Wilson to make WNBL return for Bendigo

Wilson comes in as an Injury Replacement Player for Micah Simpson, who unfortunately ruptured her ACL in last Friday’s home win over Canberra.

Wilson is ineligible to play for Bendigo in the upcoming 2025-26 WNBL post-season, but can suit up for the reigning champs in their final three games of the regular season against Geelong, Perth and Townsville.

The 42-year-old is the currently WNBL games record holder, and also a five-time WNBL Champion.

Wilson last took to the WNBL court on March 9, 2025, in game two of the WNBL25 Grand Final series against the Townsville Fire in Townsville, where the Spirit romped in the Championship inside two games.  Unbeknownst to the general public, Wilson was in the early stages of pregnancy at the time.

A Bendigo local, Wilson originally sat out the WNBL26 after giving birth to her second child last September, but has said she was excited for the opportunity to get back on the court.

“With our family still based in Bendigo, it’s been great to still be around and involved with the team where I can,” Wilson said. “It’s been really impressive to see how the team has continued to evolve, and particularly how the younger players have developed with each and every game.  To still be as successful on-court as they have been with [Marianna] Tolo announcing her pregnancy last year, and also losing Casey [Samuels] and Micah at various points due to injury, is testament to everyone involved with the club.”

“Whilst I’m absolutely gutted for Micah, I’m excited to get back on court again, get a taste of that competitive spirit, and contribute where I can to help get the team in the optimum position for finals."

“We’re thrilled to have Kelly back in Spirit colours,” Spirit General Manager, Dan Jackson, said.  “Her experience and basketball IQ is an asset to any team she is a part of, and so we’re really excited that the fans – especially those coming to our final home game in Bendigo on Sunday – will have the chance to see her in action again.”

“Although she can’t play finals, we’re all about doing everything we can to put ourselves in the best possible position to defend our Championship.  If having Kelly on the team for those three games helps us just 1%, then she’s more than done her job.”

The Spirit – including Wilson - will travel to Geelong tomorrow evening to take on the Venom at Geelong Arena.