ISOBEL BORLASE CROWNED WNBL26 MVP AS BENDIGO SPIRIT GUARD DOMINATES SEASON

Bendigo Spirit star Isobel Borlase has been named the Suzy Batkovic Most Valuable Player for the Women’s National Basketball League’s 2025-26 season, recognising her as the league’s most outstanding player.  

Borlase’s campaign with the Bendigo Spirit was nothing short of extraordinary. Across the season, she emerged as one of the most impactful players in the league, combining elite scoring, playmaking, and leadership to drive Bendigo’s success.  

Across the season, Borlase averaged 22.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists per game with a 90.7 free throw percentage and a 45.6 field goal accuracy.  

These figures reflect Borlase’s status as one of the most complete and dangerous offensive players in the competition, consistently delivering in high-pressure moments.  

Among her many standout performances, Borlase produced one of the season’s defining displays in Round 15, recording 42 points, five rebounds, and six assists to lead Bendigo Spirit to a crucial late-season victory over the Southside Melbourne Flyers.  

The game catapulted Borlase’s name into the record books with the young star becoming only the 11^th WNBL player and the first woman since Penny Taylor in 2002 to score 42 points or more in a game.  

Borlase went on to take home a huge 98 points in the Spirits’ three Round 15 games.  

She also recorded multiple match-winning performances throughout the campaign, highlighting her ability to rise on the biggest stages.  

WNBL CEO Jennie Sager said Borlase’s MVP recognition was a testament to her impact across the entire season.  

“Isobel has set the benchmark for excellence in WNBL26,” Sager said.  

“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.”  

Voted on by Head Coaches, Club Captains, and a dedicated Awards Panel using a 5–4–3–2–1 points system, the award acknowledges elite performance, remarkable consistency, and unparalleled influence on team success.  

Borlase claimed the MVP honour from a highly competitive field of finalists, including:

Dallas Loughridge (Adelaide Lightning)

Stephanie Talbot (Adelaide Lightning)

Kelsey Griffin (Bendigo Spirit)

Mackenzie Holmes (Geelong Venom)

Alex Ciabattoni (Perth Lynx)

Anneli Maley (Perth Lynx)

Ally Wilson (Perth Lynx)

Cayla George (Southside Melbourne Flyers)

Maddison Rocci (Southside Melbourne Flyers)

Unique Thompson (Sydney Flames)

Abbey Ellis (Townsville Fire)

Miela Sowah (Townsville Fire)

Courtney Woods (Townsville Fire)

Zitina Aokuso (UC Capitals)

Beyond the numbers, Borlase’s leadership, professionalism, and competitive drive were central to Bendigo Spirit’s strong season and their Championship ambitions. Her ability to influence games on both ends of the floor made her a constant challenge for opposition teams and a cornerstone of Bendigo’s success.

As the Spirit prepare for Finals action, Borlase’s MVP season stands as one of the most impressive individual campaigns in recent WNBL history, cementing her status as one of Australia’s premier basketball talents.

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