21
Jul
Explainer
Perth Wildcats: Five things you need to know
NBL’s greatest franchise Perth Wildcats tries to find success in post Cotton era
- The Perth Wildcats have won an NBL record 10 championships
- 5x NBL MVP and 3x NBL champion Bryce Cotton left this off-season in a controversial move to the Adelaide 36ers
- They are also the only team in NBL history to win championships in four different decades
The Perth Wildcats are the greatest franchise in NBL history, having four more titles than any other team.
The Wildcats boast one of the strongest and most consistent cultures in Australian sport. Established in 1982, the club has built its identity around professionalism and winning. Their famous ‘Red Army’ fanbase is among the most passionate in the league, packing out RAC Arena and creating an electric home court advantage.
The Wildcats hold the record for most NBL championships with ten titles and qualified for the playoffs in a mind boggling 35 CONSECUTIVE SEASONS from 1987 to 2021, a streak that reflects their relentless pursuit of excellence. This legacy of success has fostered a culture where expectations are high, effort is non-negotiable, and every season is measured by championship potential.
However, after their multi time MVP Bryce Cotton left for Adelaide this off-season, questions circle over whether they will still be able to hold on to their usual dominant play.
2024-25 Season Summary
- Record (18 -11)
- Finish 3rd (Eliminated in semi-final by Melbourne United)
- All NBL Selections: Bryce Cotton (MVP)
2025 Off-Season Additions
- Cameron Huefner
- Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.
- Lat Mayen
- Noa Kouakou-Heugue
- Sunday Dech
After a promising NBL25 campaign that saw them finish third and push Melbourne United to a deciding game in the semi finals, the Wildcats were left wondering what more it would take to return to the mountaintop. However, In a move that signalled the end of an era, Bryce Cotton decided to leave the Wildcats, the five time MVP and face of the franchise. It was a moment that hit hard for fans, but also one that cleared the way for a bold new direction.
With several other key departures such as Izan Almansa and Keanu Pinder, Perth found itself stripped of its stars. They brought in Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., a proven force in the NBL with All-League credentials, but more importantly, someone ready to lead a new core. Joining him were athletic forwards Sunday Dech and Lat Mayen, gritty defenders with something to prove, and American college product Cameron Huefner, who fits the club’s long-term vision.
French Next Star Noa Kouakou-Heugue adds another layer of intrigue, representing the club’s commitment to international development.
Potential Line-up
- PG: — | Dontae Russo-Nance
- SG: Sunday Dech | Elijah Pepper
- SF: Dylan Windler (IP) | Ben Henshall | Lat Mayen | Cameron Huefner (DP)
- PF: Kristian Doolittle (IP) | Noa Kouakou-Heugue (NS) | Jesse Wagstaff | Thomas Gerovich (DP)
- C: Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. | David Okwera
Team History
Founded in 1982 as the Westgate Wildcats, Perth entered the NBL as an ambitious but under-resourced expansion team playing out of a modest 800 seat venue. The club’s early years were marked by growing pains, and the passionate leadership of figures such as Cal Bruton, who coached and played during the franchise’s transformative late 80s period. By 1990, the Wildcats captured their first championship and they soon repeated in 1991, building a dynasty around James Crawford, Andrew Vlahov and Ricky Grace.
The 1990s were the decade that built the Wildcat brand. Their third title came in 1995 and the fourth in 2000 (the fact that I have to gloss over championships this quickly is a testament to the Wildcats greatness). After this title, the early 2000s brought turbulence but the club stayed competitive thanks to veterans such as Paul Rogers and Martin Cattalini.
With businessman Jack Bendat buying the team in 2007, Perth underwent a cultural overhaul, investing in community outreach, building a loyal fanbase, and hiring Rob Beveridge as coach. This era introduced a new core: the fierce and fearless Damian Martin, long-time leader Jesse Wagstaff, and eventually, MVP import Kevin Lisch. Together, they brought the Wildcats their fifth championship in 2010, launching a new dynasty.
From 2010 to 2020, Perth cemented itself as the most dominant club in modern NBL history. Titles followed in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020, fuelled in large part by the arrival of Bryce Cotton, a three-time league MVP and the greatest import in NBL history. Cotton’s unstoppable scoring presence combined with the unshakable defense of Martin and the leadership of Wagstaff helped build a team culture defined by toughness, consistency, and winning.
Five Fast Facts
- Bryce Cotton scored 59 points in a single game in 2024
- In the late 80s and early 90s Cal Bruton was a player, coach and manager for the Wildcats
- The Wildcats have won a championship in four decades
- 2025 NBL1 scoring leader Elijah Pepper is contracted to the Wildcats next season and expected to take a big leap
- NBA players who were on the Wildcats include Izan Almansa, Luke Travers and Alex Sarr
Club Timeline
- 1982: Perth Wildcats are founded as the Westgate Wildcats, joining the NBL as the first team from Western Australia
- 1984: Renamed the Perth Wildcats, beginning their iconic red era
- 1987: Make their first finals appearance, laying the groundwork for future success
- 1990: Win their first NBL championship
- 1991: Go back-to-back, becoming the league’s powerhouse of the early '90s
- 1995: Claimed a third title with a dominant squad including Ricky Grace and Andrew Vlahov
- 2009-10: Under coach Rob Beveridge, win the championship with a fast, aggressive style and the emergence of Kevin Lisch
- 2013-21: Enter a golden era under coach Trevor Gleeson and MVP Bryce Cotton, winning five championships in eight seasons (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020)
- 2022: Miss the playoffs for the first time in 35 years
- 2025: Transition into a new era as longtime franchise star Bryce Cotton departs
As the Wildcats step into the post-Bryce Cotton era, the franchise faces the challenge of blending fresh talent with their championship pedigree. Their deep rooted culture of passion and winning remains as a strong foundation for future success. With a commitment to youth development and a loyal fanbase behind them, Perth looks poised to continue their legacy as the NBL’s most decorated and respected club.
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