22nd July 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
With the Division 2 Women 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, teamwork and impact have helped shape another highly competitive season.
Shared leadership, consistency and team-first performances have been defining features of the Division 2 Women competition this season.
As clubs prepare for the final push towards finals, players across the league have continued to step up in different ways, whether through scoring, rebounding, creating opportunities for teammates or making crucial defensive plays. With several clubs boasting multiple players among the competition's standout performers, the depth of talent across Division 2 Women has been evident all season.
Wallan has set the benchmark with a trio of players making their mark throughout the regular season. Emmie Gardiner has continued to dominate inside, averaging 16.1 points and a competition leading 15.3 rebounds per game, while Ranika Guyton has provided outstanding offensive production with 22.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest. Carly Cranston has also played an important role, contributing across the board with 9.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.0 assist per game.
Surf Coast has again been well represented through the performances of Deja McKinney and Candice Rogers. McKinney has continued to impress with averages of 19.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, while Rogers has remained a commanding presence on the boards, averaging a double-double with 15.5 points and 11.2 rebounds.
Chelsea's depth has also been on display throughout the season. Stephanie Pal has consistently delivered at both ends of the floor averaging 15.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, while Ashleigh Udesike has provided a strong inside presence with 15.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest. Eilidh Vanderwal has showcased her versatility contributing across every facet of the game with strong rebounding, playmaking and defensive pressure.
Blackburn teammates Alysha Casey and Madeline Phillips have each continued to produce consistent performances' with Casey’s all-round game and Phillips’ scoring making them key contributors throughout the season. Coburg's Lakota Beatty has also made a significant impact, averaging 19.9 points and 4.9 assists 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 Women competition had continued to highlight the strength and depth of the Big V.
"One of the real strengths of Division 2 Women this season has been the number of players making meaningful contributions to their teams," West said.
"Across the competition we've seen athletes impacting games in a variety of ways, and it's that consistency and willingness to put the team first that has helped make this such a competitive season. 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 the regular season entering its final rounds, every performance presents another opportunity for players to help build momentum heading into finals. With so many athletes enjoying impressive campaigns, the race for the 2026 Division 2 Women 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
