Wehrung elevated to Spirit leadership group

BALLARAT basketball export Abbey Wehrung says she is privileged to be a part of the Bendigo Spirit’s leadership group for the 2025-26 WNBL season.

Daylesford-born Wehrung – a member of the Spirit’s 2024-25 championship winning team – was voted into the group by her teammates as vice-captain behind co-captains Kelsey Griffin and Marianna Tolo.

A rising leader, the 29-year-old lockdown defender and sharpshooter has entered the new season off the back of a brilliant 24-25 campaign in which she was named the WNBL’s sixth woman of the year.

She averaged 7.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists, shooting 38.9 percent from the arc.

Wehrung’s elevation to the leadership group was recognition of her selflessness and ability to thrive in any role.

“It’s a privilege to be part of this leadership group,” Wehrung said.

“Being from the local region, this club means a lot to me, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help lead and support our team.”

Bendigo Spirit general manager Dan Jackson said the leadership group reflected the club’s values and vision heading into the new season.

“Kelsey, Marianna and Abbey are the perfect leadership trio for a relatively new-look Spirit line-up this year,” Jackson said.

“They bring a balance of experience, connection and character, and will be instrumental as we look to defend our championship and continue building a strong club culture off the court.”

The Spirit’s championship defence got off to a rough start against last year’s grand final rival Townsville Fire last Sunday.

Playing in front of a big home crowd at Red Energy Arena, the Spirit were beaten 74-66.

After they trailed by 10 points at half-time, the Spirit lifted to pull within one point of the Fire at three-quarter time.

The Spirit, led by star recruit Isobel Borlase (17 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals) and Tolo (14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks), hit the lead early in the final quarter, before the Fire regained their earlier momentum to run out eight-point winners.

It was a small measure of retribution for the Fire after last season’s 2-0 grand final series loss.

The Fire were beaten in five out of five games against the Spirit last season.

New import Megan McConnell showed signs of promise for the Spirit with nine points, three assists and two rebounds.

Guard Abbey Ellis starred for the Fire with 31 points, going six for nine from beyond the arc, and grabbing 10 rebounds.

The Spirit will play one home game in Ballarat at Selkirk Stadium this season, against Geelong Venom on Friday 5 December.