The Defensive Player of the Year award is determined through votes cast by head coaches at the conclusion of each match, and was awarded for the first time last year.

EAST MEN

Kilsyth Cobras import Quincy Henderson was a dominant force on defence all season, receiving 30 votes from a possible 54 votes from coaches to win the East Men Defensive player of the year for the second successive year.  Henderson was given the tough defensive job each game and delivered a quality performance at all times.  His tireless work never showed on the stats sheet, but Henderson received at least one Defensive Player vote in each game he played this season.   Henderson  was such a dominant defender the next best vote getter in the East Men was Michael Hill of Knox Raiders with 14 votes.

SOUTH MEN

Finishing the regular season as the second best defensive rebounder and fourth best shot blocker, Geelong Supercats forward Ismail Muhammad is rewarded as the South Men Defensive Player of the Year Award.  Muhammad was an intimidating force in the paint for most opposition teams, and finished with 18 votes to finish ahead of last years winner Chuck Long on 13 votes.

WOMEN

Having received a vote for her impressive defensive performance in the Spectres victory over Launceston in rd 20 Nunawading Spectres Carly Wilson edged out 2008 winner Sarah Parsons for this years Defensive player of the year award.      Wilson finished with 15 votes and was a dominant threat on the offensive end for her team, averaging 18pts, but it was her work at the defensive end that satisfied many coaches.  Wilson was often asked to defend the opposition teams major offensive threat and on numerous times held them to a season low scoring output.

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