Cougars Shine at 2026 Big V Awards
McKinnon Cougars’ outstanding Big V 2026 campaign has been recognised with a host of individual honours across the league’s end-of-season awards.
Following a season highlighted by McKinnon claiming both the Championship Women and Championship Men titles, Mason Rogers, Amy Baum, Javyn Nicholson, Kayce Vaile, Troyce Manassa, Arden Bailey and Oliver Mann were recognised for their performances and achievements throughout 2026.
Mason Rogers – Championship Women Coach of the Year
Championship-winning head coach Mason Rogers was named the 2026 Championship Women Coach of the Year after leading the Cougars through an outstanding campaign.
McKinnon finished the regular season with a 20–2 record before continuing its run through the finals and advancing to the Championship decider.
The Cougars produced a dominant performance on Grand Final day, defeating Sherbrooke 113–61 to secure the Championship Women title and complete a memorable season under Rogers.
Amy Baum – Defensive Player of the Year, Golden Hands & All Star Five
Amy Baum collected three honours, named the Championship Women Defensive Player of the Year, Golden Hands Award winner and to the Championship Women All Star Five.
Baum was a key part of a Cougars side that finished the regular season with a 20–2 record before going on to claim the Championship, with her impact at both ends of the floor recognised across the three awards.
Javyn Nicholson – All Star Five & Grand Final MVP
Javyn Nicholson was selected to the Championship Women All Star Five, adding another accolade to a standout finish to her first season with the Cougars.
Nicholson saved one of her biggest performances for the Championship decider, recording 31 points and 11 rebounds as McKinnon defeated Sherbrooke 113–61 to claim the 2026 Championship Women title.
The performance earned Nicholson Grand Final MVP, completing a Championship, Grand Final MVP and All Star Five season.
Kayce Vaile – All Star Five
Kayce Vaile joined Baum and Nicholson in the Championship Women All Star Five, giving McKinnon an impressive three of the five selections.
Vaile was a consistent presence inside throughout McKinnon’s Championship campaign and played an important role in a Cougars team that lost just twice during the regular season before completing its run with a 52-point Grand Final victory.
Troyce Manassa – All Star Five & Grand Final MVP
Troyce Manassa was named to the Championship Men All Star Five after an outstanding season with McKinnon.
Manassa continued to produce when the stakes were highest, including 27 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the Preliminary Final to help book McKinnon’s place in the Championship decider.
He then led the Cougars with 24 points in their 93–80 Grand Final victory over Hume City, earning Championship Men Grand Final MVP as McKinnon secured back-to-back Championship Men titles.
Arden Bailey – Leading Scorer & All Star Five
Arden Bailey capped an outstanding individual campaign by being named the Victorian Youth Championship Women Leading Scorer and earning selection in the VYCW All Star Five.
Bailey averaged 17.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game as the season approached its final stages and produced a number of standout performances throughout the year.
Her two honours recognise an impressive 2026 season and her continued development through the Cougars program.
Oliver Mann – MVP & All Star Five
Oliver Mann received one of the major individual honours of the night, named the Youth League One Men Most Valuable Player, while also earning selection in the Youth League One Men All Star Five.
Mann established himself among the competition’s leading players throughout 2026, averaging 19.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game late in the regular season.
His MVP and All Star Five recognition capped an impressive individual campaign for the young Cougar.
Across the awards, McKinnon players collected 10 individual honours and selections, adding another highlight to a season that saw the Cougars claim both the Championship Women and Championship Men titles.
Congratulations to Amy, Javyn, Kayce, Troyce, Arden and Oliver on their achievements throughout the Big V 2026 season.