Spirit bolster line-up with comeback Clarke

BENDIGO Spirit’s WNBL championship defence has received an injection of experience, athleticism and versatility with the signing of Emma Clarke.

The 25-year-old guard/forward has been added to the squad as a nominated replacement player for the remainder of the 2025–26 season.

It follows the pre-Christmas withdrawal from the line-up of five-time WNBL champion Marianna Tolo due to pregnancy and loss through injury of Casey Samuels.

Clarke suited up for the first time in last Monday night’s clash against her former team Sydney Flames, at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

She spent the previous three seasons with the Flames, following a pair of seasons with Perth Lynx.

The Spirit are counting on Clarke to bring her elite shooting, size and experience to the Spirit lineup.

Clarke has already built an impressive resume. After developing through Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence and representing Australia at junior international tournaments, she played NCAA Division I basketball at the University of Colorado before beginning her professional career with the Lynx.

She then spent three seasons with the Flames, where she became a key contributor.

After rehabbing a knee injury during the first part of the 2025-26 season, Clarke joins the Spirit as cover Samuels, who recently underwent foot surgery, and Tolo, who announced her pregnancy in November and will miss the remainder of the season.

Clarke said she was looking forward to returning to the WNBL arena.

“I’m really excited to join the Spirit and play under (head coach) Kennedy (Kereama) with such a successful group,” Clarke said.

“The team has been so welcoming, and KG (co-captain Kelsey Griffin) is a great leader.

“I’m keen to be versatile and play whatever role the team needs – whether that’s knocking down threes, getting rebounds, guarding good players … basically doing whatever it takes to contribute to winning.

“I haven’t been in a position before where a team is competing for a championship, so I’m looking forward to embracing that challenge as we head into the back half of the season.”

Spirit general manager, Dan Jackson said it was great to see Clarke already gelling well with the group both on and off the court.

“Emma is a fantastic addition to our group,” he said.

“Her versatility and experience at both WNBL and international level will give us great depth and flexibility as we head into the second half of the season, as we look towards defending our title.”

Clarke has previously been a member of various Australian 3×3 squads.