NEW TUESDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S DOMESTIC COMPETITION

Western Port Basketball Association (WPBA) is pleased to introduce a NEW Tuesday Night Women’s Domestic competition, in addition to the current Thursday mornings. If your current team is interested, or you would look to register an new club or independent team, we wish to hear from you! The Season would start on Tuesday 6 October 2026 – games would be between 7:00pm and 8:30pm.

12 August 2026

RACHAEL WANSBROUGH TO HIT 400 BIG V GAMES!

On Saturday 15 August, at the Championship Women’s Elimination Final, Rachael Wansbrough will suit up for game 400 with the Western Port Steelers, marking a remarkable milestone in a career spanning 20 years.

Very few players in the history of the league have amassed such an extraordinary list of achievements. Rachael’s career includes three championships, an international appearance against Japan, and a cabinet full of trophies and personal awards. She has long been known for her dominance on the boards and her scoring power—highlighted by an unforgettable 35–37 (points/rebounds) performance during her time with Mornington. Her consistency and impact across two decades have cemented her as one of the Big V’s most formidable competitors.

Rachael was first recruited into the Mornington Big V program by Warren Heigh during her junior years with the Frankston Blues. In 2012, she joined Justin Nelson at Warrandyte, where she and her team secured their first Women’s Championship in 2013. In 2015, Rachael followed Nelson to the Camberwell Dragons. Her move closer to home in 2017 saw her join Chelsea, where she claimed her second Championship with the Gulls.

Across her senior basketball journey, Rachael has been fortunate to play under several respected and experienced coaches. Warren Heigh (8 years), Justin Nelson (5 years), and Adrian Giblin (4 years/present) who have each shared tributes.

Warren Heigh, Western Port Basketball Vice President, and former coach: “Congratulations to Rachael on reaching the 400 Big V games milestone. I had the pleasure of recruiting and coaching Rachael as a young 16‑year‑old in her introduction to Big V at Mornington, where for a number of years she dominated all the statistical categories each season. Rachael moved up to Division One and then Championship with Justin Nelson, who polished her into the player she is today. It was my privilege to have been part of her journey and to be a friend over all these years. A great career and huge milestone, but I know we will see many more games in the years to come.”

Justin Nelson, Chief WNBL Operations Officer, and former coach: “I am so proud of Rachael reaching this amazing milestone. It is an accomplishment that the entire League should be celebrating. 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. I remain proud of the part I played in her career, but just as importantly, I know so many other coaches and teammates will feel just as proud of their involvement and time spent with Rachael. She is such a warrior and a true legend of the League. If Big V ever starts a Hall of Fame, which is long overdue, I would certainly hope Rachael Wansbrough is one of the first players inducted.”

Adrian Giblin, Western Port Basketball Association President, and current coach: “Congratulations Rachael on your amazing achievement of 400 Big V games. It’s been incredible to watch how you give your absolute best every time you step out on the court. I was lucky enough to coach Rachael for a small part of her wonderful career and would describe her as a warrior who gave everything game in and game out. Rachael left nothing on the floor and often played through pain and discomfort but never complained—she simply got on with giving her best for her team. Congratulations Rachael on 400 games of excellence!”

The Western Port Basketball Association joins all who know Rachael—and all who have watched her compete—in congratulating her on 400 Big V games. A monumental milestone and richly deserved.

Western Port Basketball Association

WESTERN PORT BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

WPBA APPOINTS VOS AS NEW DOC!

8 April 2026

WESTERN PORT BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

WPBA – ONE ASSOCIATION IDENTITY

19 March 2026