Simpson’s WNBL seasonover after injury blow

BENDIGO Spirit guard Micah Simpson will miss the rest of the WNBL season after tearing her ACL in the team’s win over Canberra Capitals last Friday night in Bendigo.

Simpson, a development player during the Spirit’s 2024-25 championship-winning season but elevated to the main roster this season, underwent scans early this week, which confirmed the injury.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Spirit said Simpson would consult with a surgeon shortly before starting her rehabilitation.

“Micah is an extremely popular member of our club and will be missed on court,” the statement read.

“Whilst we are devastated for her misfortune, we know that she will take this challenge head-on and come out the other side a better player.

“The club will continue to support Micah throughout her recovery and rehabilitation.”

Simpson, who plays NBL1 basketball for Ballarat Miners during the winter, has provided serious spark off the bench for the Spirit with her tough and highly-valued defence.

She produced a season-high six points and three rebounds before going down with the injury against Canberra.

Simpson is the second Spirit player to succumb to a season-ending injury, with Casey Samuels featuring in only two games before being ruled out with a foot injury.

The Spirit are also without five-time championship player and three-time Olympian Marianna Tolo, who is pregnant with her and husband Dan Jackson’s first child.