Lauren Jackson's picks for WNBL26 MVP

The race for the WNBL26 Suzy Batkovic Medal is wide open with this season delivering one of the most compelling MVP battles in recent history. 

As a seven-time MVP herself (four times WNBL, three times WNBA), WNBL Media asked Lauren Jackson who has separated themselves from the pack?‍

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Isobel Borlase‍

Arguably the front-runner for MVP, it’s easy to see why the 21-year-old has been at the top of Jackson's mind.

With career-best numbers of 22.5 points, six rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, Borlase also wrote her name into the history books on Wednesday with a 42-point masterclass against the Southside Melbourne Flyers. She became the first player to score 42 points since Penny Taylor in 2002 and just the 11th player in WNBL history to shoot a 42+ point game

“She has been incredible this season. I mean, she's obviously worked on her game a lot. She's just a weapon offensively and defensively she's doing a lot too,” Jackson said.

“The fact that Bendigo are so high on the ladder and they have been consistent all year, (despite) losing [Marianna] Tolo, she's just continued to thrive.”

‍Anneli Maley

If there’s one player who can flip the MVP race, it’s Anneli Maley.

The 2022 WNBL MVP has gone to another level in WNBL26, adding a career-best shooting splits to her campaign. Shooting a career best from the arc (36.0 per cent and from the charity stripe (82.8 per cent).

While her outstanding double-double average is what we’ve come to expect from the Olympian, her unrivalled hustle and effort is truly what sets her apart from Jackson.

“She just goes about her business; I love the way that she is relentless... she just never stops,” Jackson said.

“And that is a quality in a teammate that, for me personally, is one of the most important traits. You know that you've got teammates out there that are going to go and absolutely give it everything.” 

With Han Xu alongside her, Maley has dominated the glass, helping Perth lead the league in rebounding by 13.8 boards per game.

It begs the question: Are the stars aligning for Maley’s second MVP?

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Han Xu 

Speaking of stars, Han Xu hasn’t played enough games to top the leaderboard yet, but her impact has been immediate.

In nine games, the Olympian is averaging 18 points, 7.4 rebounds and two blocks per game, she has been a revelation for the league as a box office draw and for Perth’s hopes of Championship glory.

While she already is a top candidate for the award, but with room to grow as we head into Finals, Jackson believes the sky is the limit for the 6’11” superstar. 

“She has fitted in perfectly and it's been amazing to watch. As a fan, it's just been awesome to watch her open it up and just provide that extra bit of oomph that the team needs,” she said. 

“To have her in our Australian league, just her presence alone is drawing crowds. She's such a beautiful human as well, so endearing and lovely. And I think to see her in the WNBL has been wonderful.” 

‍Courtney Woods

Courtney Woods has been the heartbeat of the Townsville Fire all season, with her grit, physicality and calm leadership in do-or-die moments driving the Fire to 16 wins so far.

A true floor general, Woods currently leads the league in assists (6.75 per game), using her elite basketball IQ to put teammates like Miela Sowah and Alicia Froling in prime positions to attack the glass and punish defences. 

“Courtney gives Townsville a toughness and composure that sets the tone for the whole group,” Jackson said. 

“She sees the game at an incredibly high level and her ability to read the floor and put players in the right spots makes everyone better. That is a huge reason for Townsville’s success this season."

‍Isabelle Bourne

The dark horse candidate, Jackson believes no one should count Isabelle Bourne out yet.

The inaugural Tiana Mangakahia MVP Award for Townsville Tip Off ’25, her momentum in WNBL26 has been inspiring, averaging career-highs in points (15.9, rebounds (5.2), and steals (1.1).

The Asia Cup gold medallist has been Southside Melbourne’s engine and most consistent threat as they sit fourth heading into Round 15. Jackson said she’s been impressed with Bourne in what has been a breakout year for the young star. 

“She's had a breakout year, I'm really impressed with her skillset. There are a lot of girls now vying for Opal squad positions and it's a very exciting time for women's basketball. 

“Purely based on performances in the WNBL this season, it's super exciting as a fan to watch it.” 

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