WNBL26 AWARD WINNERS RECOGNISED FOR EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE COURT

The Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) has today announced the remaining major individual award winners for the 2025/26 season, celebrating outstanding contributions across performance, leadership, officiating, and community impact.

Each award recognises excellence in a specific area of the game, highlighting the diverse ways individuals helped shape an exceptional WNBL26 campaign.

Sixth Woman of the Year – Lucy Olsen (Townsville Fire)

The Sixth Woman of the Year Award recognises the league’s most impactful player coming off the bench, honouring athletes who provide consistent energy, scoring, and leadership in a reserve role.

Lucy Olsen was a driving force for Townsville throughout the season, delivering high-impact performances and momentum-shifting contributions whenever called upon. Her ability to influence games from the bench made her one of WNBL26’s most valuable role players.

Robyn Maher Defensive Player of the Year – Han Xu (Perth Lynx)

Named in honour of Australian basketball legend Robyn Maher, this award recognises the player who demonstrated the greatest defensive impact across the season.

Han Xu’s presence in the paint, shot-blocking ability, and defensive awareness made her one of the most dominant defenders in the league. Averaging two blocks per game across the 2025/26 season, she consistently altered opposition shots and anchored Perth’s defensive structure.

Han Xu is the first import outside of America to win the award, marking a significant milestone for the WNBL and further highlighting the league’s growing diversity and global reach.  

Betty Watson Breakout Player of the Year – Dallas Loughridge (Adelaide Lightning)

The Betty Watson Breakout Player of the Year Award celebrates emerging talent and recognises players who have made a significant leap in performance and impact.

Dallas Loughridge enjoyed a standout season for Adelaide, establishing herself as one of the competition’s rising stars. Her growth, confidence, and consistency marked her as one of WNBL26’s most exciting young talents.

Referee of the Year – Daniel Battye

The Referee of the Year Award acknowledges excellence in officiating, recognising professionalism, consistency, and leadership on the court.

Daniel Battye was recognised for his outstanding officiating throughout the season, demonstrating strong game management, fairness, and composure in high-pressure environments.

Community Award – Nya Lok (Southside Flyers)

The Community Award honours players who make a meaningful impact beyond basketball through leadership, advocacy, and community engagement.

Nya Lok was recognised for her dedication to inspiring young people and giving back to the community. Her work off the court reflected the values of the WNBL and highlighted the power of athletes as role models.

Fans MVP – Anneli Maley (Perth Lynx)

The Fans MVP Award is voted on by supporters and celebrates the player who most captured the hearts of fans throughout the season.

Anneli Maley’s relentless energy, passion, and on-court performances made her a fan favourite across the league. Her connection with supporters and consistent excellence earned widespread recognition.

Golden Hands Award – Courtney Woods (Townsville Fire)

The Golden Hands Award recognises the player with the best decision-making, ball security, and playmaking excellence.

Courtney Woods’ composure and court vision were central to Townsville’s success, with her ability to control tempo and create scoring opportunities setting her apart as one of the league’s premier playmakers.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Woods demonstrated exceptional composure and court vision, averaging 6.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game, while limiting herself to just 3.2 turnovers, resulting in an outstanding ratio of 5.44.  

Her ability to control tempo, protect possession, and consistently create high-quality scoring opportunities made her one of the league’s premier playmakers and a central figure in Townsville’s offensive success.

Leading Rebounder – Anneli Maley (Perth Lynx)

The Leading Rebounder Award recognises the player who dominated the boards throughout the season through effort, positioning, and consistency.

Maley’s relentless work rate and physicality saw her lead the competition in rebounding, averaging 14.26 rebounds per game, including 10.5 defensive rebounds and 3.7 offensive rebounds, for a season total of 327 rebounds.  

Her presence around the basket provided Perth with crucial second-chance opportunities and defensive stability, reinforcing her reputation as one of the competition’s most tireless and impactful performers.

Leading Scorer – Isobel Borlase (Bendigo Spirit)

The Leading Scorer Award honours the player who recorded the highest points-per-game average across the season.

Isobel Borlase’s offensive brilliance defined WNBL26, with her ability to score from all areas of the court making her one of the most dangerous players in the competition.  

She averaged 22.9 points per game for a season total of 526 points, while shooting 40 per cent from the field and 32.3 per cent from three-point range.  

Her ability to score from all areas of the court, combined with her consistency in high-pressure moments, made her one of the most dangerous and reliable offensive players in the competition.

WNBL Life Membership inductees:

Daniel Battye - for outstanding service as a referee.

Michelle Cosier - for her distinguished career as a player and continued contribution as a referee.

Ally Wilson - for her excellence and commitment as a player.

Marianna Tolo - for her exceptional playing career and international success.

Kelsey Griffin - for her leadership, longevity, and contribution to the league.

Tiana Mangakahia - Tiana's impact on and off the court touched every heart within the basketball community. Tiana sadly lost her brave battle with breast cancer in September last year. Her basketball journey was defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering love for the game. She will be remembered for her leadership, strength, courage, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.

Congratulations to all recipients on their outstanding achievements throughout WNBL26.

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