The Melbourne Renegades have secured Reigning Bradman Young Player of the Winner Fergus O’Neil and will spend the next two years.
O’Neil was part of the Renegades list last summer after a long break for Victoria in Sheffield Shield and One Day Cup. He made his debut in BBL against Hurricanes where he picked two wickets including Ben McDermott and also played in Melbourne Derby.
While asked about joining Renegades, O’Neil said it was an “easy decision” to re-sign with the club for the next two seasons. “We’re putting together a great squad with a mix of youth and experience so I’m excited at what we can achieve,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to hopefully being able to contribute more throughout this season where and when I can.”
Melbourne Renegades for BBL|14: Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Nathan Lyon, Fergus O’Neill, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Gurinder Sandhu, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Adam Zampa
Re-signing with the Renegades O’Neil will link with his former mentor Cameron White who will be joining the Renegades to take on his first head coach role having spent two seasons with NSW and Sydney Sixers.
Just a couple of young guns signing on 🫡#GETONRED pic.twitter.com/6MlEcHxjRC
— Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) August 2, 2024
O’Neil began his ascent in domestic cricket, after starring for Melbourne in Premier cricket he earned his first state contract with Victoria in 2021. He picked 67 Shield wickets with an average of 20.34. Only Trent Copeland, Jackson Bird, and Joel Paris have talked 50 Shield Wickets faster and with a lower average.
“Another pre-season is in the works, going well and feeling good. That should hold me in good stead for hopefully another good season with the Vics and then with the Gades where we can hopefully win some silverware.”
O’Neil will be joining young talent Jake Fraser-McGurk and Will Sutherland signing a long-term deal for the club. Despite a final appearance in BBL|12, the club has been finishing in 7th or 8th place in three of the past four BBL seasons.
“When you’re talking about the best emerging talent in Australian cricket right now it’s hard to look past Fergus,” Rosengarten said.
“He enjoyed a remarkable domestic season and to lock Fergus away for at least the next couple of seasons is a huge boost. We’re going to enjoy sitting back and watching them develop in front of our eyes across the Big Bash.”
The Renegades revival was headlined by the signing of Josh Brown and experienced Gurinder Sandhu will join the club from the Thunder. Renegades are yet to be confirmed whether an international pre-selection signing will join the club, with the international player draft to be held on September 01.
The Tournament will kickstart on December 15 and Renegades will play their first match against Sydney Sixers on December 16 at Sydney Cricket Ground.
