Retaining the league’s most dominant and rapidly rising young player marks a major coup for the Spirit. Borlase first joined Bendigo ahead of the WNBL26 season in what was described as one of the biggest free‑agency moves of 2025, a decision driven by her desire to grow her basketball IQ and prepare for a sustained WNBA career. Playing under head coach, Kennedy Kereama, and learning from senior players such as Kelsey Griffin and Marianna Tolo were a key part of her decision.
That choice paid off spectacularly. In her debut season with the Spirit she delivered a historic and electrifying campaign, being crowned the WNBL26 MVP after averaging 22.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, while shooting an elite 45-46% from the field and an exceptional 90% from the free‑throw line. Her performances included a 42‑point masterclass in Round 15, making her just the 11th player in WNBL history to reach the 42‑point mark in a game, and the first to do so since Penny Taylor in 2002.
Her dominance, efficiency and ability to perform under pressure made a significant impression across the league, with key WNBL pundits calling her the season’s ‘benchmark for excellence’ and praising her consistency, competitiveness and clutch mentality. Aged just 21, She also became the youngest Bendigo Spirit player ever to win the League MVP, and placed herself among legends such as Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor, Alison Cook and Liz Cambage, who all won the same award at the same age, or younger.
Beyond the numbers, Borlase’s growth during her first season at Bendigo was widely recognised. Her game expanded significantly, including her decision‑making, strength, leadership and versatility all elevating in an environment built to challenge and support her.
Spirit General Manager, Dan Jackson, said securing Borlase for another season was a massive statement of intent.
“Izzy has become one of the most impactful and electrifying players in Australian basketball, and retaining her is enormous for our club. Her growth since arriving in Bendigo has been extraordinary - she’s developed not just as a scorer, but as a leader and all‑round competitor. She elevates everyone around her, and she embodies exactly what we stand for as a program. We are thrilled she’s returning and can’t wait to see what she brings to the court next season.”
Borlase – who is currently plying her trade for the Australian Opals at the FIBA World Cup Qualifying tournament in Türkiye - said she felt a deep connection to Bendigo and was excited to build on what she and the club have created.
“It feels right to come back,” Borlase reiterated. “Bendigo has helped me grow so much on and off the court, and I love playing in this environment with this group. I’m grateful to be part of it for another season, and I hope I can contribute to the point where we can go that extra step in finals next year.”
With her re‑signing, Isobel Borlase joins Casey Samuels and Kelsey Rees as the Spirit’s current contracted players for the WNBL27 season.
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