The awards highlight player efforts both on and off the court, with an award for consistency, team spirit and MVP.

Points: 216 points (10.3 per game)

Rebounds: 71 (3.4 per game)

Assists: 85 (4.1 per game)

Steals: 20

Blocks: 3

Turnovers: 43

Lavey first played with the Spirit from 2013-15 before departing for stints with the Perth Lynx and Dandenong Rangers.

The Swan Hill-native then returned to Bendigo in mid-2019 to play with the Braves in the NBL1 and again with the Spirit for the 2019-20 season.

In addition to domestic leagues, the Lavey name is synonymous with national representation at Commonwealth Games and World Cups.

"Tessa has a great personality and doesn't take things too personally. She is a very happy person and it has been great to have her on the team," Spirit coach Tracy York said.

"She is fantastic for the girls both on and off the floor.

"She has been around the sport for a while and knows when to switch on and off. Always on the ball at training, a very coachable player who always listens to advice."

In the early hours of Monday Lavey flew to France as a last-minute injury replacement for the Opals at a pre-Olympic qualifying event.

Points: 254 (12.1 per game)

Rebounds: 87 (4.1 per game)

Assists: 33 (1.6 per game)

Steals: 22

Turnovers: 40

Heal came into the 2019-20 season on the back of a year riddled with injury while at the Perth Lynx.

Fully recovered in 2019, it was her time to shine and show the Australian basketball scene her true capability as a player.

"Shyla trains exactly the same way that she plays, her efforts are no different to when she's on the floor during a game," York said.

"You always know what you're going to get from her which leads to her constant improvement."

Heal's consistency was highlighted every game as she would come off the bench and hit the ground running without any hesitation.

York said Heal had a fantastic first season with the Spirit.

"She's had a full season without any major injury, hasn't missed a game and has taken this opportunity with both hands," she said.

"She has sprung onto the scene as the team's leading scorer and second in rebounding which is amazing for an 18-year-old."

Heal was thrilled with her performance this season.

"Despite the win/losses, it's been a really good season," Heal said.

"It was my chance to show the league what I can do as an 18-year-old and that age doesn't matter, which is a big thing for me."

Heal said York had filled her with confidence throughout the season.

"I came to the Spirit because of Tracy as she has so much confidence in me. I wouldn't be the same player that I am without her support which I am really thankful for."

Points: 252 (12 per game)

Rebounds: 140 (6.7 per game)

Assists: 44 (2.1 per game)

Steals: 12

Blocks:10

Turnovers: 31

Ernst came to the Spirit on advice from close friend Lavey and took on the extra effort of taking on a vice-captain leadership role with the team.

And what a season it has been.

Ernst was named as the team MVP based on WNBL votes.

"Across 21 games we had different players who had been given match MVPs," York said.

"It was hard to pick someone who stood out all year so we thought we would decide via WNBL votes.

"Carley led the voting which was boosted by her most recent game, so we thought she was the right person for the award."

Ernst recently said she was impressed with how her "versatility" as a player had progressed throughout the season.

An aspect of playing-style which York was pleased to see shine.

"Nobody is just an outside shooter. We had to work with Carley on her physicality to be able to get inside, to perform both inside and out which has definitely improved her rebound game as well," York said.

Ernst said it was a surprise to have received the award and that she was pleased to be recognised.

"I didn't really expect it so it was really exciting. It's nice to know the hard work I've put in has shown on the court," Ernst said.

"My game over the past few years has been outside shooting.

"This season I've worked hard with Mark and Tracy to develop a strong inside game which has really improved."

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