They won in Perth with Taj so it's not a huge blow . Again it will depend on how Perth rebounds and shoots the three ball.

Without Taj I meant

They didn't seem to miss him at all when Cairns disposed of Perth pretty comfortably over here a week ago, so I don't think this will be weighing too heavily on them.
The Cats seriously struggled against the Taipans' size. 71 was our lowest score all season I think. I'm curious to see what adjustments we make to our offence after that one.

Big loss imo, he's a bit of do everything man, including turnovers which ain’t his strong point. Cotton rolling, cats rolling, very hard to see Cairns win this. The keys certainly in Hoggs hands now. Cairns won’t die wandering though and have talent.

Perth by one.

What happened in Perth last time isnt going to happen again

Thank god blanchfield doesn't get on these days - he never misses in Cairns.

Snakes in OT by 1

Cairns seems to win a lot of the time when McCall is out.

Agree Lovebroker & same with Pinder. Not sure when they are both out though?
Hopefully Ben Ayre has a game like White did for Tassy against us thursday night. Filling in for most of Maggette minutes & he destroyed us (along with Doyle who should be in the NBA) & proof the 6 foot guards can have an impact in this league.

Still tipping (praying) Cairns get it done!

Cairns are 14-9 with McCall and 4-2 without him, so not a huge difference but certainly can win without him. Tougher without Pinder and McCall, but they beat Perth without that pair 9 days ago!

Hopefully a great game either way. Momentum with Perth, but sometimes teams coming off losses have more grit about them.

Not a huge blow since Perth got out rebounded last matchup in Perth. Whoever gets the most stops and converts will win this game.

I'm backing Perth since their last 2 matchups at Cairns they won easy. Looking forward to a rematch of Sydney, Perth since Sydney were tanking their game to avoid Melbourne. Will bite them in the ass if Sydney lose to Perth since Perth scoring has improved heaps with their new game plan, can’t see them winning it though.

Still looking for a good matchup. Don’t really care who wins, may the best team win!

The NRL has a pre-season game here in Cairns at basically the same time, NQ Cowboys v Redcliffe Dolphins (new kids on the block) so have to be hopeful for a decent crowd...

Perth by 10

Hard to see a repeat unfortunately. Perth by 8

Perth will close Hoggie out. Tashawn has that task.

Perth to make sure there will be too many open looks.

I think it is going to be a blow out win for Perth. ... by 15. Sorry taipans fans.

Tai Webster out. Norton needs to continue his solid play.

Taipans uniform is minging

Missed double dribble was comical, Cotton surely fouled on the drive!! What was the and 1 for to wardenburg? Seriously

How is that a charge on Travers!!! Surely had to be a charge on Scott when he murdered norton earlier then???

Shut up and go away.

Another wildcat driven into and dropped no charge...

Two-for-one really doesn't work in FIBA.

The Cats seriously struggled against the Taipans' size. 71 was our lowest score all season I think. I'm curious to see what adjustments we make to our offence after that one.

Cracking first quarter, glad to see the refs letting it flow, been a good start all round. Kuol is certainly a top line player, his D is top class.

Looks like we're going with the no adjustments approach.

Has the broadcast mentioned Tai Webster at all? If they did, I missed it. They've mentioned Pinder and McCall several times.

Hogg is seriously feeling it!

Lots of contact been let go when Perth drives. Perth has to do a better job on d for sure but pretty one sided when it comes to calls attacking the rim. How does the team playing no d give up more fta???

Koberulz the Wildcats FB page said Tai was out with illness

Cairns missing free throws could cost down the stretch. Wagstaff again milking the fouls. Disgusting call. Mayberry is horrible.

Nah, I think the Cats needed to be up at the half to have any hope. We're going to have super heavy legs in the 2nd half.

Hogg shoved wagstaff in the chest, he didn't need to. Hogg is on an absolute heater, his defender gets close in a legal guarding position and gets shoved away, you can't allow that shove, how are you meant to defend a guy if he can just shove you away?? But hey the unbiased and not perth hating Gaze is questioning the two fouls called on Cairns completely ignoring things like cotton almost getting knocked to the ground while dribbling, not bothered hey...

Great half, cats hanging tough, taipans got make free throws. Gazey is a legend and says what he sees, Santa too much nbl bias. If refs f-up don't hide from it. Heveron is the best caller so all in it’s a good balance.

Koberulz the Wildcats FB page said Tai was out with illness

The commentators mentioned Tai Webster being out very briefly. Easy to miss.

Take your one eyed glasses of Wagstaff was holding, hanging of him, as normal, offensive players push off, as taught in under tens, off course Mayberry sees a foul, it's a no call, play on.

Teaching it in under tens doesn't make it legal.

Cotton getting hacked then an easy transition layup for Cairns not a problem? He's the mvp, it's a bloody foul

If that's a foul why isn't perth getting those calls? Defenders nowhere to be seen, yet a foul

Only one eye, yet so many tears

Hoggs length with waardenburg the same troubling cats.

It's how basketball is played, it’s a contact sport whether you believe it or not.

Very enjoyable game so far. Cats still in this, fatigue both sides could be critical.

28 of 52 shots from 3, yet Cairns with more fta... I mean I recall people ripping me for asking for more free throws for perth when we had shot heaps of threes, I'm guessing the argument will be reversed now so I'm still wrong.

Some solid away cooking here

Cairns going to iso in offence, cats could learn to box out like taipans.

This constant cutting to a blue screen is unacceptable.

How does cotton take a knee to the chest after a layup, no call.... like I don't care what team you go for, it's not changing the result at this point but as a league How is that a no call??

Anon
How does cotton take a knee to the chest after a layup, no call.... like I don't care what team you go for, it's not changing the result at this point but as a league How is that a no call??

Farcical

Too big, too good.
It's the correct 4 teams in the semis.

Anon. Do you ever highlight any specific bad calls on Perth's opponents?

Well deserved win to the Snakes. Hope Hogg stays in the league and Kuol was absolutely sensational at both ends.

Meh, I'm relieved our season is over.

So it's two out of two seasons under SEG not making the top four.

and it goes to show what a feat it was to
win two road elimination finals back in 2006.

Disappointing but somewhat predictable finish for Perth. Unable to defend, unable to rebound. It was always going to be found out in the post season.

Hopefully Rillie maintains his ruthless approach in the off season.

Hoping for a Cairns / Breakers GF

Well when scoring dries up for cats all your left with poor rebounding and substandard defence.

On to next year, hopefully major changes to the roster to get bigger , more defensive and support Cotton more.

Yep, I have, gets ignored though. Earlier in this thread highlighted the missed double dribble was comical and it was forde was 100% right. I just want consistency, they call a dubious charge at one end ignore three at the other (no block, no flop), they call the push off on Hogg but let cotton get almost knocked over when dribbling. And as has also been ignored surely when a team shoots more than 50% of their field goals from behind three compared to 35% from three you would expect the team taking 65% of their fta from inside the arc to shoot more freethrows, add to the fact at least half of Cairns two point attempts were wide open, I don't get it, but it's perth so everyone is as usual happy to see them fall irrespective of how. For the record, I'm not convinced perth wins, but should have been a closer game. Hopefully perth rebuilds with a bunch of aggressive, intense players, not finese players that get pushed around and then whistled for soft fouls.

Well done Taipans well deserved victory. A case of good coaching and execution vs poor coaching and atrocious defense. It seems like no adjustments were made after losing to Cairns last week and no adjustments in game to counter their ball movement. Its a simple game when you can easily drive into the lane or just kick it out to an open man on the perimeter.

Excellent game, Gazey correct as usual, Hogg magnificent but boy Kuol and Waardenbuurg were superb. Forde has got everyone else doing great, hopefully they can keep this team together, there is a premiership somewhere in the next season or two if they can.

Cats have got get the right players around Cotton, Thomas and Manek not tough enough inside, Manek can score on smaller opponents, not on guys his size or bigger. Cats also got value defence and boxing out much more.

So does this mean cats missed out on finals two seasons in a row. I believe so.

They did make the playoffs

https://thewest.com.au/sport/perth-wildcats/nbl-confirm-play-in-tournament-will-considered-finals-as-perth-wildcats-attempt-to-re-start-their-streak-c-9620668


It is no different to elimination finals played in AFL or back in the early NBL days. They didn't miss out.

But I do want to add, they blew this game. It was one that on paper should of been an easy win. Ford > Rillie it seems.

Well done Taipans. Incredible results without two good players. A pair of 13 pt wins

Perth were such pretenders. Luckily fell into the 6 after their victory over the rubber Kings. Now put back in their place

Forde should be better than Rillie, he is more experienced and a good head coach for a few years, Rillie is a rookie. Perth also needs someone that can actually set screens for Bryce, too many times their screens reminded me of under 16 training when you were learning the offence..

A lot of us punters seem to agree on Perths problems, defence, rebounding, does Rillie have that in his coaching bag, or is it we will score more than you attitude only.

So does this mean cats missed out on finals two seasons in a row. I believe so

(Sorry... "they" above = Taipans)

Anon whinging about Perth getting hosed by the refs yet again, every time.

So does this mean cats missed out on finals two seasons in a row. I believe so.

* ordinary Tassie game

Hogg is instrumental to the win. He uses his height and athleticism to great advantage.

Amazing recovery from that loss to JJ, kudos to Adam Forde.

For the Cats, of course, I think it has been great but just not great enough. I can see many changes ahead. Has to be. I hope some of the proven big guys like Kay, Brandt, could be back. Tashawn and Manek are not big enough.

Taipans have a good mix this year, cats perennially try and play the outside game and it hasn't worked for a while now, especially when 3s dont drop and no plan B. TT serviceable but lacked any decent support inside. Manek yes ok caught fire occasionally but is an off guard caught in a power forwards body, especially in defense. OHB looked great when thrown in the mix a few weeks ago but generally was refused any court time or development this year. how is the kid supposed to develop and get experience by sitting on the pine game after game? also when the team was screaming for big bodies and getting killed in the boards? this should have been the season where he got some serious minutes to build his tank. its nbl you need to build your team not bring in slow older recycled bodies all the time. if they dont, some other club will just pick him off and he will thrive there instead. not sure about tai webster what the story is with the option on his contract but going on the games played i think the team needs more of a taller small/power forward 6,6 option like a prather in years past to compliment cotton

Brandt hasn't played in months, injured I’m guessing in B-2 league, don’t believe he’s the answer. Kay obviously but better get the cheque book out.

I think it will come back down to imports again. Go for Hoag and Pardon and refresh the bench and you have a decent squad.

The chances of cats bidding for a Pinder type player with Cottons big salaryI dont think is likely.

Taj requires too much time with the ball. Without him, Cairns ball movement is slick

You never know when the Taipans are going to pull a game like that out of the bag. I'm glad it was today as it would have been a shame for them to have ended their season going out losing both play in games.

Both teams were looking gassed for much of the second half with the Wildcats looking a bit more so. The difference for the Taipans compared to Thursday night's game against Tassie was they didn't look nervous like they did against Tassie plus the Wildcats defence wasn't great which meant any time the Wildcats made a run, the Taipans were able to respond to it reasonably easy.

DJ Hogg was outstanding, Kuol was very good and Lat Mayen was also very good particularly as he replaced McCall in the starting side after not having played much at all this season. Every body had to step up and they did.

McCall's under contract for another year it will be interesting to see what happens with him at the end of the season. Like Machado before him that might be a year too many.

Cats just need resign Gleeson then Blanchfield changes back into a basketball player again.

Good effort wildcats to push it as far as they did, cairns were too good. Hogg was incredible.

Also, I couldn't give 2 shits whether that counted as playoffs or not

I really don't understand the Kings obsession with Perth. Judging by social media, Perth’s elimination today and the question of whether they made playoffs or didn’t is of great consequence and satisfaction to them. Is this still about the grand final 3 years ago?

Forde loves McCall, he's playing very well and has curtailed his turnovers as this season's gone on, he has a huge impact off the floor both in terms of leadership and in the community, and Cairns have been outscored this season when he's not on the court.

At 28 I don't see him going downhill any time soon, so as long as the Snakes keep playing the style they are, which is built around him, I think he'll be a good contributor.

"This is the playoffs ask yourself where is Melb, Adelaide, Brissie and the Hawks then? They're not playing because this isn't the regular season that ended last weekend any extra games after that is the post-season, playoffs, finals."

Couldn't agree more with this. The NBL can play whatever name games they want, we're not idiots.

I expect many of the Cairns players not on contract to be poached. Teams with deeper pockets didnt get to the playoffs.

Pinder and Kuol are the two big FA's for them. Pinder I could see going to the highest bidder but teams will be falling over themselves to try and snag Kuol, you know United will be anyway it's their specialty.

It would be great if Cairns could somehow keep most of the team together, but history suggests that's not going to happen. Would be sad if they lose most of this team though.

Kuol is a better get than Pinder, he got marked a lot tighter as season went on and wasn't as good, plus injuries. I’m hoping Cairns can keep team together, and yes McCall ain’t going nowhere, tidy up turnovers and he up in mvp status.

Considering that in all likelihood Cairns won't be able to keep the team they have at present for next season they may as well win the whole thing now.

DJ Hoag was the Manek the wildcats actually needed. Same deadly 3 point shooting but able to play a more well rounded game.

United will throw big cash at Hogg. It'll be hard to keep the vultures away.

Taipans will upset Kings & take on NZ for GF!

Thomas
Norton
Wagstaff
Blanchfield
Majok


All need to be released retire or just not retained.I suspect Travers will be back because he is nowhere near NBA ready. John needs to stop playing games with him and start him. Whilst highly , Perth needs to see if Nick Kay has any interest about coming back and the look for a big American who can clean up the glass and block shots. Someone the big fellasor the breakers.



They also need to get a bit younger in the backcourt. Little more athletic too.

Perth needs better local talent and needs physical players. We were somewhat undersized everywhere, effectively running 3 guard line ups with all tiny guards. Norton if healthy again has shown he still has value last couple games. Some good young Wa talent that may be done at College, could be very interesting.

I'd keep Thomas ahead of Magnay. Magnay is two guard trying to play the four.

Thomas is a very good player. He and Manek are a good combo, but I think Perth need a good defensive banger off the bench to balance out that frontcourt.

Manek will be back. His 1-6 three point shooting aside generally he is a world class floor spacer and will only get better for his first year experience as a professional basketball player.


Thomas might have to be sacrificed for more defence and size upfront if Cottons citizenship does not go through. You can't have another season of being so undersized up front.

Spot-on, Jimmy.
Individually, Manek & Thomas are both NBL-worthy players, but a foursome of those two plus Wagstaff & Majok is not the front court of a top 4-caliber team.
Manek of course was a rookie pro and will be better for the experience.

I don't see it, Manek while improving through out season still not good enough. Again is he on good import money or lesser money, if it’s not top dollar it changes options. All successful teams have very good mobile fours at both ends. Cooks, Brantley, Hogg. Manek isn’t with these guys. Creek is an excellent player but undersized in the four and it hurts SEM, you need 6ft 9, 10 inch guys that play both ends.

Exactly Luuuc, it's that quality third frontcourt wheel who defends and rebounds for fun that is missing.

I don't see it, Manek while improving through out season still not good enough. Again is he on good import money or lesser money, if it's not top dollar it changes options. All successful teams have very good mobile fours at both ends. Cooks, Brantley, Hogg. Manek isn’t with these guys. Creek is an excellent player but undersized in the four and it hurts SEM, you need 6ft 9, 10 inch guys that play both ends.

Manek is not the answer.

He is horrific on defence, and if he is not hitting shots he becomes a big negative.

I tipped Perth, Tasmania hoping both would lose. My brain would have gone Cairns, Breakers.

Perth were lucky making finals since you look at the old tiebreaker system the nbl used back in 2016/17 below games played against each other.

Pos Team Pld W L GF GA PP PCT
5 Melbourne 7 4 3 610 571 106.8 57.14
6 S.E. Melbourne 7 4 3 622 627 99.2 57.14
7 Perth 6 2 4 532 566 94.0 33.33

@ Luuuc

You missed the bit where I said play both ends, Manek can get hot shooting over smaller players but struggles on the guys with length, see how Hogg handled him today at both ends.
Also as I said if he's a budget cheap import ok, he’s certainly no Brantley or Hogg.

I got the joke Luuc, made me laugh

Manek is a 3 point shooter and nothing more... for every 3 points he drains he allows 4 points at the other end with the most terrible defence ive seen. Slow to react to plays, cant jump, no physicality and fitness looks to be an issue.

Vic Law was better than Manek. Wish we could have kept him.

Majok, Wagstaff, Blanchfield, Thomas, Manek all need to go
Norton to the bench as a backup PG is the way to go as he can still provide some defensive toughness when healthy.

Agree Big Fudge

If Maneks shots aren't dropping he's a liability. The main difference between this season and last season was the downgrade of Manek replacing Law. Still the same issues defensively but Law slightly better at rebounding.

I think Norton is a good player to retain as a back up PG. The cats need more defensive grit so shouldn't be letting go players of his caliber.

If/when Cotton becomes a full blown Aussie, I'd be keeping Manek around, you can never have enough shooters/floor spacers. I'd then be throwing the kitchen sink at Mooney to return. His rebounding presence alone would 1 - take away the ludicrous amounts of OR they conceded and get 2 - get shooters in open positions after grabbing an OR.

Remember, only a portion of Cottons wage would be counted as he would surely be listed as an Aussie marquee player.

Good defensive schemes and team D can hide poor defenders. All about the balance.

Cotton won't be a local for next season.

If they sign Manek again, too me its another year for "Cotton + Budget Roster".

They need serious height, athleticism , defensive presence and shooting. Manek ticks one box, someone like a Hoag ticks all 4.

If Cairns could afford him , not sure why Cats cannot find something similar unless paying peanuts for the roster.

"Brady Manek is 6ft 9, but I haven't heard whether he meets the 10 inch requirement"

They may need to replace him with an African-American import.

If anything I think Perth would have a pretty expensive roster. Thomas I think was all-defensive first team in France last season and Manek was a star at one of the most prestigious schools in the US so neither of those is likely to be cheap.

Cotton's previous deal was for $700k a year opted out of the last year and re-signed to a new 3 year deal starting this season. How much of a discount if any do you think he may have given Perth to get that 3 year deal? Not much I would've thought.

Norton was a high profile re-signing that Perth gave a 3 year deal too to stop Tassie from getting him, still one year of that deal to go no doubt quite good money.

Blanchfield the unrepentant mercenary he's always been re-signed to a 3 year deal I bet he didn't leave much on the table.

Corey Webster okay was playing in Egypt last season wanted to come back I'm sure he's not playing for beer money brother Tai Webster too probably gave Perth a discount to play alongside Corey but he was playing in the Euroleague last season.

It all ads up unless of course your Sydney then it doesn't.

As good as Manek looked offensively for the last half of the season (at least from deep), he was targeted more than Kai Sotto down the other end - he's so bad defensively that I doubt the Wildcats would seriously be considering bringing him back, unless they have another 2-3 DPotY candidates they are looking to sign also...

Thomas was quality - he didn't end up being the kind of player Perth really needed with this roster, but I can imagine a few teams would be speaking to his agent this year.

Thomas is a good player - made all star 5 in the French. Him and Manek are a poor fit together though. Apparently SEM were looking at Thomas and Perth Williams!

I would have thought Thomas is too small for 5 man in Euro , surprised he was able to thrive there as he struggled big time with taller 5 men in the NBL. Or was he playing the 4 position minus a three point shot.

Thomas played 4/5, shot the three ball @ 7.7%. Made all first team, not defensive player of year.