Opals superstar Jade Melbourne commits to Bendigo

Opal and WNBL superstar Jade Melbourne has made the move of the off-season, committing to the Bendigo Spirit for the upcoming season, pending League approval.

With an outstanding resume, the 23-year-old Olympian leaves Canberra to join reigning MVP Isobel Borlase, forming arguably the most dynamic backcourt duo in the competition.

Teammates and roommates at both the Paris Olympics and the 2021 FIBA U19 Women's World Cup, the pair already share a strong bond on and off the court.

Despite an injury-interrupted season, Melbourne averaged 11.2 points, 5.8 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game, falling just short of leading the Capitals to the Finals.

Now joining a genuine championship contender, Melbourne is excited to return to her home state.

"Coming back to Victoria means so much to me," she said.

"I grew up there and it's where my basketball journey started, so to now represent the Spirit and play in front of that community is really special. The vision of the club really resonated with me – being part of a team that represents all of regional Victoria and connects with so many communities is something I'm incredibly proud to be joining."

Melbourne spent the past five seasons with the Capitals, earning two All-WNBL Second Team selections and being named to the All-WNBL First Team in WNBL24. A country product from the regional town of Traralgon, around two hours east of Melbourne, she has developed into one of Australia's premier guards and is currently starring in the WNBA with the Seattle Storm.

Bendigo Spirit General Manager Dan Jackson believes Melbourne’s arrival will inspire the next generation of regional Victorian basketballers.

"Jade is one of the most exciting players in Australian basketball and someone who already has an incredible résumé at such a young age," Jackson said.

"To bring an athlete of her calibre, leadership and professionalism into our program is a huge result for the Spirit.

"Just as importantly, Jade's story reflects exactly what we stand for as regional Victoria's team. She's a product of Gippsland and regional pathways and now she'll be inspiring the next generation by playing in those same communities."

A fan favourite during her time in the nation's capital, Melbourne has become one of the league's most recognisable players and joins a Bendigo side firmly in championship contention.

She joins Borlase, Georgia Booth, Olivia Pollerd, Kelsey Rees, Casey Samuels, Abbey Wehrung and Coach of the Year Kennedy Kereama as the Spirit continue to build one of the league's strongest rosters.

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