23rd July 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
With the Division One Mens 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 leadership, consistency and impact have helped shape another highly competitive season.
High-level performances and strong partnerships have been defining features of the Division One Men competition this season.
As clubs prepare for the final push towards finals, players across the league have continued to lead from the front, producing influential performances while helping their teams remain firmly in the hunt. With several clubs boasting multiple players among the competition's standout performers, the race for the 2026 Division One Men MVP remains wide open.
Chelsea has been led by Gerrard Newby and Anthony Williams, who have both put together outstanding seasons. Newby has averaged 24.9 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, while Williams has provided another reliable scoring option with 23.8 points per contest, giving Chelsea one of the competition's most potent combinations.
Whittlesea's Brendan Young has also produced another dominant campaign, averaging 27.3 points and 12.4 rebounds per game to establish himself among the competition’s leading performers.
Western Port has showcased its depth throughout the season, with Bryce Mitchell, Benjamin Hall and Paul Brotherson all playing important roles. Mitchell has averaged 18.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, while Hall has added 20.1 points and 3.1 assists per contest. Brotherson has continued to provide a strong inside presence, highlighting the balance of Western Port's line-up.
SurfCoast teammates Jacob Daniels and Cohen Blythe have each produced impressive seasons. Daniels has been among the competition's leading scorers with 22.0 points per game, while Blythe has combined scoring, playmaking and defensive pressure with averages of 14.9 points, 4.5 assists and 2.9 steals per game. Blackburn's Jake Heath and Craigieburn's Shawndale Jones Jr have also continued to light up the scoreboard throughout the season. Heath has averaged 23.6 points per game, while Jones Jr has contributed 23.1 points per contest, further highlighting the quality spread across the division.
Basketball Victoria Big V League Manager Andrew West said the Division One Men competition had continued to showcase the quality and competitiveness of the Big V.
"Division One Men has delivered an outstanding standard of basketball this season, with players consistently stepping up and producing performances that have helped shape a fiercely competitive competition," West said.
"It's been fantastic to see so many athletes leading by example and making important contributions to their teams. With finals just around the corner, every game becomes even more significant, and I'm looking forward to seeing how both the race for the championship and the race for MVP unfold."
With the regular season entering its final rounds, every performance presents another opportunity for players to help their teams build momentum heading into finals. With so many athletes producing outstanding seasons, the race for the 2026 Division One Men MVP promises to go right down to the wire.
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
