The Women's National Basketball League has crowned its standout performer for the 2025-26 season, with Bendigo Spirit sensation Isobel Borlase securing the coveted Most Valuable Player award. The announcement comes as Perth Lynx co-captain Anneli Maley, a leading contender for the honour, was instead named to the prestigious All-WNBL First Team.
Borlase's Dominant Season Secures Top Honour
Isobel Borlase's exceptional campaign saw her lead the league in scoring with an impressive average of 22.87 points per game. Her offensive prowess was on full display throughout the season, highlighted by a remarkable 42-point performance in January that showcased her ability to take over games. Coaches, team captains, and a panel of basketball experts voted using a 5-4-3-2-1 system, ultimately determining that Borlase's contributions were most deserving of the MVP recognition.
WNBL Chief Executive Officer Jennie Sager praised Borlase's impact on the competition, stating that the young star has established new standards for excellence. "Isobel has set the benchmark for excellence in WNBL26," Sager remarked. "Her consistency, competitiveness, and ability to lift her team in key moments have been outstanding. She represents everything this award stands for and continues to inspire the next generation of players."
Maley's Remarkable Campaign Recognised
Perth Lynx leader Anneli Maley, who was vying for her second MVP trophy, delivered a spectacular season that included recording the league's sole triple-double alongside fifteen additional double-doubles. Averaging 14 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists per contest, Maley's all-around excellence earned her a spot on the All-WNBL First Team alongside Borlase, Courtney Woods from Townsville, Mackenzie Holmes of Geelong, and Lynx teammate Ally Wilson.
Despite missing out on the official MVP award, Maley did receive recognition from fans across the country, being voted as the Fan's MVP. Townsville's Courtney Woods also collected individual hardware, securing the Golden Hands Award for her playmaking abilities.
Complete All-WNBL Teams Announced
The league revealed both the First and Second All-WNBL Teams, with Perth Lynx representatives featuring prominently. Lynx duo Alex Ciabattoni and Han Xu were selected for the Second Team, joining Cayla George from Southside, Kelsey Griffin of Bendigo, and Townsville's Miela Sowah.
Han Xu's defensive impact proved particularly noteworthy, as the 211-centimetre centre claimed the Defensive Player of the Year award despite participating in only 14 of the regular season's 23 games. Her presence in the paint consistently forced opposing teams to adjust their offensive strategies and find alternative scoring methods.
Additional Award Winners Celebrated
Several other individuals received recognition for their contributions throughout the WNBL season. Bendigo's Kennedy Kereama was honoured as Coach of the Year after successfully guiding a significantly altered roster, following last season's championship victory, back into the finals series.
Adelaide's Dallas Loughridge earned the Breakout Player of the Year award for her emergence as a key contributor, while Townsville's Lucy Olsen received the Sixth Woman of the Year honour for her impactful performances off the bench.
The awards ceremony highlighted the depth of talent across the Women's National Basketball League, with players from multiple franchises receiving acknowledgement for their exceptional performances during the 2025-26 campaign.
