What is Melbourne Mace awarded to winners of Melbourne derby in BBL?

Anirudh, an engineer by training, has been contributing to Khel Now since 2024. He loves crafting inspiring stories.

Published at :January 4, 2026 at 4:38 PM

Modified at :January 4, 2026 at 4:38 PM

What is Melbourne Mace awarded to winners of Melbourne derby in BBL?

(Courtesy : Melbourne Renegades)

The Melbourne Mace was awarded to Melbourne Renegades after they beat Melbourne Stars in BBL 2026-26.

In the heart of Australian cricket, the Melbourne Derby between the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars has long been a highlight of the Big Bash League (BBL). For the 2025-26 season, this iconic rivalry enters a new chapter with the introduction of the Melbourne Mace.

Melbourne Mace is a trophy that encapsulates the battle for city dominance. Unveiled on December 19, 2025, the Mace is awarded to the winners of every Melbourne Derby match in both the WBBL and BBL, symbolizing authority, supremacy, and the right to rule a cricket-mad metropolis.

What’s special about the Melbourne Mace?

Crafted from cricket’s rich traditions with a modern Melbourne flair, the Melbourne Mace stands at an imposing 1.4 meters tall, making it impossible to ignore. Its plinth illuminates in red for a Renegades victory or green for the Stars, while the interchangeable head celebrates the champion in real time.

Unlike traditional cups that evoke history, the Melbourne Mace looks forward, marking ongoing dominance in a city known for its tribal sporting culture. The presentation is unique: it’s rushed onto the field and handed directly to the player who delivers the winning run or wicket.

“We’re on the edge and the intensity is fever pitch every time we meet. These matches always mean something extra. The Melbourne Mace fits the scale of the occasion when these two teams go head-to-head in Melbourne. We can’t wait for both Jan 4 and Jan 10″, said Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten.

The Melbourne Derby has delivered high drama for over 15 years in the BBL. From Shane Warne and Marlon Samuels’ fiery MCG clash to Adam Zampa’s debated Mankad attempt and Glenn Maxwell’s explosive batting, the fixture has always carried extra edge.

Who won the inaugural Melbourne Mace?

Will Sutherland with Melbourne Mace — MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 04: Will Sutherland of the Renegades poses for a photograph with the ‘Melbourne Mace’ after leading the Renegades to victory during the BBL match between Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, on January 04, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

The inaugural contest for the Mace unfolded today, January 4, 2026, at the MCG, drawing a massive crowd of 68,124, the third-highest in BBL history. The Melbourne Stars posted a competitive 173/9, thanks to a late surge from Tom Curran (38 off 18) and Hilton Cartwright (28 off 19), after slumping to 80/5.

Chasing, the Renegades were powered by Josh Brown’s blistering 84 off 48, but a late collapse set up a thriller. Needing 13 off the final over from Stoinis, captain Will Sutherland smashed two sixes, sealing a four-wicket victory with one ball to spare.

The Renegades claimed the inaugural Melbourne Mace, with Sutherland receiving from legendary Australian bowler Shane Warne’s son. This win keeps the Renegades’ qualifying hopes alive, while the Stars suffer their second straight loss after a dominant December. The Mace has truly ignited the rivalry, with the rematch at Marvel Stadium on January 10 promising more fireworks.

What is the Melbourne Mace?

The Melbourne Mace is a new 1.4m tall trophy, awarded to winners of every Melbourne Derby match. It features a lighting plinth: red for Renegades, green for Stars.

Who won the first Melbourne Mace and how?

The Melbourne Renegades won the inaugural Mace on January 4, 2026, defeating the Stars by 4 wickets at the MCG. Will Sutherland hit the winning sixes in the final over.

What’s special about the Melbourne Mace’s presentation?

Unlike traditional trophies, the Mace is rushed onto the field immediately after the win and handed directly to the player who hits the winning run or takes the winning wicket.

When is the next Melbourne Derby for the Mace?

The rematch is on January 10, 2026, at Marvel Stadium.

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Aniruddh Seshadri

Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.