Former WNBL MVP Anneli Maley returns to Perth
Superstar Anneli Maley will remain with the Perth Lynx until the end of WNBL 2026/27 after penning a two-year deal with the club.
At 26 years old, Maley has collected a resume to be envious of. With the Opals, Maley won two bronze medals in the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Sydney and the 2023 Asia Cup. While with the Gangarrus (3×3), Maley has won back-to-back gold medals in the Asia Cup and led Australia to their historic first-ever 3×3 appearance in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In the WNBL, she was named the 2022 WNBL MVP, 2022 All-WNBL First Team member and was named to the All-WNBL Second-Team last season.
The former Chicago Sky player is a pioneer for Australia’s 3×3 success and has been one of the WNBL’s best players of the past decade, lauded as one of the game’s hardest workers. Between seasons 2020 – 2024/25, Maley has ranked second or above in rebounds per game speaking to her hard work ethic and game grit.
Last season, the 6’1” forward averaged 12 points and rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game, leading the Lynx to a 16-5 record in the regular season.
Despite the sting of last season’s Semi-Final loss to Townsville, Maley said she cannot wait to return to the Lynx, adding Perth has now become home.
“Perth has become home for me. I love this team, this city and the culture we’re building here,” she said.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but I know we have so much more to give. I can’t wait to keep pushing for a Championship with this group.”
Head coach Ryan Petrik said Maley plays an important role in setting the team’s culture both on and off the court.
“Anneli is the heartbeat of our team. Her work ethic, energy and leadership set the tone every day,” he said.
“She’s one of the best rebounders in the world and continues to evolve her game. Having her locked in for two more years is massive for us.”
Maley has spent the off-season in Perth playing for the NBL1 West’s Redbacks, winning multiple Player of the Week awards between 3×3 commitments.
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Maley will represent Australia again later this month, playing for the Gangurrus in the upcoming FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Mongolia (June 23-29) alongside Townsville’s Miela Sowah, Ally Wilson and fiancé Marena Whittle.
Stay up-to-date with all the latest signings via the WNBL Roster Tracker here.