Townsville's Suzy Batkovic has become the most decorated player in the history of the Women's National Basketball League, claiming a record fifth MVP trophy.
The 36-year-old showed age was no barrier as she went back to back, with her trophy tally of five from the past six seasons topping her good friend, fellow Australian great Lauren Jackson who won four before her retirement.
Batkovic collected two as a member of the Adelaide Lightning (2012, 13) and now three with Townsville (2014, 16, 17).
With coaches and referees voting after each match on a 3-2-1 points basis, Batkovic finished with 129 votes from Perth's Sami Whitcomb on 123 and Marianna Tolo (University of Canberra Capitals) on 115 votes.
I'm really blown away," said Batkovic, who was controversially overlooked for Australia's Rio Olympics campaign after playing in the previous three Games.
"I'm extremely honoured to receive the award. You never go (into a season) thinking about it or trying to earn it, it's just about playing consistently and doing what I can to help the team."
Sitting second for points and rebounds per game in the league at the end of the regular season, the captain averaged 21.3 points and 10.7 boards across 24 games, one of only two players to average a double-double for the season.
Top 10 players for the 2016/17 MVP:
1. Suzy Batkovic (JCU Townsville Fire) 129 votes
2. Sami Whitcomb (Perth Lynx) 123
3. Marianna Tolo (University of Canberra Capitals) 115
4. Leilani Mitchell (Brydens Sydney University Flames) 107
=5. Asia Taylor (Brydens Sydney Uni Flames) 73
=5. Sara Blicavs (Jayco Dandenong Rangers) 73
7. Steph Cumming (Jayco Dandenong Rangers) 70
8. Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe (Bendigo Bank Spirit) 60
=9. Maddie Garrick (Deakin Melbourne Boomers) 50
=9. Carley Mijovic (Perth Lynx) 50
