WNBL26 Awards Finalists Announced

A star-studded list of players have been nominated for several awards for Monday’s WNBL Awards night. 

The WNBL26 Awards night will take place on Monday, February 9th, in the ultimate night of celebration and women’s sports excellence at the Australian Museum in Sydney. 

As an invite-only event, fans can see all the action exclusively unfolding live on the WNBL social media pages, website and app.

Eight major awards will be announced on the night, including the highly coveted Suzy Batkovic Award, recognising the league’s Most Valuable Player.

See finalists for the WNBL26 Awards night below:

Suzy Batkovic Medal - Most Valuable Player

Recognises the player who has made the most outstanding overall impact throughout WNBL26, combining elite performance, consistency, and influence on their team. Votes are tallied in a 5–4–3–2–1 points system. 

Who votes: Head Coaches, Club Captains, Awards Panel 

Finalists: 

• Dallas Loughridge (ADL)
• Stephanie Talbot (ADL)
• Isobel Borlase (BEN)
• Kelsey Griffin (BEN)
• Mackenzie Holmes (GEE)
• Alex Ciabattoni (PER)
• Anneli Maley (PER)
• Ally Wilson (PER)
• Cayla George (SMF)
• Maddison Rocci (SMF)
• Unique Thompson (SYD)
• Abbey Ellis (TSV)
• Miela Sowah (TSV)
• Courtney Woods (TSV)
• Zitina Aokuso (UCC)

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Robyn Maher Defensive Player of the Year

Recognises the player who has had profound defensive impact in games consistently throughout WNBL26. Votes are tallied in a 3–2–1 points system. 

Who votes: Head Coaches, Lead Assistant Coaches, Club Captains, Awards Panel

Finalists: 

• Stephanie Talbot (ADL)
• Kelsey Griffin (BEN)
• Abigail Wehrung (BEN)
• Jazmin Shelley (GEE)
• Han Xu (PER)
• Abbey Ellis (TSV)
• Alexandra Fowler (TSV)

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Coach of the Year

Recognises the Head Coach who has delivered outstanding leadership, excellence and team success throughout WNBL26. Votes are tallied in a 3–2–1 points system. 

Who Votes: Head Coaches, Lead Assistant Coaches, Club Captains, Awards Panel

Finalists: 

• All Head Coaches are eligible 

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Sixth Woman of the Year

Honours the standout player coming off the bench who consistently delivers game-changing impact, energy, and performance. A player must have started more games on the bench than they have in the Starting 5 to be eligible. Votes are tallied in a 3–2–1 points system. 

Who votes: Head Coaches, Lead Assistant Coaches, Club Captains, Awards Panel

Finalists: 

• Kelsey Rees (BEN)
• Mackenzie Clinch-Hoycard (GEE)
• Stephanie Gorman 
• Nya Lok (SMF)
• Lucy Olsen (TSV)
• Nicole Munger (UCC)

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Betty Watson Breakout Player of the Year

Celebrates a rising talent who showcased significant development and standout performances for their club in WNBL26. Votes are tallied in a 3–2–1 points system. 

To be eligible a player must be:

• Under 23 years of age at the conclusion of the season
• A Non-Restricted Player (AUS or NZL)
• Registered for no more than three seasons, WNBL26 inclusive (excl seasons registered as a Development Player)

Who votes: Head Coaches, Lead Assistant Coaches, Club Captains, Awards Panel

Finalists: 

• Tayla Brazel (ADL)
• Dallas Loughridge (ADL)
• Lilly Rotunno (GEE)
• Manuela Puoch (SMF)
• Jayda Clark (UCC)

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All-WNBL First and Second Teams

The All-WNBL First and Second Teams recognise the ten (10) Players who have delivered the most outstanding performances across WNBL26, including overall impact, consistency, and contribution to team success.

Two (2) votes will be assigned to Players selected for the All-WNBL First Team.

One (1) vote will be assigned to Players selected for the All-WNBL Second Team.

All players who have played at least one (1) match in WNBL26 are eligible.

Who votes: Head Coaches, Lead Assistant Coaches, Club Captains, Awards Panel

Finalists: 

• All players are eligible

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Referee of the Year

Recognises the official who consistently demonstrates excellence in decision-making, professionalism, and game management throughout WNBL26. Referees must have officiated a minimum of five (5) matches to be eligible. Votes are tallied in a 3–2–1 points system. 

Who votes: Head Coaches, All WNBL Referees, WNBL Head of Referees. 

Finalists: 

• All WNBL Referees who officiated a minimum of five (5) matches are eligible.

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Community Award 

This award is awarded to a Player who has made significant contributions to the community through time, actions and dedication. The award relates to activity undertaken in the relevant Season. 

(b) WNBL Clubs are required to nominate one (1) Player from their own Club. The nomination must include a brief description (2-3 paragraphs) on why the Player has been nominated and identify the Player’s nominated charity. 

Who votes: WNBL Leadership 

Finalists: 

• Tayla Brazel (ADL)
• Taylor Mole (GEE)
• Nya Lok (SMF)
• Alex Fowler (TSV)
• Catelyn Van E (TSV)

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Fans MVP

The Fans MVP has been voted upon by fans in a competition.  

Who votes: Fans

Finalists: 

• All players are eligible

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WNBL Awards Panel 

Robyn Maher - All-time Australian great 

Cheryl Chambers - Three-time Coach of the Year and Champion 

Tess Madgen - Former Opals captain 

Nathan Strempel - WNBL Expert

Joel Peterson - WNBL Expert

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