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.<\/p>\n
Daylesford-born Wehrung \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
She averaged 7.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists, shooting 38.9 percent from the arc.<\/p>\n
Wehrung’s elevation to the leadership group was recognition of her selflessness and ability to thrive in any role.<\/p>\n
“It’s a privilege to be part of this leadership group,” Wehrung said.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Bendigo Spirit general manager Dan Jackson said the leadership group reflected the club’s values and vision heading into the new season.<\/p>\n
“Kelsey, Marianna and Abbey are the perfect leadership trio for a relatively new-look Spirit line-up this year,” Jackson said.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
The Spirit’s championship defence got off to a rough start against last year’s grand final rival Townsville Fire last Sunday.<\/p>\n
Playing in front of a big home crowd at Red Energy Arena, the Spirit were beaten 74-66.<\/p>\n
After they trailed by 10 points at half-time, the Spirit lifted to pull within one point of the Fire at three-quarter time.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It was a small measure of retribution for the Fire after last season’s 2-0 grand final series loss.<\/p>\n
The Fire were beaten in five out of five games against the Spirit last season.<\/p>\n
New import Megan McConnell showed signs of promise for the Spirit with nine points, three assists and two rebounds.<\/p>\n
Guard Abbey Ellis starred for the Fire with 31 points, going six for nine from beyond the arc, and grabbing 10 rebounds.<\/p>\n
The Spirit will play one home game in Ballarat at Selkirk Stadium this season, against Geelong Venom on Friday 5 December.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 \u2013 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 […]<\/p>\n