New recruit Brad Hodge believes the Melbourne Renegades' elder statesmen can lead the side to elusive Big Bash success.
The veteran batsman will embark on his 25th season of professional cricket, having unceremoniously departed the Adelaide Strikers at the end of last season.
Hodge captained the Strikers last year, averaging 40.85 runs, but was effectively sacked immediately after their final match.
He will turn 43 soon after the 2017-18 edition starts in December, and would have easily been the Renegades' oldest player were it not for the presence of 46-year-old Brad Hogg.
Hodge, who made his Twenty20 debut in 2003, says their combined experience alongside the likes of Cameron White, Sunil Narine and Dwayne Bravo will serve the Renegades well.
"We've got a really strong unit with a good mix of youth and older guys," Hodge said on Tuesday.
"If you have a look at the recipe for what brings success in T20, it's pretty much those elder statesmen that can get the job done.
"We've got some really quality overseas players, some exciting batsmen and some pretty cool bowlers."
Hodge has played 43 BBL matches since debuting with the Renegades in 2011, batting at an average of 43.35 and strike rate of 134.40.
He said he had moved on from his acrimonious break-up with the Strikers and was happy to be back in his home state.
"Hodgey is one of the best T20 players the game has seen so to land him is a really big boost for the team," Renegades coach Andrew McDonald said.
"His contribution will extend well beyond runs on the scoreboard.
"He'll be an important sounding board for our leaders and will be able to provide some great insight for our younger squad members."
The Renegades also signed former Test bowlers Jon Holland and Joe Mennie.
