2025 NBL1 South Awards Finalists to Be Announced

With the NBL1 South regular season nearing its conclusion, the focus now turns to recognising the athletes, coaches, officials, and clubs that have defined the 2025 campaign. Finalists for all major awards will be revealed across NBL1 South’s official social media platforms in the lead-up to the NBL1 South Awards Night, to be held on Friday, August 15, the evening prior to Grand Final day.

These awards celebrate outstanding achievements across the men’s and women’s competitions, from individual on-court performances to coaching leadership, statistical results, officiating standards, and club-wide impactful contributions.

Below is a full summary of how each award is determined:

Major Individual Awards – Men’s and Women’s Competitions

Most Valuable Player (MVP)
The MVP is awarded to the player deemed most valuable across the regular season. Game-by-game voting is conducted after each match, with each head coach and the referees collectively awarding 3, 2 and 1 votes to the best three players on court. At season’s end, the top 20 vote-getters are shortlisted, and coaches and captains submit final votes, ranking five players (5 points down to 1), excluding players from their own team. The player with the highest vote total is named MVP.

All NBL1 South First and Second Teams
The First Team includes the five highest vote-getters from the MVP process, including automatic inclusion of the MVP. The Second Team features the next five highest-ranked players. Coaches and captains vote using a 5–4–3–2–1 point system. No positional balance is required.

Defensive Player of the Year
Each head coach nominates one player from their team. A final shortlist is compiled, and coaches and captains vote for their top three defenders (3–2–1), excluding their own players. The player with the most votes is awarded.

Youth Player of the Year
This award is open to players under 23 years of age as of December 31. The top 10 eligible players in MVP voting are shortlisted. Coaches and captains cast 3–2–1 votes, excluding players from their own team. Previous winners are ineligible.

Coach of the Year
At the end of the regular season, coaches and captains vote for the Coach of the Year using a 3–2–1 format. Coaches cannot vote for themselves. In the event of a tie, multiple awards may be presented.

Statistical Awards

Statistical awards are based solely on regular season averages. To be eligible, a player must have participated in at least 75 percent of their team’s games. Only statistics from games the player was eligible to play in are included. These awards are presented separately for the men’s and women’s competitions.

• Leading Scorer – Highest average points per game
• Leading Rebounder – Highest average rebounds per game
• Golden Hands – (Assists + Steals – Turnovers) divided by Games Played

Referee Awards

Referee of the Year
Selected by the League’s Referee Coaches, led by the NBL1 Elite Development Officer. Awarded to the most consistent and professional referee throughout the season.

Neil Bradbury Referee Coach of the Year
Awarded via referee voting at the end of the season. Recognises the referee coach who is most supportive, consistent, and helpful in referee development.

Golden Whistle
Awarded to a referee who has officiated at least 25 games and best represents the values of NBL1 officiating. Coaches and captains vote based on professionalism, communication, and commitment to development.

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Club and Executive Awards

Club of the Year
Recognises the top-performing association across competition, operations, and fan engagement. Rankings are based on coach/captain voting, game day reviews, survey results, attendance, live stream data, and combined team success.

Executive of the Year
Awarded to a club administrator who has shown strong leadership, professionalism, and community connection while contributing to team and organisational success.

CREST Shield
The CREST Shield (Combined Results End of Season Tally) is awarded to the association with the most total regular season wins across both men’s and women’s programs. It highlights the strength of an entire club and reinforces NBL1 South’s commitment to gender equity, with all associations required to field both men’s and women’s teams.

Points off the Bench
New  in 2025 this award recognises the most productive bench units in the league. Rankings are based on bench points per game (PPG) across the season, allowing for fair comparison regardless of round format or club structure. Weekly benchmarks are tracked to determine the most impactful reserve group by season’s end.

Finalists will be announced throughout the week leading into the 2025 NBL1 South Awards Nighton Friday, August 15. Stay tuned to NBL1 South’s digital channels as we celebrate the best of the season.