Top Perth Scorchers wicket-taker Jason Behrendorff has been signed by the Melbourne Renegades in a standout opening move of the BBL's inaugural free agency period.

Following the Hobart Hurricanes' triumph over the Sydney Thunder in Monday night's grand final, the BBL's โ€˜Player Movement Window' kicked off with the left-arm quick signing a three-year deal.

The move comes as a surprise, given Behrendorff has been a mainstay with the Perth Scorchers since making his debut in 2012.

โ€œThe Scorchers will always have a special place in my heart,โ€ Behrendorff announced on Instagram.

โ€œI had always thought I would finish my BBL career in orange, however, that is not meant to be. I leave the club knowing I have given my all, I have seriously enjoyed my time as a player and as a teammate.โ€

Behrendorff's move to the Renegades follows a disappointing season for the Scorchers, who missed the finals for the first time in five years.

His departure comes after an outstanding 17-wicket season that earned him the coveted Golden Arm Award.

โ€œJason is a world-class bowler and proven match-winner so we're delighted to have him on board,โ€ James Rosengarten, Melbourne Renegades General Manager, said in a statement.

Introduced this year, the Player Movement Window enables clubs to sign eligible free agents or trade players and draft picks with other teams, but it does not permit re-signing or extending existing player contracts during this period.

โ€œMoving to Melbourne has been something Juvelle and I have talked about as a goal whenever the end of my career happened so to be able to continue my career and play cricket in a city we both love is a blessing,โ€ the 34-year-old said.

โ€œChange is never an easy decision and I look forward to seeing you all when I am next at Optus, just don't boo too loudly.โ€