Jade Melbourne named to All-WNBL Second Team and WNBL Fan MVP, finalist for Community Assist Award
The UC Capitals star guard Jade Melbourne has been named to the All-WNBL Second Team and has repeated as the WNBL Fan MVP for the 2024/25 Cygnett WNBL season.
Starting and playing all 21 games this season, Jade averaged 15.7 points (team leading and 6th overall in the league), 5.8 rebounds, a league leading 6.8 assists per game, and 2 steals (3rd overall in the league) per game. She is joined in the Second Team by Bendigo’s Veronica Burton and Kelsey Griffin, and Perth’s Anneli Maley and Miela Sowah. It marks her second All-WNBL team selection, notching First Team honours last season.
“It’s a huge honour to be recognised among the best players in the league this season. It’s a testament to the work I’ve put in, and all the support that from my teammates, coaches, and the staff at the UC Capitals,” says Jade.
“It’s also special to be recognised by the fans once again. Every time I step on the floor, I always ensure that I give everything to help my team win and to put on a show for the fans. It’s a tremendous honour that the fans appreciate what I give to the game.”
In her fifth season with the Caps, Jade led the squad to within a win of a finals berth, doubling the team’s win total (8 wins) from the previous campaign. The 22-year old’s highlights include a triple double against the Southside Flyers in Round 13 and a career best 40-point effort against the league leading Bendigo Spirit to cap off the season. She will look to bring her improved overall game to Washington, as she embarks on her third WNBA campaign later in the year.
Jade was also among the finalists for the Community Assist Award for her continued work in the Canberra community and with the UC Capitals fans.
“The Canberra community and the Caps fans are the best and most supportive fans in the league. A lot of our success, we owe to the fans, so whether it’s showing up to community engagement events or just spending time with a kid for a chat, autograph and photo, I will always do my best to accommodate everyone,” she says.
Check out the full list of award winners here.