Russell and Stoinis are among four key inclusions for the Stars for Friday night's clash with the Sydney Thunder at the MCG.

It comes after a young Stars side suffered a 152-run defeat to the Sydney Sixers on Sunday.

Nathan Coulter-Nile (personal reasons) is also set to return, while Afghan spinner Qais Ahmad is out of quarantine and will make his first Stars appearance.

But it is the club debut of powerful allrounder Russell that Stoinis says should have Melbourne fans salivating.

The 33-year-old Jamaican, who was banned from cricket for a year in 2017 for doping violations dating back to 2015, dazzled during a previous three-season stint with the Thunder.

He scored 296 runs from 17 BBL innings at an incredible strike rate of 166.29, and took 23 wickets with an economy rate of 7.97.

Russell endured a lean patch on return from a hamstring injury during the recent T20 World Cup but was back to his explosive best in the Abu Dhabi T10 final last week, belting an unbeaten 90 from just 32 balls.

"I'm excited to see him. He's arguably been one of the best T20 players in the world for an extended period of time," Stoinis said.

"I don't even think the boundaries here at the 'G are big enough to stop him.

"Hopefully he's bowling quick, hitting big bombs and taking good catches in the field."

Allrounder Stoinis was sidelined by a side strain for the BBL season opener and hasn't played since featuring in Australia's World Cup final win over New Zealand on November 14.

The 32-year-old will open the batting for the Stars with English import Joe Clarke but won't be fit to bowl until the back half of the BBL season.

"It will most likely be early in the new year but I haven't started bowling (in the nets) yet," Stoinis said.

The Stars on Thursday announced the signing of Pakistan fast bowler Ahmad Daniyal, who is completing his 72-hour quarantine period.

Daniyal is a chance to feature in Sunday's return clash with the Thunder in Sydney.

Australian Associated Press