30
Jun
Marquee Signing
Melbourne back in Victoria with Borlase's Bendigo
Isobel Borlase and Jade Melbourne pose together after the Seattle Storm's game against the Atlanta Dream at Climate Pledge Arena on June 27, 2026. The Australian Opals teammates will reunite as teammates for the Bendigo Spirit in the 2026-27 WNBL season. Photo: Liv Lyons/NBAE via Getty Images.
Jade Melbourne returns to Victoria, joining Izzy Borlase's Bendigo after four leaving Canberra
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WNBL26 Coach of the Year Kennedy Kereama has secured the biggest free agent signing of the WNBL off-season – Jade Melbourne.
Melbourne, 23, signed with the WNBL25 champions Bendigo Spirit today (June 30, 2026) after announcing she was leaving the Canberra Capitals.
“Coming back to Victoria means so much to me,” Melbourne said.
“I grew up there, and it’s where my basketball journey started, so to now represent the Spirit and play in front of that community is really special.
“The vision of the club really resonated with me – being part of a team that represents all of regional Victoria and connects with so many communities is something I’m incredibly proud to be joining.”
Bendigo Spirit general manager Dan Jackson said: “Jade is one of the most exciting players in Australian basketball and someone who already has an incredible résumé at such a young age.
“To bring an athlete of her calibre, leadership and professionalism into our program is a huge result for the Spirit.
“Just as importantly, Jade’s story reflects exactly what we stand for as regional Victoria’s team.
“She’s a product of Gippsland and regional pathways, and now she’ll be inspiring the next generation by playing in those same communities.
Kereama is waiting to hear whether WNBL superstar Kelsey Griffin, 38, will continue her stellar career while building a championship contender that already includes Atlanta Dream rookie WNBL26 MVP Izzy Borlase, Georgia Booth, Olivia Pollerd, Kelsey Rees, Casey Samuels and Abbey Wehrung.
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