Braves women ready with stars at the helm

Champions IGA Bendigo Braves Women’s coach Mark Alabakov is confident leading into the 2023 NBL1 South season, with a roster spearheaded by the first ever WNBA player to turn out for the club.

Hot off a stint at the WNBA with LA Sparks, and the Perth Lynx in the WNBL, Amy Atwell is the Braves women’s major signing this season, joining a list of both experienced and young quality players.

Atwell will work beside club and league legend Kelly Wilson, who is suiting up for yet another season.

They will both be quality feeders to WNBL star Meg McKay, and provide important outside options.

Like McKay, Cassidy McLean has signed up for the next two years after her best NBL1 season last year.

Bendigo’s depth will be improved with the re-signing of Maddie Sexton and the recruitment of former Bendigo Spirit development player Kasey Burton.

New faces include another former Spirit development player, Shepparton state representative Isabelle Whitelaw, who will play a key role inside and out for Bendigo. 

Young guns Erin Condon, Meg McCarthy, Caitlin Richardson, Lavinia Cox, and Taylor Stibbe will return for Bendigo this season.

Jess Mangan is returning to Bendigo, Poppy Blanch is taking the step up after a strong Youth League season, as is Castlemaine local Milly Wicks.

With the best record in the competition of any club over the past two years, Bendigo’s women  players have been targeted aggressively by other clubs in the NBL1 South competition, and New Zealand.

Despite that, Alabakov is excited by the side he has put together.

“We had to replace Abbey Wehrung (Ballarat), which is almost impossible, and the offensive production of Tess Madgen,” he said.

“That’s where Atwell and Burton are massive gets for the club. They have both come here to improve, and we have seen over the years with Tessa Lavey, Tess Madgen, and Meg McKay, players who stick with us get Opals spots or squad spots. That’s what Amy is looking for.

“Amy gives us quality perimeter shooting and leadership on the court.

“Kasey is the Draymond Green of Bendigo. She doesn’t need to get 20 shots up each week to have a big impact.”

Alabakov has worked hard with the young players in the off season, and is confident they’ll play a bigger role this year.

“Coming out of last year’s conference final, we needed the ability to play deeper on our bench, and we have that this year,” he said.

“There are certainly minutes up for grabs. I can’t wait to get started.”