The leg-spinner leading the spin attack
Swepson's job is to be the Stars' frontline spinner. He bowls right-arm leg-break, takes wickets in the middle overs, and gives the captain a bowler who can attack rather than just contain — the hardest thing to find in T20 cricket.
He joins a spin group that includes Test off-spinner Todd Murphy, and the two of them give the Stars a genuine spin pair for the first time in years. Swepson is the wrist-spinner, Murphy is the finger-spinner, and together they cover both directions of turn. He has played Test cricket for Australia, on the tours of Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2022, and he has been a white-ball regular for the country — experience that matters in a side whose bowling has too often been one-dimensional.
Squad note: the Stars have announced 14 players so far, as of 31 October 2026. The full squad has not been announced — clubs can carry up to 18 players and are still adding names — so this page will be updated as the club confirms more signings.
From the Heat to the Stars
Swepson made his name with Queensland and the Brisbane Heat, where his leg-spin and his fielding — he is famous for a one-handed catch to dismiss Joel Curtis in the One-Day Cup — made him a fan favourite. He played Test cricket for Australia in 2022, and he has been in the white-ball frame ever since.
The move to the Stars is a fresh start. The Heat have moved on, and the Stars have signed him to lead their spin attack for the next two seasons. His BBL record is strong — he has taken wickets at a good rate and his economy has been competitive — and his leg-spin is a different challenge from the off-spin of Murphy and Maxwell. At the MCG, where the ball can grip for wrist-spin, he could be one of the Stars' most important players.
Where he fits in the Stars
The Stars' bowling attack in BBL|16 is built around its spinners: Swepson and Murphy with the ball, and Maxwell's off-spin as a third option. That is a change from last season, when the side relied on its quicks and Tom Curran's 16 wickets in 10 games.
Swepson's role is the middle overs, where T20 games are won. If he takes wickets between overs seven and fifteen, the Stars' quicks — Siddle, Hatcher and Jamie Overton — have totals to defend at the death. His fielding is also a weapon: he is one of the best fielders in the league, and his one-handed catch against Queensland in the One-Day Cup is still talked about. The Stars have never won the title, and a frontline leg-spinner who takes wickets is the kind of player who changes that.
The BBL Points Table will carry the standings once the season starts — the Stars finished fourth last season, their best return in years, and the table is where their title chase will be measured.
What’s next
Mitch Swepson starts BBL|16 at the MCG on 18 December, against Adelaide Strikers — the Test leg-spinner in Stars colours for the first time this season.
The full list of every BBL fixture is on the BBL Schedule, with the MCG opener against the Strikers first.
- Match 5 — vs Adelaide Strikers: Fri 18 Dec, 1:45 PM IST · Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Match 8 — vs Brisbane Heat: Mon 21 Dec, 1:45 PM IST · Junction Oval, Melbourne
- Match 13 — vs Perth Scorchers: Sat 26 Dec, 3:45 PM IST · Perth Stadium
- Melbourne derby — vs Melbourne Renegades: Sat 16 Jan · Melbourne Cricket Ground
Follow every Stars result as it happens on SialTV, with the points table updated after every match day.
Frequently asked questions
Has Mitch Swepson played Test cricket?
Yes. He played Test cricket for Australia on the tours of Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2022.
Which BBL team did Mitch Swepson play for before the Stars?
The Brisbane Heat. He joined the Melbourne Stars for BBL|16 and is contracted through BBL|17.
When does Mitch Swepson play his first match for Melbourne Stars?
His first match is Match 5 against Adelaide Strikers on Friday 18 December 2026, starting at 1:45 PM IST at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.