Haha need and want are different things. You think I'm passing up an opportunity to discuss the Wildcats demise? To be a smart ass, you actually need to be smart

Rather than seeing this as a troll thread, how about we start a discussion.

I don't think Perth have enough shooting to get it done. Rebounding will get worse as well, with Brandt, Jervis, Hire gone and replaced by Vague, Hunt (not as good a rebounder as Brandt), and Majok. Majok can board but he isn't an amazing player so won't get a tonne of minutes. If he does, Perth is in trouble.

Terrico isn't an efficient 3pt shooter.

Looking at it logically, I think they're in trouble

Martin is getting older, Wagstaff is getting slower each year, Brandt was a defensive force. I don't like them as much defensively either. Norton won't change the team and lead them defensively like Damo used to. Wasn't so much Damo's individual work making the team that much better, it was how he inspired his teammates. He can't do that any more, and Norton won't do that

Death, taxes, Perth making playoffs, Perth fans being insufferable about making playoffs

Running with this old chestnut again....

We all know that if the Wildcats are struggling they will sack players and buy whatever players they need. They are a lock.

I dont have an issue with this thread. Happens every year, someone is bound to be right at some point... and therefore try to take credit for it.

But defensively we are not as strong. Its possible we see a slightly different style of play, but unlikely. The system we have run for such a long time has kept us in the hunt. And if that doesn't work... it is highly likely someone gets let go to bring in someone to fix the issues.

Its very unlikely imo that the streak ends this year. Not while bendat is still alive. But it is possible.

The Blitz performances mean nothing - we always struggle or can't be bothered during pre-season.

I have been a little surprised by Hunt to date, not what I was expecting, but we'll wait and see what happens in the real games.

As a matter of course I just never pay much attention to the pre-season, because its often hard to figure out what's going on. Are they playing at their best, are they trialling plays, different strategies?
And just when I think I have it sorted, the season starts and it turns out I was wrong

Cat Chat is leaking!

I started complaining during the season. Can't speak for Dazz though.

I think with Perth having so many home games early, they will either be in trouble much like Manu is suggesting or this will be forgotten about... if Wildcats start at 3-3 then I would expect to hear Manu remind us of his post.

To me preseason is about seeing shooters like Steindl and if they improved on their skill set and if their shot is dropping then they take that confidence into the season.

People wrote us off at the start of last season and even midway through...yeh that worked out REAL well. The Cats have the best culture, all SMART basketball peeps know jt

I think it was around January when people were writing off Perth, when we were losing so many games. Pre Season means nothing, though I do look at who we lost and who we gained and whilst I dont think Perth will win the championship they will still finish top 4.

^ don't stir them up they are like garden weeds who just won't go away.

I won't put it in the inflammatory way that Manu does, but from what I have seen the Wildcats have not improved while their major competitors have.

Martin, Wagstaff are a little older, nonetheless still valuable to the team.
While Kay, Cotton and White remain top tier players.
Hunt, Vague and Majok just don't move the needle.

Of course this is on paper....but Melbourne (Long, Prather and Trimble + Illi) have made big jumps in talent and Sydney also.

Haha same thing has been said for a decade hasn't it.

Ground hog day again.

As I said in the off-season, Perth's improvement in their squad is not substantial, and is difficult to judge. Have to wait and see how Hunt and Majok turn out.
I am disappointed in the injury to Wani, as I felt he could add some excitement off the bench.
And yes, Melbourne and Sydney both made some big moves, and teams like the Hawks and Breakers are going to be much more competitive this season, so I expect competition for the 4 to be intense.

White is just not my favourite type of player in that role. I would prefer somebody like Prather, or even JP, but that's just me. White gives us much needed additional firepower from outside, which IS something we're been looking for.
He can be frustrating but stepped up when it mattered in the finals.

There is no chance JP was a better fit or player than White. JP was a highlight player on both ends, not willing to put in the work, and he could not shoot, like the defence waited for him in the key! Terrico can be frustrating at times, however he spreads the floor and that space is invaluable, especially with a new 5 man that has a distinct advantage taking the bigger and slower centres in the league of the dribble. Prather is still my favourite three man, his balance on offence and defence was and is elite, although terrico can probably hit the long ball with more consistency (stats may not back it up, but it feels he is treated as more of a threat).

Of course Kay mentions Nielsen more than Trev, the best leaders trust the guys around them, Nielsen would have been the big man coach, as if Trev would step on his toes and teach them big man craft with Nielsen around.

Let's not forget Jervis was having a horrible season before coming up big in a few finals games, Majok will be an adequate replacement.

Hunt is a different look for Perth, it will take some adjustment and minor tweaks to their offence, he looks to attack of the dribble more than post up, but he will be our fastest and most athletic centre for a while, he also seems a smart player, imagine Cooke jr with Hunts iq.

Perth gave up a lot of threes, but their opponents also sunk a heap of threes at a ridiculous clip, Didi was literally on fire (questions about his eligibility as a next star will be interesting if he takes this form through the season, although sure the league is better for having him).

Trev didn’t coach, rotations were clearly looking at who can or can not play together, wouldn’t surprise me if they were running a few different sets too.

Then injuries, with a shortened rotation in the game vs Sydney, mins and effort seemed to be lacking, there was one play in particular where Bryce didn’t even contest or raise his arm, not something you will ever see in the real thing, if we do though, that will be time to panic.

Bump

It's interesting. Whilst the inclusion of Cotton undoubtedly propelled us to the championship, it was possibly only the threat of ending the streak that caused us to sack Johnson, twice. (Maybe that AND the weed.)

Sydney I think we can safely say are a lock.
Melbourne are getting it together and making a run. Either Prather comes good or they replace him.

You'd think Perth would be safe, but not if they keep dropping games like that.

Could be a lot of competition for those last 2 spots.