL game. Our membership package options are available here, with Mates Rates pricing available until September 18.
Name of Author: Melbourne Renegades
Melbourne Renegades are an Australian professional men’s Twenty20 franchise cricket club based in Melbourne, Australia. They compete in the Australian Twenty20 cricket competition, the Big Bash League.
