Melbourne Stars all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is not afraid to reveal his 2018 goals, declaring the Big Bash League is his side's to win as he outlined his ambitions to represent Australia in all three formats.
The 28-year-old withdrew from a Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia earlier this season, effectively ruling himself out of Test cricket calculations as he spent time with his ill father who passed away last month.
But Stoinis says he is now in a "brilliant" place ahead of the Stars' BBL opener against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on Wednesday and expects his talent-stacked side to live up to the hype.
"We've got a brilliant team and everyone's getting better and we want to win it for sure, that's what we're aiming for and there's no point denying it," he said.
Stoinis was among the contenders for the vacant No.6 spot ahead of the Test summer, with his fast bowling and top-six batting capabilities representing an in-demand skill set in Australian cricket.
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The role ultimately fell to Shaun Marsh and then his brother Mitch, who have both struck Ashes hundreds this month.
A future in the baggy green is still very much in Stoinis's sights, though.
"I'm pretty surprised, because I feel brilliant with my cricket," he said of his attitude since his father's death.
"I'm quite relaxed, having fun and it's a perfect time of year to come into BBL.
"My next goal is to have a good Big Bash, play the one dayers for Australia, play T20s for Australia and play Tests for Australia."
The Stars have never won a Big Bash title despite making the semi-finals of all six previous tournaments.
"It's how you deal with pressure," he said of what it takes to win.
"Come the finals there's different pressure - everyone says it's another game but it's not - but there's no excuses.
"I don't see why this year wouldn't be our time."
