Melbourne, Puoch, Munger, Bobongie recognised at Caps awards
UC Capitals captain and All-WNBL Second Team Guard Jade Melbourne has been named the club’s Most Valuable Player for the third consecutive year.
The award caps off another stellar Caps season for Jade, who averaged 15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and a league high 6.8 assists per game. She was also named as the WNBL Fan MVP for 2024/25, highlighted by a career-high 40-point performance in a win against the Bendigo Spirit last Saturday afternoon.
Nyadiew Puoch was rewarded for her strong presence on the defensive side of the court, winning the Kellie Abrams Defensive Player of the Year award. ‘Nards’ had several standout performances this season and played a key role in a number of Capitals wins, often tasked with guarding some of the best players in the league. In her first season with the Caps, she more than doubled her scoring average (13.2ppg), in addition to her stellar defense, while starting all 21 games for the club.
Puoch also shared the Capital on the Rise Award with Monique Bobongie. In her first season as a pro, the 18-year-old averaged 6.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists, while starting 9 of 21 games, showing flashes of her potential throughout the season.
Nicole Munger rounded out the award winners, claiming the Player’s Player award. The third-year Cap played her 50th game in the WNBL this season and was the constant source of energy for the team both on and off the court. Munger had a number of signature games for the Caps this season, including a pair of 24-point performances against Sydney and Adelaide.
Head Coach Paul Gorris spoke about his players and their development this season, before reaffirming the aspirations of the UC Capitals heading into next season.
“There has been huge growth from an individual standpoint, and a huge growth overall for our team. From our chemistry and our improvements especially at the defensive end, it has been a change since Christmas,” he said.
“We’ll put a formula together to make us a top four team – that’s the goal. We were close this year with a young and inexperienced team and now, our job is to figure out how we can make this team even better.”
The club also recognised its matchday volunteers with the Sixth Player of the Year Award.
“Our volunteers ensured that our operations remained smooth, helping us put on an incredible sports entertainment experience for our fans each matchday,” said UC Capitals GM Lucille Bailie.
“Our entire matchday team, particularly our volunteers and the hard work they’ve put in throughout the season, underpinned our successful return home to the AIS Arena.”