How Perth gained added roster flexibility

The Perth Wildcats were one of the most complete teams heading into the start of this free agency period. As it stands, they have just one import spot and one local spot to fill, but Peter Hooley and Olgun Uluc have reported John Rillie’s side are targeting two particular archetypes to fill out their roster.

Kyle Zunic and Corey Webster have been confirmed departures from the club this off-season, while Jesse Wagstaff has been re-signed, and Tai Webster’s contract option has been exercised.

Dontae Russo-Nance was meant to become a fully rostered player this season, however he will remain a Development Player in order to allow Perth some more flexibility with its roster build.

“They’re a team that has done some manoeuvering with their DP deals. Dontae Russo-Nance was supposed to go into a roster spot, they basically pushed that back a year, so he’ll go into a roster spot next off-season. That did free up a spot,” Uluc said on The Marketplace.

“The intriguing thing is they were in the Mitch McCarron sweepstakes, they’re looking for that backup, combo guy. They’re in the Tom Wilson sweepstakes as well, so that skillset is something they want.

“They also want a big, they know they need a big of some sort. Whether that exists on the local market, there’s not much out there when it comes to that level of player, maybe an Angus Brandt fits the mould there, but right now they have one local spot available and I’m told they have been going after backup combos.”

Hooley revealed the Wildcats were chasing both Mitch McCarron and Lat Mayen, however the pair have reportedly signed to New Zealand and Adelaide respectively for next season.

“I thought Mitch McCarron would have been a good pickup for them, and I know that wasn’t just a phone call, they were having legitimate discussions,” Hooley added.

“Then I heard Lat Mayen and I thought he would have been a really good fit but I’m not sure how far that went down the line.

“For all those names to fall through does leave them in a position. I think Kristian Doolittle is going to become even better, but to have missed out on a couple of those local impact guys, I’m not concerned, but I wonder how deep they got on either of those.

“I wonder if a lot of what the Wildcats are going to do as far as their success goes is on Ben Henshall and his development, and how much John Rillie is willing to play him. He is ostensibly the type of player to do that.”