19th August 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge

Melbourne, VICTORIA – From a 16-year-old at Mornington to 400 Big V games, Rachael Wansbrough reflects on the people, perseverance and love of the game behind an extraordinary career.

Four hundred games ago, Rachael Wansbrough was a 16-year-old stepping into senior basketball with the Mornington Breakers.

She couldn't have imagined then where the game would take her.

Championships with three different clubs. Individual accolades. An international appearance against Japan. Two ankle reconstructions. Lifelong friendships. And now, 400 Big V games.

Wansbrough reached the remarkable milestone on Saturday in Western Port's elimination final against Pakenham.

While the result didn't fall the Steelers' way, bringing their 2026 season to an end, the significance of what Wansbrough has achieved stretches well beyond one game.

"Reaching 400 games makes me feel grateful that I've had the opportunity to step out on court each week with not only great teammates, but coaches who believed in me season after season and knew what energy and passion I could bring to the game," Wansbrough said.

"I've always had so much dedication to the game, and reaching each milestone has always been a special moment to me."

Wansbrough's Big V journey began at Mornington under Warren Heigh, who recruited her into the senior program while she was still a junior with Frankston.

She was just 16, but it didn't take long for her to make her mark.

"My early years in Big V, I remember achieving a lot of accolades that I can always be proud of, and still am," she said.

"After a few seasons I felt ready to improve and compete at a higher level, to really challenge myself and build my game."

That pursuit took her from Mornington to Warrandyte, where she won a Women's Championship in 2013, before stints with Camberwell and Chelsea and, ultimately, Western Port.

Across the journey came three championships with three different clubs – Warrandyte, Chelsea and Western Port – an international appearance against Japan and a long list of individual honours.

There were some extraordinary performances too, including an unforgettable 35-point, 37-rebound game during her time at Mornington.

"I never believed as a young player I would achieve any of this in my career," Wansbrough said.

Heigh, who was there when it all began, said it had been a privilege to watch the young player he first coached build such an enduring career.

"It was my privilege to have been part of her journey and to be a friend over all these years," Heigh said.

"A great career and huge milestone."

Reaching 400 hasn't come without challenges.

Wansbrough has undergone two full ankle reconstructions, with the most recent following last season. Persistent discomfort in her ankle and heel eventually revealed a two-centimetre piece of bone that required surgery, an injury that at one stage threatened to bring her career to an end.

But after last year's finals, 400 was already on her mind.

"After the finals last year, 400 games was lingering and gave me the desire to keep going," she said.

Cleared to return in early March, just three weeks before the season began, Wansbrough went on to play all 23 games in 2026 to reach the milestone.

"I was grateful that I was able to get back on court, play State Championship and compete in all 23 games to reach my milestone," she said.

For Wansbrough, 400 is also an achievement shared with those who have been part of the journey.

She credits Heigh, Justin Nelson and Adrian Giblin with helping shape the player she became and keeping her love of the game strong.

"They've all played a huge part in my success as a player and put a lot of time into shaping me to be the player I am today," she said.

"They were always believing in me and pushing me to be the best I could be.

"The care they all had for not only myself but the team, on and off the court, made it easy for me to keep playing and to keep enjoying basketball."

Nelson believes that love for the game sits at the heart of Wansbrough's longevity.

"The dedication, resilience, adaptability and sheer persistence it takes to reach 400 games cannot be understated, but most of all, the love Rachael has for the game is at another level," Nelson said.

"She is such a warrior and a true legend of the League."

And while clubs, teammates and coaches have changed over the years, two people have remained constants in the stands.

"The biggest thank you is to my parents, coming and watching me play all over Victoria each week for over 20 years," Wansbrough said.

"My number one supporters."

It's perhaps why, when Wansbrough reflects on what basketball has given her, she doesn't start with championships, awards or statistics.

"Beyond the court, basketball has given me lifelong friends and memories that I will cherish forever," she said.

And after 400 games, she still isn't talking like someone ready to walk away.

"As each year finishes, it just never really feels like it's the last just yet," she said.

"You're mentally ready for the break, but you're also preparing yourself for another pre-season. As long as my body can keep going, I'll keep playing."

And as her career continues, so too does the legacy she hopes to leave for the next generation.

"I'm pretty proud of everything I've accomplished and the legacy that I've built and continue to build," Wansbrough said.

"Now being at the back end of my career, I love being a role model for the young kids that look up to me, and I'm very humbled by the opportunity and the support I've been given over two decades."

-Ends-

Photos Courtesy of Tash Warden Photography

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