BASKETBALL

WNBL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

 

IN line with Jade Melbourne’s arrival at the Bendigo Spirit, the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) announced more games in the Traralgon local’s hometown for the upcoming season.

After hosting its first game in the Latrobe Valley last year since 2023, the Spirit are back for two more matches once the next season tips off.

Bendigo will face-off against Sydney Flames, who posses the talents of Moe’s Jaz Shelley, on December 18 at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium.

When each of the Latrobe Valley locals matchup in the Friday night blockbuster, it will be the first time either are in new colours in the WNBL.

Shelley exited Geelong Venom after two seasons, firstly signing with NBL1 East club Norths Bears, before agreeing to a deal with WNBL-affiliate Sydney a short time after.

On January 31, 2027, the Spirit will then take on latest WNBL expansion franchise, Tasmania Jewels, at GRISS in the last round before finals.

The Jewels will be the ninth team in the competition, and the first since Geelong in 2024, who’s debut player signing was Shelley.

Bendigo General Manager, Dan Jackson said the club is proud to again be playing games across regional Victoria.

“While Bendigo will always be our home, we are also passionate about being regional Victoria’s team, creating access, visibility and inspiration for young girls and boys right across the state,” he said.

“The support we’ve received in Ballarat and Traralgon over recent seasons has been fantastic, and we’re excited to return to those communities again this year.

“Particularly, having signed Jade – who started her basketball journey in Traralgon – we know these games will resonate strongly with fans right across the region.”

Bendigo featured in a regular season game against Perth Lynx at GRISS last November, after the top women’s basketball league vacated the Latrobe Valley for a number of years.

The now defunct Melbourne Boomers were central in matches played in Traralgon across multiple seasons dating back to 2018, which in the latter years included games against Melbourne and the University of Canberra Capitals.

In a exclusive interview with the Express in 2024, when the Boomers were transitioning out of the WNBL, former club chairperson Tony Hallam said playing games in Traralgon with its local star (Melbourne) was central to further regional opportunities.

However, once it returned last year, that did not happen.

Local WNBL supporters will now be treated to double the Latrobe Valley talent, with both of its stars returning home.