Maxwell backed to bring his big-game instincts to BBL finals

Former Test quick Peter Siddle has backed Glenn Maxwell to break out of his form funk and explode during the BBL finals as the Melbourne Stars attempt to buck the odds and claim their maiden crown.

Stars blew the chance to finish in top spot and secure two home finals when they crashed to a six-wicket loss to Perth Scorchers on Saturday night. They were skittled for 130 in 18.2 overs before Scorchers chased down the victory target with 19 balls to spare in front of 48,608 fans at Optus Stadium.

Scorchers snared top spot for a competition-record sixth time, while the Stars will finish either third or fourth, depending on the result of Sunday's clash between Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat at the Gabba.

Stars are the only team in the BBL yet to win a title - and they'll have to win three-straight finals, at least two of them away from home - to secure the crown this season.

One of their biggest concerns is the form of Maxwell, who was joint player of the tournament last season but has scored just 67 runs across seven knocks this campaign. Apart from an unbeaten 39 against Thunder and 20 not out against Renegades, Maxwell has posted scores of 2, 1, 1, 1 and 3.

Maxwell was relegated to No .7 in the order against Scorchers. The 37-year-old entered the fray at 100 for 5 in the 14th over but he made just 3 off eight balls before skying a catch to the boundary.

Siddle, who at 41 still remains a key part of Stars' pace attack, said Maxwell has proved time and again he can fire when his back is against the wall.

"He's in that position at the moment," Siddle said. "You've just got to let him go, just to make sure he's comfortable and happy. He's starred at World Cups in knockout games and starred in knockout tournaments. He'll know what to do, so I think we'll definitely see the best of him next week."

Maxwell is also renowned for his excellent fielding, but he dropped a catch he would normally take late in Scorchers' innings.

Siddle praised the way Maxwell has been able to impart his knowledge on the group despite his lack of runs.

"He would have loved to have done more, but he's still been great," he said. "The way he talks to the boys and especially the young batsmen, he's helped them, and they probably had better seasons than we expected anyway.

"So as much as he mightn't have starred with the bat, his words and his leadership with those younger batsmen has he played a great role."