Perth’s next step clear after another Playoff exit

For the third straight season, the Perth Wildcats were eliminated at the Playoff stage of the Hungry Jack’s NBL season.

On this occasion, it was eventual champions Sydney who defeated John Rillie’s side 2-0 after two competitive games.

But for a club that expects success, with 10 Championships to their name, Wildcats GM Danny MIlls says his club will reviews all the highs and lows from the campaign and strategises how they can go at least one step further in NBL27.

“We fell short of that this year, but overall, when we reflect, there were many positives to come out of the year. Individually, as well, many great performances,” Mills told Wildcats Media.

“We’ve got this solid foundation of being a top two, three, four team in the league over the last three years. How do we get to that next level to get to a championship series?”

“There is no shortage of experience within the group. The big moments have been there, the exposure to high-pressure situations has been there, but the next step lies in being ready for them before they arrive.

“It’s about preparing for them during the regular season and then being healthy and ready to get into a Championship Series and contend for a title.”

That group Mills alludes to includes Kristian Doolittle, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., Dylan Windler, Sunday Dech, Ben Henshall, Jaron Rillie, Cameron Huefner, Noa Kouakou-Heugue and Lat Mayen (club option), who are all contracted for the 2026-27 season.

“You look at Kristian Doolittle and the impact he’s had on the NBL. Third in league MVP voting, All-NBL First Team, one of the best defenders in the league,” Mills said.

“For us to have him as the foundation of our club and cornerstone piece, along with the guys that are coming back on contract, that’s really exciting for us.”

With that part of the squad already locked in, Mills outlined what position the Wildcats will be targeting during the fast-approaching off-season.

“The point guard position and playmaking will be a focus in the off-season, and how we build that out with the current construct,” he said.

Mills is confident that if they achieve what they want to during Free Agency, the Wildcats will compete for their 11th title in NBL27.

“Although the external expectations of us are a championship, and they should be, none are held higher than ours internally,” he said.

“The NBL has never been harder. You can see how competitive it is going into this [Championship Series]

“For us, it’s about getting to that next level and winning a championship.”