Booth signs with Braves

EMERGING Spirit guard Georgia Booth will be staying put in Bendigo this winter, committing to the Braves for the 2026 NBL1 South season.

The 23-year-old joins the Braves program under former Opals star Tess Madgen following a brilliant NBL1 season last year with Dandenong Rangers in which she was shortlisted as a finalist for Women’s Youth Player of the Year.

Her strong NBL1 campaign was instrumental in Booth being offered a full WNBL contract with the Spirit in 2025-26, after spending the club’s 2024-25 championship season as a development player.

Booth rewarded the Spirit with a strong season in her role off the bench, averaging 3.6 points and 1.96 rebounds, highlighted by equal season-highs of 11 points in back-to-back games against Adelaide Lightning and Perth Lynx in November.

She is the second Spirit player to be signed by the Braves this off-season, alongside Olivia Pollerd.

Madgen sees unlimited potential in Booth, who established herself as a dual code talent, playing with Port Melbourne’s VFLW team in 2024-25.

“I’m really excited to work with Georgia in the upcoming NBL1 season,” Madgen said.

“She is a tremendous athlete, but an even better person.

“She really proved herself as a three-point shooter last NBL1 season and we can’t wait to work together to continue building her game.

“Georgia has an outstanding work ethic; she is tough and she’s a great teammate, attributes that can take her wherever she wants to go.

“I have a great belief in G and we’ll do everything we can help her to achieve the goals she’s set for herself.”

Booth enjoyed a breakout season for the Rangers in 2025, averaging 14.08 points, 2.21 assists and 6.63 rebounds and nearly two steals per game.

She is part of a growing stable of athletes managed by Stella Athlete management, under the guidance of former WNBL star and head coach Sally Phillips.

Phillips said she was genuinely excited for Booth.

“First and foremost she is an incredible athlete who has been juggling her basketball and VFLW career,” she said.

“On the court, Georgia is taking giant leaps forward in her development. And what is most impressive is her strong work ethic.

“Georgia is doing all the right things on and off the court to give herself the best chance of establishing herself as a WNBL star.”

Booth last year became the second player in three years to be promoted from development player to fully contracted with the Spirit, following in the footsteps of teammate Micah Simpson.

Other confirmed signings for the Braves women include Jessica Smith, Hannah Hank, Ahlise Hurst and Mia Harvey.

The Braves launch their season on the road against Ballarat Miners on 28 March.