NICKNAME/S: Nerd

BIO: Born and raised in Canberra (ACT), Jesse Kendall James Wagstaff attended Radford College before accepting a scholarship to attend the ACT Academy of Sport.

Wagstaff is one of only 7 players who played 15 seasons with one NBL team. Tom Abercrombie, Mat Campbell, Brett Maher, Andrew Gaze, Ricky Grace and Mark Davis being the only other players to achieve the feat.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Jesse Wagstaff made his NBL debut with the Perth Wildcats at 23 years of age. He scored 10 points in his first game.

Coming out of college, Wagstaff was set to sign with the South Dragons, the reigning NBL champions. After the team folded in May 2009, he had a one-game stint in the SEABL with the Canberra Gunners before signing a two-year deal with the Perth Wildcats in June 2009.

Following the 2008/09 season, the Wildcats came within weeks of folding unless they raised a million dollars in sponsorship. The NBL itself was also in strife; with the competition falling on tough times, there was a real possibility at the time that there would be no league in 2009-10. Collaborating with other clubs, the Wildcats helped reform the league.

Once the season was given the green light, the Wildcats hired a new coach in Rob Beveridge, who was tasked with recruiting a new-look team where Shawn Redhage, Stephen Weigh and Brad Robbins would be complimented by newly acquired proven talent Damian Martin (via Sydney), Drew Williamson (via Townsville), Luke Schenscher (via Adelaide), Martin Cattalini (via Cairns) and import Kevin Lisch was then recruited to lead the Wildcats on the offensive end of the floor.

Just prior to the season kicking off, Paul Rogers relinquished the captaincy heading into the 2009/10 season, handing over the reins to Redhage. In what would be his final NBL season, Rogers would play two games before a injury to his elbow and triceps in the team’s second game would see him sidelined for the rest of the season. The injuries would ultimately end Rogers’ playing career, and the Wildcats signed import Galen Young as his replacement.

Lisch started out slowly over his initial weeks in the league, averaging only 11.4 points across his first five NBL games. A victory over the Melbourne Tigers (94-90) where he dropped a season-high 21 points in 27 minutes, proved to all that he would be a force in this league. By January, the Wildcats had emerged as clear frontrunners (13 wins, 8 losses) as new point guard Damian Martin (8.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists) delivered his best season to date, numbers which would earn him a Australian Boomers call-up at the end of the season. Wagstaff benefitted from the increased opportunities afforded to him in Rogers’ absence, finishing the season with averages of 9.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists and claiming the NBL Rookie of the Year Award.

The team rolled through the regular season to finish in first place (17-11) before going on to the semi finals to face Gold Coast (fourth seed). Wagstaff adding 3 points in game one (81-68) and 7 points in game two (82-78) while Lisch led the Wildcat’s with 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in game one and backed it up with 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in game two, propelling the team to a Grand Final matchup with the Wollongong Hawks.

Perth claimed game one comfortably with a 75–64 win at home, with Lisch filling the box score with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 1 block in the opening game, and Wagstaff contributing 8 points. The series then moved to Wollongong for game two, where the Hawks returned the favour, defeating Perth 75–63, with Lisch struggling to make a impact in the game and being held to only 11 points. Wagstaff added 6 points and 5 rebounds in the loss.

After Games 1 and 2 proved to be comfortable victories for each home team, the series returned to Perth for the third and deciding game, where the Wildcats found themselves down by as many as 11 points in the second quarter. Wagstaff delivered his best postseason performance, scoring 10 points and hauling in 7 rebounds and Lisch would prove to be the difference-maker in the second half, exploding offensively to finish with 29 points and 5 rebounds. Perth would record a record fifth NBL Championship, comfortably defeating Wollongong 96–72 with Lisch subsequently named Finals MVP after averaging 18 points and 4 rebounds over the three-game series.

PERTH WILDCATS
2010/11
During the 2010 off-season, the Perth Wildcats focused on retaining key players and strengthening their roster. They successfully re-signed star import Kevin Lisch despite lucrative offers from European clubs and secured Shawn Redhage on a three-year deal. Additionally, they added Matthew Knight, who had previously played with Damian Martin and coach Rob Beveridge at the Sydney Spirit before the team folded, leading him to pursue a career overseas.

Knight’s debut season with the Wildcats began positively, but a left calf injury suffered on December 12, 2010, against the Melbourne Tigers sidelined him for two months. Further injuries to both Jesse Wagstaff (who was averaging 11.4 points per game) and Shawn Redhage (18 points and 5.8 rebounds per game) threw the Wildcats’ season into further disarray. Redhage’s injury was particularly severe and initially feared to be career-ending. He dislocated his left hip during the Wildcats’ 77–76 loss to the Adelaide 36ers in Adelaide, potentially requiring a hip replacement. The injury occurred when Redhage lunged for a contested ball, causing the head of his femur to punch through his pelvis, breaking the bone and dislocating the joint.

Following Redhage’s injury, the Wildcats lost four consecutive games and won only two of their remaining eight matches. Kevin Lisch (13.5 points per game) delivered another impressive season, scoring in double figures in all but nine games, helping the Wildcats finish in fourth place with a 16–12 record.

Perth faced the first-placed New Zealand Breakers in the semifinals. Behind a 29-point effort from Lisch, the Wildcats won Game One of the series in Auckland with a commanding 101–78 victory. However, the Breakers rebounded to win Games Two (93–89) and Three (99–83), eventually going on to defeat Cairns to win the 2011 NBL Championship. Jesse Wagstaff averaged 8.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game during the season. Kevin Lisch and Shawn Redhage were named co-MVPs for the Wildcats, and Damian Martin claimed the league’s Best Defensive Player award for the first time.

2011/12
In May 2011, Jesse Wagstaff re-signed with the Wildcats on a three-year deal, solidifying his role in the team’s future. Perth aimed to return to the top by adding 7’2″ center Luke Nevill, with the goal of re-creating the “Perth Wall” alongside Matthew Knight, Shawn Redhage, and Wagstaff, who was returning to action after a career-threatening injury suffered the prior season.

Shawn Redhage made a remarkable return in the Wildcats’ season opener against the Adelaide 36ers on October 8, 2011. In the same arena where his horrific injury had occurred nine months earlier, Redhage scored a game-high 26 points (including 6-of-9 from three-point range). Kevin Lisch added 23 points on 73% shooting, and Jesse Wagstaff contributed 22 points on 50% shooting. The trio led the Wildcats to a dominant 102–69 victory, handing Adelaide their biggest opening-night loss in team history.

After narrowly missing out on the opening round’s Player of the Week award, Redhage earned the honor in Round 2 by recording 21 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in a 92–76 win over Melbourne on October 14, 2011. He concluded the season by earning Player of the Week honors for Round 25 after scoring 19 points, along with seven rebounds, two steals, one assist, and one blocked shot, helping the Wildcats finish the regular season with a road win over Melbourne (72–71).

Kevin Lisch, who had re-signed with the Wildcats on a two-year deal, was labeled the “best import in the league” by coach Rob Beveridge at the start of the year. He lived up to that billing during the early rounds of the season. With Damian Martin injured, Lisch ran the point for the first few weeks, averaging 22.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in October, guiding the Wildcats to a 3–1 record. Lisch finished the season averaging 17.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, becoming the league’s leading scorer—the first Wildcats player to do so—and was awarded the NBL Most Valuable Player.

Shawn Redhage (13.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists), Jesse Wagstaff (11.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists), and Matthew Knight (10.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) were instrumental to the Wildcats’ success. Damian Martin (7.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists) claimed his second consecutive Best Defensive Player award.

Perth finished the regular season with a 19–9 record, entering the playoffs as the second seed. After defeating the Gold Coast Blaze in the semifinals (2–1), they faced the New Zealand Breakers in the Grand Final. After losing Game One in Auckland, the Wildcats appeared to be in trouble in Game Two at home. Trailing for much of the game, Perth managed to snatch a thrilling one-point lead with less than a minute to play and held on to defeat the Breakers 87–86. Redhage secured the victory with a memorable last-second block on Breakers guard C.J. Bruton.

The series returned to Auckland for the deciding Game Three, where the Wildcats suffered a six-point loss (79–73) in front of 9,258 fans—the largest NBL crowd of the season. Despite the defeat, the Wildcats’ performance throughout the season solidified their status as one of the league’s premier teams.

2012/13
Before the 2012/13 season, the Perth Wildcats moved into their new home, the state-of-the-art Perth Arena, a 13,500-seat stadium that would set the stage for an eventful year. After undergoing off-season shoulder surgery, Matthew Knight was expected to be the team’s primary force in the paint. He embraced this role effectively, earning the NBL’s Player of the Week honors for his 20-point, nine-rebound performance in the Wildcats’ season-opening win over the New Zealand Breakers.

On October 14, against the Townsville Crocodiles, Kevin Lisch played his 100th consecutive NBL game, coinciding with coach Rob Beveridge’s 100th game for the Wildcats. Shortly after, import Michael Dunigan was brought in as a short-term replacement for Knight, who missed four games due to injury. Dunigan quickly became a fan favorite with his thunderous dunks and athletic blocks.

The team faced another hurdle when co-captain Brad Robbins abruptly retired just eight games into the season, citing a loss of motivation and passion for the game. Not long after, Cameron Tovey also announced he would retire at the end of the season.

Amidst these challenges, Jesse Wagstaff stepped up significantly, averaging 10.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. His contributions were pivotal in helping the Wildcats finish second on the ladder with a 22–6 record. Both Lisch and Knight were named to the All-NBL First Team.

Perth swept the Wollongong Hawks in the semifinals to advance to the 2013 NBL Grand Final series, marking their third consecutive playoff series against the New Zealand Breakers. Another setback struck when Damian Martin, who had joined Shawn Redhage as co-captain after Robbins’ retirement, won his third consecutive Best Defensive Player award but was ruled out of the Grand Final with an Achilles injury. To fill the void, Brad Robbins was rushed back into the team. However, without Martin, the Wildcats were defeated by the Breakers in two straight games, with New Zealand securing their third consecutive championship in 2013.

In late May 2013, both Kevin Lisch and coach Rob Beveridge parted ways with the Wildcats after four seasons. Lisch ended his tenure in Perth to pursue opportunities in Europe, finishing with career averages of 14.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.

2013/14
After back-to-back Grand Final losses to the New Zealand Breakers and the departure of star import Kevin Lisch (to France), the Perth Wildcats overhauled their roster with the aim of capturing their sixth championship. Team changes included the exit of coach Rob Beveridge, Kevin Lisch (who would later join Beveridge at Illawarra), and Cameron Tovey. The Wildcats appointed Trevor Gleeson as head coach and signed two new imports: small forward James Ennis, selected 50th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, and shooting guard Jermaine Beal. Point guard Damian Martin was named team captain, and the core group of Shawn Redhage, Jesse Wagstaff, Matthew Knight, and Greg Hire all returned. To bolster the bench, Tom Jervis, along with guards Drake U’u and Erik Burdon, were also signed.

Replacing a former NBL MVP is never easy, but when managing director Nick Marvin and coach Trevor Gleeson witnessed James Ennis’s abilities firsthand at the NBA Summer League, they knew they had found a star. Ennis debuted with 25 points and 4 rebounds in a three-point victory over arch-rivals Adelaide, marking the most points scored by a Wildcat on NBL debut at the time. He earned Player of the Month honors in his first month, as Perth began the season with an 8-0 record.

Injuries to Matthew Knight forced the club to sign Jarrad Prue and Jeremiah Trueman as short-term injury replacements in October and January. Despite these setbacks, the Wildcats remained the league’s frontrunners. By the mid-season break for the All-Star game, they held a 12-1 record. Perth boasted the league’s best import duo: James Ennis (21.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.4 steals) and Jermaine Beal (15.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists). They were complemented by the league’s best defender, Damian Martin (7.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.2 steals), and veteran Shawn Redhage (13.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists). Unsurprisingly, Perth finished the regular season atop the ladder and reached the postseason for the 28th consecutive year. Ennis and Beal were named to the All-NBL First and Second Teams, respectively.

In the playoffs, the Wildcats eliminated the Wollongong Hawks in straight sets. Their historic rivals, Adelaide, defeated Melbourne in three games on the other side of the bracket, setting up a showdown in the 2014 Grand Final.

Game One saw Perth secure a 92-85 win at home, with James Ennis leading the way with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. Game Two shifted momentum as the 36ers, backed by 8,127 fans—their largest crowd of the season—won 89-84. High scoring from Gary Ervin (23 points) and a strong performance by Adam Gibson (18 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists) evened the series at 1-1.

In the decisive Game Three, 13,498 members of Perth’s “Red Army” packed the arena to witness the Wildcats clinch their sixth NBL title. With Ennis subdued by foul trouble, the experienced duo of Shawn Redhage and Damian Martin rose to the occasion. Redhage scored 10 of his 16 points in the first quarter, helping the team establish control, while Martin delivered a stellar defensive performance against Gary Ervin, limiting him to just four points and adding 14 points and six rebounds himself. Greg Hire contributed 9 rebounds and 5 assists, and Jermaine Beal added 15 points. Jesse Wagstaff played a vital role throughout the season, appearing in all 33 games and averaging 10.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1 assist.

Despite Anthony Petrie’s 20-point effort for the 36ers, he lacked support from fellow starters Adam Gibson (8 points) and Daniel Johnson (9 points), both of whom had been influential earlier in the series. After his explosive opening game, Ennis struggled in Games Two and Three. Jermaine Beal was named Finals MVP after averaging 17.6 points per game and shooting 48% from beyond the three-point line.

2014/15
In 2014, the reigning NBL champions, the Perth Wildcats, returned with nearly their entire roster intact to pursue back-to-back titles. They successfully re-signed Shawn Redhage and Damian Martin, both on three-year deals, and retained key players Jermaine Beal, Matthew Knight, Greg Hire, and Tom Jervis. Although they lost star import James Ennis to the NBA, they secured another talented player in DeAndre Daniels (14.8 points and 7.7 rebounds) as their second import.

This season, Redhage handed over the captaincy to Damian Martin. The Wildcats faced significant injury challenges throughout the year, especially in their frontcourt. Matthew Knight was limited to just six games, Greg Hire appeared in 19, and Redhage suffered a stress fracture in his right foot, causing him to miss the entire finals campaign.

Jesse Wagstaff played in 30 games, averaging 8.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. He gained international attention when he was on the receiving end of a vicious clothesline from Sydney Kings import Josh Childress.

An NBL tribunal cleared Childress of striking with his elbow but banned him for one game and fined him $3,750 for unduly rough play. He was fined an additional $3,750 for bringing the game into disrepute.

With the departure of Ennis, Jermaine Beal (16.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists) became Perth’s primary offensive weapon and was awarded the club’s MVP at the end of the season. Despite their injury-plagued roster, the Wildcats managed to finish in fourth place with a 16–12 record. Matthew Knight earned a spot on the All-NBL Second Team, and Damian Martin was named the NBL’s Best Defensive Player for the fifth consecutive year.

Perth was swiftly eliminated by the Cairns Taipans in the semifinals. The Wildcats struggled to contain Taipans’ guard Scottie Wilbekin, who amassed 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists in Game One (71-64), followed by 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists in Game Two (80-68).

2015/16
Following an injury-riddled season that ended in a semi-final defeat—much like the 2010/11 season—coach Trevor Gleeson entered the 2015/16 campaign confident that he had assembled a team capable of securing Perth’s seventh championship. Acknowledging chemistry issues from the previous year, the Wildcats added high-profile recruits Casey Prather and Nathan Jawai, as well as backup guard Jarrod Kenny, to improve team balance.

With Nathan Jawai’s arrival, an injury-free Matthew Knight was able to shift to his natural position of power forward for the first time, while Shawn Redhage transitioned to a bench role. Jesse Wagstaff continued to be a key contributor, providing valuable minutes and experience in the frontcourt rotation.

The season’s first month was marred by a significant setback when Damian Martin suffered a broken jaw and lost teeth due to an errant elbow from Townsville Crocodiles forward Brian Conklin. Despite initially being ruled out for three weeks, Martin made a remarkable return by the end of the month. In February, he celebrated his 200th game for the Wildcats.

Perth battled Melbourne United for the top spot on the ladder all season. A highlight came in December when Jermaine Beal notched a career-high 40 points, sinking 10 three-pointers, as the Wildcats dismantled Melbourne 113–83.

In January, Shawn Redhage played his 350th NBL game but averaged under 10 points per game (6.6 points) for the first time in his career. Jesse Wagstaff stepped up, averaging 9.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, bolstering the team’s performance during crucial stretches.

The Wildcats concluded the regular season with an 18–10 record, finishing in second place and reaching the playoffs for the 30th consecutive year—a streak unmatched in any other Australian or American professional sports league.

In the semi-finals, Perth faced the Rob Beveridge-led Illawarra Hawks. The Wildcats dominated Game One, with Casey Prather leading the scoring with 19 points in an 80–68 victory. However, the Hawks evened the series in Game Two, thanks to an outstanding performance from Oscar Forman, who scored 21 points to defeat Perth 104–87.

Back on home soil for the decisive Game Three, the Wildcats secured the series with a convincing 89–74 win. Jermaine Beal led the team with 17 points, and Prather added 15 points, including a thunderous one-handed slam over A.J. Ogilvy early in the fourth quarter. Jesse Wagstaff continued to provide steady play off the bench, helping set up an NBL Finals showdown against the reigning champions, the New Zealand Breakers.

In Game One of the Grand Final series, the Wildcats relied on Jawai’s inside presence, Prather’s athleticism and tough defense, and Kenny’s support of captain Damian Martin—addressing critical areas they had lacked the previous season. They secured an 82–76 victory to take a 1–0 series lead. In Game Two back in New Zealand, the Breakers leveled the series with a 72–68 win, propelled by import Cedric Jackson’s near triple-double of 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists.

With the deciding Game Three in Perth and 13,090 members of the “Red Army” in attendance, the Wildcats’ core—including Jesse Wagstaff, Redhage, Knight, Greg Hire, Beal, and Tom Jervis—ensured history did not repeat itself. Casey Prather (19 points) and Jermaine Beal (14 points) led the scoring, but it was Damian Martin’s inspirational defensive display that stood out. Martin was named Grand Final MVP after holding star Breakers guard Cedric Jackson scoreless in the deciding game. The Wildcats claimed their seventh championship with a commanding 75–52 victory.

2016/17
In April 2016, the Perth Wildcats re-signed both Damian Martin (on a three-year deal) and Matthew Knight (two-year deal), even as Knight was recovering from shoulder stabilization surgery on his left arm. Just before the Wildcats’ opening game, Knight was ruled out for two months after suffering a subluxation of his right shoulder during training. To fill the void, the team added free agent Lucas Walker, who had been training with Melbourne after not being re-signed by Adelaide, as an injury replacement player.

After incorporating Walker, the Wildcats started the season strong with a 4–1 record. Once Knight was cleared to return, Walker was removed from the active roster but remained with the team as a training player. Knight made his season debut in a win over Illawarra (80–73), contributing 12 points and 8 rebounds. However, further injuries to Damian Martin and Jarrod Kenny depleted the team’s backcourt.

During a victory over Melbourne (72–69), Martin collected a career-high 13 rebounds but received a heavy knock to the head. X-rays revealed a fracture to the left side of his jaw, ruling him out for two weeks. Remarkably, he returned after missing just one game but then suffered a grade three MCL tear in his left knee against Adelaide on November 5, sidelining him for 10 to 12 weeks.

By December, the Wildcats had slumped to last place with a 7–9 record. An import shuffle saw Jaron Johnson (13.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) replaced by three-point specialist Andre Ingram. In a bizarre twist, Ingram (8.5 points, 2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals) left the team after just two games, citing mental health issues. Johnson was temporarily reinstated before being released again in December when the Wildcats seized the opportunity to sign former NBA guard Bryce Cotton. Around this time, veteran Shawn Redhage (2.7 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.5 assists) announced he would retire at the end of the season.

Amidst the roster turbulence, Casey Prather (19.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.6 steals) continued to shoulder the offensive load. This included a career-high 39 points in a 92–89 win over Melbourne United on December 9. In February, Prather scored 29 points in a win over the Sydney Kings (101–74) and followed up with 26 points and a career-high 11 assists in a 96–94 victory over United two days later. Damian Martin (4.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 steals) returned to form after his injuries, and in his 250th NBL game on January 28, he scored a season-high 11 points along with six rebounds and four assists in a win over Melbourne (73–71).

The addition of Bryce Cotton transformed the Wildcats, who won eight of their remaining twelve regular-season games, including two must-win games to reach the playoffs. Cotton (23.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals) finished as the league’s leading scorer. Prather finished second in NBL MVP voting with 107 votes, behind Jerome Randle (147) of the Adelaide 36ers, and was selected to the All-NBL First Team. Jesse Wagstaff continued his crucial role off the bench, playing all 33 games and averaging 9.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.

In the semifinals, Perth (15–13) faced Cairns (15–13) at home. Cotton (34 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Prather (22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) led the way offensively for an easy Game One win (91–69). In Game Two, the Wildcats closed out the series with a 74–66 victory. Prather led the team with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Jesse Wagstaff had a significant impact off the bench with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals.

In the NBL Grand Final series against the Illawarra Hawks, Prather (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists), Cotton (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists), and Knight (18 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals) delivered a balanced offensive attack to win the opening game by twelve points (89–77). Game Two moved to Wollongong, but the Wildcats continued their playoff winning streak with another 89–77 victory. Cotton (20 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Prather (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) were the primary scorers, and five Wildcats scored in double figures.

Perth won Game Three comfortably (95–86), finishing undefeated in the postseason and claiming their eighth championship—winning back-to-back titles for the first time since 1991. Several records were set during the Game Three win. Most notably, Bryce Cotton was named Grand Final MVP after scoring 45 points, the most ever in an NBL Grand Final game. His average of 27.7 points per game over the series was the highest by any player in 20 years.

Coach Trevor Gleeson became the first in Perth’s history to win back-to-back championships. Casey Prather had a historic season, being voted Wildcats MVP for the second consecutive year—the only player to be a club MVP in more than one championship season—and becoming the first Perth player to win two championships in his first two seasons.

Jesse Wagstaff continued to play a pivotal role within the Wildcats’ bench unit, contributing consistent performances throughout the season and playoffs. His experience and leadership were invaluable assets as the team navigated a challenging season to emerge as champions once again.

2017/18
The Perth Wildcats re-signed Grand Final MVP Bryce Cotton for the 2017/18 season but lost two-time club MVP Casey Prather, who pursued NBA opportunities and eventually signed with Melbourne United. To fill the void, the Wildcats initially brought in Devondrick Walker. However, Walker suffered a foot injury during the preseason and was replaced by Jean-Pierre “J.P.” Tokoto before playing a regular-season game. Additional roster changes included Derek Cooke Jr. replacing the outgoing Jameel McKay, and Lucas Walker moving from a training player role to a full-time squad member following the retirement of Shawn Redhage.

Around this time, Matthew Knight announced he would retire at the end of the season. However, due to three early-season head knocks, Knight brought forward his retirement in early November.

The Wildcats started strong with a 10–3 record, sitting atop the ladder after Round 9. In December, Damian Martin was sidelined with an ankle injury, and the team faced challenges, dropping to 13–9 by mid-January. They finished the regular season in third place with a 16–12 record. Jesse Wagstaff played a significant role, averaging 9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.

Before the playoffs, Damian Martin was named the NBL’s Best Defensive Player for a record-breaking sixth time, and Bryce Cotton was awarded league MVP—only the third Wildcat to receive this honor after Paul Rogers (2000) and Kevin Lisch (2012). Cotton earned All-NBL First Team honors, while Tokoto was named to the All-NBL Second Team.

In the semifinals against the second-seeded Adelaide 36ers, the Wildcats suffered a heavy defeat in Game One (109–74), marking their second-biggest finals loss in club history. The only larger margin was a 55-point loss to North Melbourne in 1989. Game Two was a closer contest but resulted in an 89–88 loss, ending the Wildcats’ season prematurely.

2018/19
During the off-season, Perth successfully re-signed star guard Bryce Cotton to a three-year deal. They bolstered their roster by adding Nick Kay and Mitch Norton (both from Illawarra), two-time champion Tom Jervis (from Brisbane), and new import Terrico White (from South Korea). These additions led to the departures of Lucas Walker, Jarrod Kenny, and Dexter Kernich-Drew, who all signed with the Cairns Taipans. The Wildcats also elevated four-year development player Rhys Vague to the full-time roster.

The team traveled to the United States for preseason games against the NBA’s Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets. Despite a heavy loss to the Jazz (130–72), which coach Trevor Gleeson cited as a catalyst for their season’s success, the Wildcats narrowly lost to the Nuggets (96–88), gaining valuable experience that set a positive tone.

Perth began the NBL season strongly with a 10–1 record. However, their momentum was disrupted when captain Damian Martin (5.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game) suffered a right calf tear, sidelining him for six games. Angus Brandt (8.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game) also missed three games in November due to an ankle injury sustained while playing for the Australian Boomers. Consequently, the Wildcats’ form dipped, and by mid-January, they had lost eight of their next ten games, bringing their record to 12–9.

Despite external pressure to adjust the roster or add a third import, the organization and coaching staff trusted the existing group. As players returned to health, the team rebounded with three straight wins over Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney, regaining the top spot on the ladder with two rounds remaining and ultimately finishing first with an 18–10 record.

Perth was led by Bryce Cotton (21.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game), who was both the league’s MVP and leading scorer. Nick Kay (14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game) delivered the best season of his career, with both earning selections to the All-NBL First Team. Despite early injuries, Terrico White (17.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game) emerged as a key contributor by season’s end.

Jesse Wagstaff played a vital role as a veteran leader off the bench, averaging 5.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. His experience and versatility were crucial to Perth’s depth and success throughout the season. Notable performances included 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in a win against Illawarra on November 11; 13 points and 2 rebounds in a victory over New Zealand on November 25; and 12 points and 1 rebound in a win against Brisbane on October 25.

In the semifinals against Brisbane, the Wildcats secured a dominant Game One victory (89–59), with Bryce Cotton contributing 19 points and 10 assists, and Terrico White adding 24 points. Wagstaff provided steady defense off the bench, recording 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal. In Game Two (84–79), White led with 24 points, and Cotton recorded his first career double-double with 19 points and 10 assists. Wagstaff added 4 points and 2 rebounds. Perth advanced to the Grand Final to face Melbourne United.

In Game One of the Grand Final series (81–71), despite Cotton being limited to 10 points due to Melbourne’s defense, the Wildcats prevailed thanks to Terrico White’s 19 points and Angus Brandt’s 14 points. Wagstaff contributed 4 points and 2 rebounds off the bench. Melbourne’s offense was led by Casper Ware and Chris Goulding.

Game Two saw Melbourne even the series with a 92–74 win. Despite efforts from Cotton (19 points), White (17 points), and Wagstaff (5 points and 3 rebounds), Perth couldn’t keep pace. Coach Trevor Gleeson made strategic adjustments for Game Three, resulting in a dominant 95–67 victory. White exploded for 31 points, and Cotton added 27 points and 10 assists. Wagstaff chipped in with 3 points and 1 rebound.

In the decisive Game Four (97–84), Perth clinched the championship. Cotton delivered 28 points, and White added 20 points and 8 rebounds. Jesse Wagstaff contributed 6 points and 2 rebounds off the bench. Terrico White was named Grand Final MVP after averaging 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over the series.

The championship win marked a historic achievement for Jesse Wagstaff and Damian Martin, who became the first players in NBL history to win six championships with the same club, solidifying their legacy in the league.

2019/20
In the 2019 off-season, the Perth Wildcats focused on retaining their championship core by re-signing four-time championship-winning coach Trevor Gleeson to a three-year deal, as well as five-time championship-winning duo Damian Martin and Jesse Wagstaff, and import Terrico White. In total, six members of the championship-winning squad returned, with Wani Swaka Lo Buluk elevated from a development player to the full roster to replace the retiring Greg Hire. The team also added Dario Hunt and Majok Majok to fill the void left by departing big men Tom Jervis and Angus Brandt, who moved to Europe.

Perth began the season strongly with a 5–1 record but faced challenges by Round 10, dropping to 8–5 after consecutive losses. The Wildcats regrouped with four straight wins, closing out December with a 13–6 record. In December, Damian Martin played his 300th game for the Wildcats but then suffered a left heel injury, sidelining him for the entire month of January. After starting 2020 with back-to-back losses, Gleeson and the Wildcats decided to release Dario Hunt (8.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) and signed seven-year NBA veteran Miles Plumlee (9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks) as his replacement.

Plumlee’s addition provided the inside presence Perth needed, exemplified in a win over New Zealand (80–79) where he recorded 23 points and 18 rebounds, becoming the first Wildcat to achieve over 20 points and 15 rebounds in a game since 2007. With seven games remaining and Plumlee required to play all seven to qualify for the postseason, the Wildcats won six of seven games to secure their 34th consecutive finals appearance, finishing second with a 19–9 record.

Fresh off his World Cup experience with the Australian Boomers, Nick Kay (15 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.1 steals) had a breakout season alongside Bryce Cotton (22.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists), who made history by becoming the first import to lead the league in scoring for three consecutive years. Jesse Wagstaff contributed significantly off the bench, finishing the season with averages of 5.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.

In the semifinals, Perth defeated Cairns 2–1 to advance to their 15th NBL Grand Final. Thanks to stellar performances from Cotton (32 points) and Kay (14 points and 6 rebounds), they claimed Game One (88–86) in front of 11,647 passionate Kings fans. As the teams prepared for Game Two in Perth, it was decided that the remaining games would be played behind closed doors due to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.

In unusual circumstances, the Sydney Kings evened the series at 1–1, with Jae’Sean Tate scoring 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting and Andrew Bogut adding 24 points and 14 rebounds. In Game Three, Kay delivered a career-high 30 points, along with 12 rebounds and 4 assists, including seven three-pointers, while Cotton added 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists to propel Perth to a 111–96 victory.

Before Game Four, the Sydney Kings chose to withdraw from the series due to uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus and travel restrictions, particularly affecting their overseas-based players. After deliberation, it was decided that Perth would be awarded the championship, holding a 2–1 lead at the time, securing their tenth title. Cotton was named Grand Final MVP for the second time in four years after averaging 30.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over the three games. He became the first player in Wildcats history to be named league MVP, Grand Final MVP, and win a championship in the same season.

Jesse Wagstaff played a vital role throughout the season, providing leadership and experience off the bench. His consistent contributions were instrumental in the team’s success, culminating in another championship to add to his impressive career.

2020/21
The 2020/21 season was challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused league delays and forced teams to play eight games in Melbourne to navigate travel restrictions. Jesse Wagstaff averaged 6.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game during this tumultuous year.

The Wildcats struggled early, sitting in seventh position after the first five rounds. However, a strong showing in the mid-season NBL Cup allowed Perth to regain momentum. With league MVP Bryce Cotton performing at his best alongside new recruit John Mooney, the Wildcats returned to the top of the ladder and appeared poised for a third consecutive championship.

Fate intervened when star import Bryce Cotton suffered a season-ending injury in the last round of the regular season. Despite this setback, the team managed to finish in second place and navigated a wild semi-finals series against the Illawarra Hawks. Jesse Wagstaff’s experience was crucial during this period, providing stability and leadership on the court.

The Wildcats faced off against a formidable Melbourne United in the Grand Final, who had finished the regular season in first place. Although Games One and Two were played in Perth due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, United survived a late scare to win Game One by three points and then dominated Game Two, thanks to a 21-point performance from Chris Goulding.

With the Wildcats already missing Cotton, injuries to Mitch Norton increased the pressure on the backcourt. Kevin White stepped up admirably, averaging 7.5 points per game in the postseason—significantly above his career average. His three-point shooting kept the Wildcats competitive, going 12-for-28 over six games.

With restrictions lifted, Game Three was held on Melbourne’s home court. In front of a sold-out crowd of 5,000 at John Cain Arena (the maximum allowed under COVID restrictions), United defeated Perth 81–76. Melbourne’s Jock Landale delivered a dominating performance with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists, and 2 blocks, earning Finals MVP honors as Melbourne claimed their sixth NBL championship.

Jesse Wagstaff continued to be a key contributor throughout the season and the finals, using his veteran experience to guide younger players and maintain the team’s competitive edge despite the challenges faced.

2021/22
The 2021/22 season marked significant changes for the Wildcats, starting with the departure of coach Trevor Gleeson, who left to join the NBA’s Toronto Raptors after leading Perth to five championships in seven seasons. The team also lost mid-season signing Will Magnay and key bench players Clint Steindl, Jarrad Weeks, and Jarred Bairstow, all of whom signed multi-year deals with the Tasmania JackJumpers under former Wildcats assistant Scott Roth.

Perth rebuilt its squad by appointing U.S. coach Scott Morrison to replace Gleeson and adding imports Vic Law (via Brisbane) and Michael Frazier III. They also signed Matthew Hodgson (via Brisbane) to fill their last free roster spot. Jesse Wagstaff, the 35-year-old team captain, stepped up significantly during the early stages of the season, especially with key players Mitch Norton, Matt Hodgson, and Michael Frazier sidelined. He notched a season-high 19 points against the Bullets, his highest tally since February 2018.

Despite the roster changes, the Wildcats made a strong start under Morrison and spent the entire regular season among the league’s top four teams. As their four-month road trip concluded, Perth was second on the ladder with a 13–6 record and aimed to finish the season strong with their remaining nine games at home.

During this time, the team decided to replace Frazier with big man John Brown III. However, Brown’s former team refused to provide a clearance in time for the playoffs, leading to an awkward situation where Frazier, who had been training alongside Brown, was asked to return to the lineup while Brown headed back to the U.S.

Injuries struck again as Vic Law suffered a season-ending knee injury, and Bryce Cotton missed several games during the run home. As a result, Perth won only three of their nine home games. Heading into the last game of the season against the South East Melbourne Phoenix, the Wildcats needed a win to secure a playoff spot. Despite building an eight-point lead in the second half, the Phoenix fought back to secure a thrilling two-point overtime win, ending the Wildcats’ extraordinary run of 35 consecutive playoff appearances—a streak that began in 1986.

Jesse Wagstaff played a crucial role throughout the season, providing leadership and experience during a period of significant transition for the team. His contributions were invaluable as the Wildcats navigated a challenging season filled with unexpected hurdles.

2022/23
After missing the playoffs for the first time in 35 years, coach Scott Morrison announced his departure after just one season to return home for family reasons. The Wildcats appointed former Townsville Crocodiles star John Rillie as the new head coach on a three-year deal. Perth retained the majority of its roster, with only Kevin White (to Illawarra) and Matt Hodgson (to Taiwan) not returning.

The Wildcats re-signed Bryce Cotton (three-year deal), Todd Blanchfield (three-year deal), and Jesse Wagstaff (one-year deal), and elevated backup guard Kyle Zunic from development player to the full roster. Corey Webster, who had previously signed with the Wildcats in 2017 before leaving prior to the season, rejoined the team as a free agent. To complete the roster, imports TaShawn Thomas (from France) and Brady Manek (from North Carolina) were added to provide additional scoring punch.

Rillie’s squad started the season strong, winning three consecutive games and sitting atop the NBL ladder. However, a five-game losing streak followed, dropping them to seventh place, where they hovered until the final month of the season. With six games remaining, Perth added Tai Webster to the roster after his release from a team in Turkey, reuniting him with his brother Corey. Following Webster’s signing, Corey Shervill was released from the 11-man roster.

In their final three games, the Wildcats lost to Tasmania (102–94) after being outscored 27–15 in the final quarter and suffered a crucial loss to the Cairns Taipans (84–71). This set up a nail-biting last round where another loss could have eliminated them from playoff contention. Facing the league-leading Sydney Kings, Perth secured an upset 96–84 victory, with significant contributions from Corey Webster (26 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists), Luke Travers (22 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists), and Brady Manek (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals), while Bryce Cotton was held to 7 points.

The win allowed Perth (15–13) to claim sixth place and advance into the league’s inaugural play-in tournament. They faced the South East Melbourne Phoenix in a game where they trailed until the fourth quarter. In the final term, the Wildcats outscored the Phoenix 41–23, securing a 106–99 victory. Perth then met Cairns in a decisive game for a semifinal spot. Despite Cairns missing their leading scorer and rebounder Keanu Pinder, DJ Hogg delivered a historic performance with 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, leading to a 91–78 defeat of the Wildcats.

Jesse Wagstaff appeared in 30 games, averaging 5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. His veteran presence continued to be a steadying force for the team during a season of ups and downs.

2023/24
In 2023, Jesse Wagstaff signed a one-year deal, setting up his 15th season as a Wildcat—the second-longest tenure in the club’s history, behind only legend Ricky Grace. He sits equal first for most individual championships in NBL history (six), alongside C.J. Bruton, Damian Martin, and David Stiff, all won while playing with the Perth Wildcats.

Here are some of our favourite moments from Wagstaff’s illustrious 15-year career ???? pic.twitter.com/xuQ10q68Le

— NBL (@NBL) October 21, 2023

After missing the NBL playoffs in 2023, Perth decided to retool the roster, particularly after losing NBA talent Luke Travers to Melbourne. They acquired highly coveted free agent Keanu Pinder (via Cairns) and promising rookie Ben Henshall. The signing of Henshall led to the Wildcats buying out contracts of Todd Blanchfield (to Illawarra) and Mitchell Norton (to Brisbane), allowing Perth to inject younger talent into the squad after two consecutive years without playoff appearances.

Eighteen-year-old French prospect Alexandre Sarr was acquired via the Next Stars Program, while import players Jordan Usher and Kristian Doolittle were added to the roster. Perth junior talent David Okwera (via Melbourne) signed a multi-year deal, further strengthening the team’s depth.

Perth’s season began with a victory over Tasmania, where Jordan Usher scored 35 points, setting a record for the most points ever in a Wildcats debut at RAC Arena. However, the new-look roster struggled afterward, losing five of their next six games, culminating in a loss to Brisbane that led fans and media to call for a new head coach.

Perennial league MVP Bryce Cotton was also a factor in the slow start, as a new offense run through guards Tai and Corey Webster often left him relegated to the corners. Cotton’s reduced involvement even prompted his wife to voice her concerns on social media, making national headlines.

Following the loss to the Bullets, new addition Keanu Pinder (13.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.7 steals) publicly declared that the team would win their next five games—a prediction that preceded the Wildcats turning their season around. After a sluggish start, Bryce Cotton (22.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.5 steals) broke out of his offensive slump, scoring 29 points in a dominant win over Adelaide on November 4. From that game onward, Cotton returned to his MVP form.

In December, Cotton dropped a season-high 41 points in a victory over Sydney on December 1. Over an eight-game span from December 15 to January 21, he averaged 30.4 points, including four 30-point games, solidifying his case for MVP honors.

The Wildcats’ resurgence was also attributed to strategic moves by coach John Rillie, who shifted Jordan Usher (12.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists) to a sixth-man role and introduced Hyrum Harris (5.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists) into the starting lineup. Harris brought competitiveness and defensive intensity, often diving for loose balls or grabbing key offensive rebounds.

Despite being only 18, Alexandre Sarr (9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks) showed remarkable poise, showcasing his potential as a future NBA star. In just his third NBL game, Sarr nailed two crucial triples against the Adelaide 36ers after Keanu Pinder fouled out. By the end of the season, he was projected to be the number two pick in the NBA Draft.

Perth’s strong form saw them finish in second place with a 17–11 record, returning to the postseason. Bryce Cotton claimed his fourth MVP award, surpassing Brisbane Bullets legend Leroy Loggins (three) and moving into outright second behind only Andrew Gaze (seven).

The Wildcats’ playoff run ended abruptly with a semifinal series loss to eventual champions Tasmania. Jesse Wagstaff finished the season averaging 6.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, appearing in 28 games. His leadership and experience continued to be invaluable assets to the team as he extended his legacy in Perth.

Jesse Wagstaff currently plays for the Perth Wildcats and has played 476 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists since entering the league in 2009.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Perth Wildcats – 1 Year Deal (2024-25)

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 22nd in total games played.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Dan Boyce (815 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.