13
Jun
New Signing
Casey Samuels back to defend Bendigo Spirit title
Casey Samuels of the Spirit celebrates the win during the round 13 WNBL match between Bendigo Spirit and Adelaide Lightning at Red Energy Arena on January 24, 2025 in Bendigo. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images
Bendigo Spirit reveal second signing of 2025 WNBL free agency as Casey Samuels returns for 2025-26
- Veteran forward Casey Samuels has re-signed with the defending champions Bendigo Spirit
- Samuels joins Isobel Borlase as the club's first two official signings of the 2025 free agency period
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Emerging Australian Opals star Isobel Borlase has her first official teammate on the defending champion Bendigo Spirit.
The Spirit announced they hav re-signed championship forward Casey Samuels, 30, to a two-year extension on Friday, June 13, 2025
“I’m really excited to stay in Bendigo and be continuing on with the Spirit for at least the next two years,” Samuels said.
“Last year’s championship win and everything we went through to get to that point was such a thrill to be a part of — even the tough moments — so I’m looking forward to getting the group back together and seeing what we can achieve as we work to defend our title.”
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Samuels is heading into her 14th year in the WNBL after debuting with the Canberra Capitals in 2012.
Spirit general Manager Dan Jackson said Casey's decision to stay with Bendigo was more than just basketball.
“Re-signing Casey for another two years is a real positive for our club,” Jackson said.
“Her experience, skill and forward-thinking has been an absolute asset to the Spirit on-court, and she’s now a really valued member of the Bendigo community off it as well.
“The way she stepped into our starting five at the start of last season when [captain] Kelsey [Griffin] was injured, I think really highlighted what a valuable player she is and how important she is to our team.
"We look forward to seeing her game continue to evolve over the next two seasons."
The Spirit are re-tooling after reigning WNBL MVP Sami Whitcomb decided to leave the club to play in Turkey next season.
The status of Spirit stars Marianna Tolo, Kelsey Griffin and Veronica Burton, who is tearing it up for the Golden State Valkyries, is still uncertain.
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