For more than a decade, the Big Bash League has provided a national stage for emerging and established Australian cricketers, and each season the imprint of the Public Schools Association (PSA) becomes increasingly visible. The 2025/26 season is no exception. With fourteen PSA alumni earning places in BBL|15 squads, the competition once again highlights the strength, consistency and influence of PSA cricket across the country.
From leadership roles to match-winning performances, PSA alumni continue to demonstrate the impact of strong school-based programmes — programmes built on values of teamwork, skill development and sportsmanship. Their presence in BBL|15 reflects not only individual achievement but also a collective legacy shaped over generations.
Many PSA alumni have enjoyed long-term success in the Big Bash League, consistently contributing to strong team performances. Aquinas College’s Aaron Hardie, Christ Church Grammar School’s Ashton Turner and Wesley College’s Mitchell Marsh have each played important leadership roles for the Perth Scorchers, guiding the team through several successful seasons.
Scotch College alumni Joel Paris, Nick Hobson and Matthew Kelly, together with Cameron Bancroft from Aquinas College during his time at the Scorchers, have also been central to the club’s achievements. An example being the BBL|12 Final, where Nick Hobson held his nerve in the closing stages scoring 18 off 7 balls to help secure the Scorchers’ fifth title.
PSA representation extends well beyond the Perth franchise. The Melbourne Stars continue to feature a strong PSA presence, led by Hale School’s Marcus Stoinis, a long-serving player known for his powerful performances, including his standout innings of 147 off 79 balls in BBL|09. Wesley College alumnus Hilton Cartwright has also been a consistent contributor for the Stars, while Scotch College’s Hamish McKenzie joined the squad last season after beginning his career with the Scorchers. Scotch College alumnus Joel Paris has since returned to the Scorchers following a two-year stint in Melbourne.
Scotch College alumni Tim David, representing the Hobart Hurricanes, has emerged as one of the competition’s most influential batters over the past two seasons. His dominant performances played a key role in helping the Hurricanes secure their first title in BBL|14.
Last season saw Christ Church Grammar School alumnus Liam Haskett and Aquinas College alumnus Mahli Beardman make their BBL debuts, stepping onto the BBL stage with the Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers respectively.
Hale School Alumni Matthew Spoors has joined the Melbourne Renegades BBL|15 squad as a replacement player.
Many PSA alumni have progressed beyond the Big Bash League to represent Australia across various formats. Cameron Bancroft, Mitchell Marsh, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright and Joel Paris are among those who have earned national selection during their careers. Scotch College alumnus Cameron Green has also been part of the Perth Scorchers squad in previous seasons. This summer, however, he is committed to national duties with the Australian team and will not feature in BBL|15.Their achievements at international level reflect not only their individual talent and dedication but also the quality of coaching, competition and values that underpin PSA cricket.
List of PSA Alumni in BBL|15
Perth Scorchers
- Aaron Hardie – Aquinas College (2016)
- Mahli Beardman – Aquinas College (2023)
- Ashton Turner – Christ Church Grammar School (2010)
- Joel Paris – Scotch College (2009)
- Nick Hobson – Scotch College (2011)
- Matthew Kelly – Scotch College (2012)
- Mitch Marsh – Wesley College (2008)
Melbourne Stars
- Marcus Stoinis – Hale School (2006)
- Hamish Mckenzie – Scotch College (2017)
- Hilton Cartwright – Wesley College (2009)
Melbourne Renegades
- Matthew Spoors – Hale School (2017)
Brisbane Heat
- Liam Haskett – Christ Church Grammar School (2019)
Hobart Hurricanes
- Tim David – Scotch College (2012)
Sydney Thunder
- Cameron Bancroft – Aquinas College (2010)
*based on 20-players squads.
