Local talent signs up as Renegades to hit out in Geelong again

THE Melbourne Renegades will be hitting out in Geelong early in the coming BBL 15 season, and a local young gun will be padding up for the team full time.

Ollie Peake, 18, has joined the Renegades on his first full Big Bash contract after joining the squad and making his debut for the club during BBL14 as a replacement player.

Geelong T20 fans will have two excellent opportunities to see Peake in action close to home, as the Renegades will open their campaign with back-to-back home games at GMHBA Stadium for the first time.

The Renegades will host two matches at Kardinia Park on December 15 and December 21. Both games are scheduled to start at 7.15pm, with opponents to be confirmed with the release of the full schedule.

Peake is keen to earn his spot in the team to play in Geelong.

“Growing up in Geelong, just around the corner from GMHBA Stadium, the thought of that home ground berth is really motivating and extra exciting,” he said.

A left-hander, Peake impressed for the Renegades earlier this year with a composed 19 as part of an 84-run partnership with Jake Fraser-McGurk to set up the win against the Brisbane Heat at Marvel Stadium in his first hitout.

Peake said he was eager to build on his debut campaign and make the most of the opportunity.

“It’s a really special feeling to sign my first full Big Bash contract with the Renegades.

“Getting the chance to debut last summer was a great experience, it gave me a taste of cricket at the top T20 level and I’m keen to get stuck in and hopefully play more games.”

Peake played a starring role for Australia at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa last year where, in the middle order, he hit 25no against England before composed knocks in the finals series (49 v Pakistan, Semi Final) and the decider (46no v India, Final).

He was also named the Australian Cricket Society’s Male Young Cricketer of the Year in 2024, following a standout run of performances at junior national level and in Victorian Premier Cricket with Geelong Cricket Club.

Following his stint with the Renegades squad in BBL, Peake earned a full-time contract with Victoria.

Melbourne Renegades general manager James Rosengarten said Peake’s performance at the end of last season and his development to date had shown maturity beyond his years.

“We got a glimpse of what he’s capable of during his debut last season and his performances at the Under-19 World Cup and for Victoria either side of the Big Bash.

“He’s a homegrown talent with enormous potential. He’s worked hard to earn this opportunity, and we’re excited to see how he continues to develop within our program this season.”

He said Geelong had always been a special part of the Renegades’ summer schedule, with BBL15 the eighth season the Renegades have brought Big Bash cricket to Geelong.

“The support from our fans in the region has grown every season, and we’re excited to deliver two huge nights of entertainment and cricket for them this year.”

“These won’t just be games of cricket, they’ll be major events. We know how much cricket fans in the Geelong region love getting behind the Gades, and these matches will play a crucial role in setting up our season.”

“I’d like to acknowledge the role Marvel Stadium has played in helping shape this schedule. Their support has given us the flexibility to stage two home games in Geelong before returning for an exciting run of matches back under the roof in January.”

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust chief executive officer Gerard Griffin said the return of the Renegades was a welcome boost for the region.

“We’re delighted to welcome the Renegades back for another summer of Big Bash at GMHBA Stadium.

“The atmosphere these games bring is fantastic – they’re a real highlight on the Geelong event calendar and we’re looking forward to two more big nights under lights.”

For more information, head to melbournerenegades.com.au