22nd July 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
With the Division 2 Men finals fast approaching, the race for the 2026 MVP is building towards an exciting finish. We take a look at some of the standout performers whose consistency and impact have helped shape the season.
From prolific scorers to dominant rebounders and all-round contributors, the Division 2 Men competition has delivered no shortage of standout individual performances throughout the season.
While every club is focused on finishing strongly and securing a finals berth, a number of players have consistently stepped up for their teams, making the race for the 2026 Division 2 Men MVP one of the competition's most intriguing storylines.
Southern Peninsula's Charles Elzie III has been one of the competition's most influential players this season, averaging 25.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Whether attacking the basket, knocking down shots from the perimeter or making an impact on the defensive end, Elzie has consistently found ways to influence games while leading from the front for Southern Peninsula.
Mildura's dynamic duo of Jack Saunders and Anthony Taylor have also provided plenty of offensive firepower throughout the season. Saunders has averaged 22.4 points per game, while Taylor has made an immediate impact with 22.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists per contest, giving Mildura one of the competition’s most dangerous combinations.
Warragul has again been well represented through the performances of Breyton Buysman and Jordan Gooiker. Buysman has continued to produce across the board with averages of 20.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, while Gooiker has added 17.9 points and 3.6 assists per contest, giving Warragul two players consistently making their mark throughout the season.
Sherbrooke's two-time Division 2 Men MVP Malik Potter has once again showcased his class, averaging 19.7 points per game while continuing to make valuable contributions across multiple facets of the game. His ability to create off the dribble, makes him one of the competition’s most dangerous offensive threats.
The battle on the boards has been just as impressive, with Warrnambool's Arcaim Lallemand, Wallan’s Nathan Aikman and Melton's Daniel Salvatore all averaging double-digit rebounds this season. Lallemand and Aikman have each averaged 10.2 rebounds per game, while Salvatore has continued to anchor Melton with an impressive double-double average of 11.7 points and rebounds per contest. Mildura’s Dru Pilmore has also continued to make his presence felt inside, averaging 9.6 rebounds and a competition leading 2.8 blocks per game.
Warrnambool’s Harry McGorm has been another consistent offensive contributor, averaging 19.8 points per game to round out another talented group of players in the MVP conversation. Basketball Victoria Big V League Manager Andrew West said the Division 2 Men competition had continued to showcase the quality and competitiveness that defines the Big V.
"Division 2 Men has been incredibly competitive all season, and it's been great to see players across the league consistently stepping up for their teams," West said.
"What stands out is the depth of talent right across the competition. Every week we're seeing different players produce match-winning performances, and with finals just around the corner, I'm looking forward to seeing how both the race for the championship and the race for MVP unfold."
With only a handful of rounds remaining, every result will play an important role as clubs chase finals success and players continue to build on already impressive seasons.
The Race to MVP series celebrates some of the standout performers across the Big V competition. With finals approaching, the race for individual honours remains wide open as players continue to help drive their teams towards postseason success.
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For Media Enquiries:
Maree DeGeorge
Basketball Victoria
Media & Communications Specialist
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
0499 851 266
