Means so much’: Spirit pull off massive coup

BENDIGO Spirit has made the biggest splash of the WNBL off-season so far, landing the prize signature of Australian Opal Jade Melbourne.

Regarded as one of the brightest stars in Australian basketball, Melbourne makes her way to the Spirit following six seasons in Canberra with the UC Capitals, where she established herself as a cornerstone of the program.

Still just 23, Melbourne has already amassed more than 100 WNBL games, earned international honours with the Opals and built an impressive resume that includes a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and success at the FIBA Asia Cup.

She is currently playing in the WNBA with Seattle Storm, having gone head-to-head in her most recent game on the weekend with reigning league and Spirit MVP Izzy Borlase, who is in her debut season with Atlanta Fever

In a pointer of things to come, the pair were pictured together at the end of the game, won by Melbourne's Storm 105-90.

Melbourne finished the contest with 10 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal in one of her best performances of the season to date.

It followed an 18-point game and seven assists in a 25 June win over New York Liberty.

Melbourne was initially selected in the third round of the 2022 WNBA draft by the Storm, becoming the youngest player in the league.

In 2023, she was traded to the Washington Mystics, where she spent two seasons, eventually making her way back to Seattle earlier this year.

She is currently averaging 5.5 points, 2.3 assists and 1.6 rebounds per game, with her court time having risen in recent outings.

A dynamic guard known for her pace, creativity and leadership, Melbourne captained the WNBL's Capitals last season and has become one of the faces of the WNBL.

Spirit general manager Dan Jackson said crucially for the club and its fans, Melbourne's story is deeply connected to regional Victoria.

Hailing from Traralgon, where she began her basketball journey with the Traralgon Amateur Basketball Association, her return to regional Victoria as part of Bendigo Spirit represents a powerful full-circle moment.

Melbourne said the opportunity to return home and represent regional Victoria was a major factor in her decision to sign with the Spirit, who finished their 2024-25 championship defence in third place behind Townsville Fire and Perth Lynx.

"Coming back to Victoria means so much to me," she 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."

Her signing is subject to WNBL review and approval.

Jackson hailed Melbourne's arrival as a 'landmark moment' for the club.

"Jade is one of the most exciting players in Australian basketball and someone who already has an incredible résumé at such a young age," Jackson said.

"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."

Melbourne joins Borlase, Abbey Wehrung, Olivia Pollerd, Kelsey Rees, Georgia Booth, and Casey Samuels contracted players for the WNBL27 season.

Only Emma Clarke, a member of the Australian Gangurrus team that won a silver medal at the recent 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Poland, has so far been announced as a departure from last year's roster.

The 26-year-old forward has signed with Townsville Fire.

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