Checking in on the WNBL MVP race

We take a closer look at the leading contenders for the Suzy Batkovic Medal.

Image credit: Getty Images

Named after the six-time most valuable player in the league, Suzy Batkovic, this award has been won by a who’s who of Australian women ballers: Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor and Rachael Sporn are all multi-time winners.

This year, there’s a star-studded field all making their case to get their names on the trophy, from a long-time superstar of the WNBL to some truly impressive newcomers.

Here’s our guide to the leading contenders.

Melbourne Boomers - Jordin Canada

Coming into the league with a stellar resume (two-time WNBA champion, two-time WNBA steals leader, twice voted into the WNBA All-Defensive First Team), Canada has more than lived up to her billing as a force at both ends of the court.

Going into the FIBA break, she was ranked eighth in points per game (15.1) and was the league leader in assists per game (7.8). She’s relentless with the ball, always looking to push the pace and slash to the rim and has terrific court vision and unselfishness.

A vital part of Melbourne’s league-best defence (they’re only conceding 72.16 points per game), Canada has been elite as a perimeter stopper, drawing on all her ability to read the game and her cat-like quickness to pounce on a stray pass or loose handle. She terrorised the Perth Lynx with seven steals in one game and ranks as the equal league leader in steals with 2.9 per game.

In perhaps the season’s most impressive team performance, Melbourne’s 94-58 win over the defending champion Townsville Fire, Canada was dominant with 17 points and 10 assists and some stifling defence on star guards Sami Whitcomb and Steph Reid.

A consistent performer in a Boomers outfit whose form has waxed and waned at times (oddly, they’ve both beaten and lost to every other side), Canada’s impact at both ends makes her a deserved MVP frontrunner and potentially a history maker; she’d be the first American player to win the award.

Townsville Fire - Sami Whitcomb, Steph Reid

‘The best player on the best team’ is always a strong argument in an MVP conversation. There’s just one problem here – who is the best player on the Townsville Fire?