Australian Opal Anneli Maley has announced she will sign with the NBL1 West’s Perth Redbacks for the 2024 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 season.
The most prominent signing in conference history, the WNBL MVP will stay in Perth for the winter after her first season with the Perth Lynx.
In the WNBL with the Lynx, she is averaging 13.9 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the sixth-placed team going into Round 14.
The former WNBA player and bronze medallist at the 2022 FIBA Women's World Cup played for her hometown Eltham Wildcats the past two NBL1 seasons, averaging a colossal 19.9 points, 15.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists for the Finals team.
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“The facilities here (in Perth) and the basketball community are just a recipe for success,” Maley told NBL Media.
“I’m really excited, I cannot wait… I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the NBL1 season than in Perth.”
She explained Perth has become a “second home”, allowing her to prepare for the 24/25 WNBL season as well as training towards a roster spot for the Paris Olympics.
Redbacks head coach Tim Rendulic said he cannot wait to bring the highly decorated forward into his team.
“It's a fantastic opportunity bringing in someone of Anneli's calibre to the club not only for her new teammates, but the wider association as well,” he told NBL Media.
“For Redback members and fans, they get a chance to see one of the country's top athletes going about her profession in a more up close & personal manner. It's a rare opportunity for basketball fans alike to see a former WNBL MVP, WNBL captain and current Opal/3x3 squad member with WNBA experience hitting the floor at the Belmont Oasis in 2024.”
He explained Maley’s impact on the team will fit perfectly within the culture of the club.
“We're really confident Anneli will fit in with the club culture and hit the ground running,” Rendulic said.
“As part of our recent restructure of the women's program, it has been key to ensure that we bring in quality people as well as talented basketballers to the existing squad – two boxes Anneli certainly ticks.
“Having someone around the team who is a genuine professional will add another element of professionalism & purpose, whilst her personality & character will complement the current playing group.”
Stay up-to-date with all the latest NBL1 signings via the 2024 Roster Tracker here.
