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BBL star backs Renegades' Geelong move amid Marvel issues
Sam Kosack • October 9th, 2025 3:05 pm
Former Renegades star Kane Richardson has opened up about the toll of playing at Marvel Stadium amid talks the Melbourne club could make a shift to Geelong.
The Renegades are investigating whether GMHBA Stadium in Geelong could serve as a new home ground, with a move away from Marvel Stadium and Melbourne looming.
Docklands has served as the primary home for the Renegades since 2011, but the ground came under fire last year around the condition of its playing surfaces.
A game at Marvel was abandoned in 2023 after water infiltrated the pitch making it unfit, while Scorchers coach Adam Voges called the conditions “substandard”.
Richardson, who played with the Renegades for eight seasons, revealed the impact the poor conditions had on the recovery and health of athletes.
“I know, personally, playing at Marvel last year wasn't ideal,” Richardson admitted on SEN 1170 Mornings.
“And with an ageing body, I was pulling up pretty sore from running around that outfield for a while.
“So, if Marvel's in good nick, they should keep playing there, but, if not, I think (GHMBA) would be a suitable home ground.
“I think last year was just so sandy. And, again, being a little bit older, you definitely want things to be in your favour.
“When I talk about the SCG, that's like a carpet that outfield.
“Marvel definitely last year was a challenge, and made it hard to recover and move around the field perfectly.
“Hopefully it's in better nick this year because it's good for the product if you've got a really good playing field.”
Richardson is making the move to the Sydney Sixers this season, where he will link up with Test bowler Mitchell Starc, who was today announced to be returning to the club.
His move means three of the top four wicket takers in Big Bash history will be playing in Magenta in 2025/26; Richardson, Sean Abbott, and Ben Dwarshius.
“(I’m) excited to head down to Sydney and experience the SCG in summer,” Richardson said of his move.
“There's a few others (bowlers) around that as well that make a really good, good bowling group so I’m looking forward to joining up with Ben (Dwarshius) and Sean (Abbott).
“I've played a little bit for Australia with them, and I'm looking forward to playing with them rather than against them, because, as you said, they've been amazing contributors to Big Bash.
“I can't wait to join up with them and get to work.”
The Sixers first clash is against the Scorchers on December 14.
