The playing group, coaching staff, club chairman Greg Bickley, board member Ashley Donaldson, sponsors and loyal supporters gathered at The Foundry to celebrate the Spirit’s achievement of making a third-straight grand final.

As expected, star import Kelsey Griffin was crowned MVP after averaging 16 points and nine rebounds per game.

“I appreciate the individual awards I get on this team, but what I love about this team, is the team,’’ Griffin said after accepting her award.

“It’s been such an honour to play with all of you this year. It’s been a rough year, but it’s also been an incredible year.

“I think it shows that we not only have great players on our team, but great people.

“I feel so incredibly honoured to have played alongside you guys… this is what makes basketball fun for me.”

Griffin also lauded team-mate Chelsea Aubry for bringing her to Bendigo three years ago.

“If it wasn’t for Chelsea I wouldn’t be standing here right now,’’ Griffin said.

Bernie Harrower described Griffin as the ultimate professional.

“She is not only a superstar player, she’s a superstar person,’’ Harrower said.

Earlier in the night, Bickley and Harrower lauded the playing group for their achievement of making three-straight grand finals.

 “I couldn’t be more proud of what the girls have achieved,’’ Harrower added.

“This year was probably the toughest WNBL I’ve seen, so for us to get back to the grand final was sensational.”

Other individual awards were presented, with arguably the biggest cheer of the night saved for Heather Oliver after she was named the Spirit’s best defensive player.

Spirit awards: Most assists: Kelly Wilson 91. Foul shooting: Belinda Snell 94%. Rebounds: Kelsey Griffin 9.2 per game. Scoring: Kelsey Griffin 16.2 points per game. Best defensive player: Heather Oliver. Player on the rise: Sara Blicavs. MVP award: Kelsey Griffin.