Perth fuelled by pain of Playoff heartbreak

After back-to-back Playoff exits, Kristian Doolittle and his Perth Wildcats are determined to go one, and even two steps further during the Hungry’s Jacks NB26 season.

During the Wildcats media availability on Friday, the 27-year-old explained how past results are driving this new-look Wildcats outfit.

“My goal every season I go into is to win a championship and after falling just short the past few seasons, I’m as hungry as ever,” said Doolittle, who is entering his third year with the Perth-based club.

“The expectations of what is required when you play for this organisation is well known.

“Being a leader of this new group, it’s on my shoulders to drive home that point and lead by example.”

As the Oklahoma alum touched on, this is a new group for the Wildcats - headlined by recruits Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. and Mason Jones.

And while they’ve shown positive signs during the pre-season, he knows they’re still a work in progress - with Saturday’s home-opener against Tasmania providing another chance for this group to grow.

“[As a new group] I feel we’ve come together well to establish our strengths and weaknesses, with the coaching staff putting us all in the best position to be successful,” the forward said.

“Everyone, including myself, knows they need to be ready when their number is called.

“We’re all taken on a greater sense of responsibility [without Bryce Cotton on the team] and are embracing the opportunity in front of us.

“We know we’re a work in progress and are trying to make the most of each opportunity we get on court together.”

Saturday’s Round 1 clash tips off at RAC Arena at 8pm AEST, broadcast live on ESPN.