NICKNAME/S: Norto

BIO: Originally from Townsville, Queensland, Mitch Norton attended Pimlico State High School and played within the Townsville junior basketball system. Growing up, he was a devoted fan of the Townsville Crocodiles. His passion for the team was evident from a young age; during the Crocodiles’ 2001/02 season, when the team vowed to keep their beards untrimmed until they reached the Grand Final, a young Norton—about 10 years old and unable to grow a beard—chose to grow out his hair in solidarity. His dedication became so noticeable that his primary school principal eventually reached out to his parents, expressing concern over his “unruly” appearance. His parents clarified that it was simply a way for Norton to show support for his favorite team.

Norton’s first exposure to the NBL came in 2005, when he took part in the NBL Dunk Competition.

Ahead of Mitch Norton’s 350th game, check out his first NBL assist that came way back in the 2005 Dunk Contest 🤣 pic.twitter.com/6Orxacz9Nm

— NBL (@NBL) November 7, 2024

As a teenager, Norton represented Queensland North in the Under-16 and Under-18 Australian Basketball Championships from 2007 to 2009. Norton received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2011. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Mitchell Norton made his NBL debut with the Townsville Crocodiles at 18 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

After three straight semifinal exits under Coach Trevor Gleeson, the Townsville Crocodiles decided to shift direction by hiring American coach Paul Woolpert. The team parted ways with imports Will Blalock and Rosell Ellis, replacing them with former NBA guard Eddie Gill and Elvin Mims, while retaining most of the local roster from the previous season. Townsville junior Mitchell Norton and Jacob Holmes (via Adelaide) joined to fill the gaps left by Nathan Crosswell’s move to Adelaide and the retirement of Brad Williamson.

Just before the season began, Russell Hinder suffered a broken leg that ruled him out for the entire NBL season. As a replacement, Greg Vanderjagt, who hadn’t made an NBL roster the year prior, was signed to step in.

Peter Crawford (14.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) and import Eddie Gill (13.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists) led the team, but it was a breakout season from Todd Blanchfield (7.2 points and 3.3 rebounds) that reshaped the Crocs’ lineup. Blanchfield, seeing his minutes double to 21.3 per game, provided floor spacing by shooting 47% from the field, making it easier for the frontcourt duo of Jacob Holmes (10.4 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) and Luke Schenscher (10.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists) and Mims (9.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals) to find success in the paint.

Throughout the season, Townsville hovered between third and fifth, but a late slump, with losses in their final two games, saw them finish with a 15-13 record. Thanks to their higher points percentage, the Crocs secured the final playoff spot over Cairns, who shared an identical win-loss record and split the season series.

Under Coach Shawn Dennis, Townsville matched up against first-seed New Zealand in the semifinals, taking a commanding game one win (99-82) on the Breakers’ home court. New Zealand, however, bounced back, evening the series with a win in game two (94-83) at Townsville before clinching the series with a 97-80 victory in game three. New Zealand went on to defeat Perth in the Grand Final.

As a rookie, Norton saw limited minutes, appearing in five games and averaging 2.2 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.2 assists.

2012/13
The Townsville Crocodiles entered the 2012/13 NBL season with Paul Woolpert back for a second year and major changes across the roster. Veterans Luke Schenscher and Greg Vanderjagt were not re-signed, and import duo Eddie Gill and Elvin Mims also departed. The Crocs initially brought in Americans Jason Forte and Curtis Withers, but both were released following underwhelming pre-season performances. With the season approaching, Townsville signed 2011 MVP Gary Ervin and brought back Larry Abney, though the team dropped its first ten games to start the season 0–10.

Abney was cut after nine games, prompting the Crocs to add Luke Nevill, fresh off an NBA preseason stint. Nevill’s arrival sparked immediate improvement, helping Townsville secure its first win against Adelaide and launching a five-game win streak. Ervin (16.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.1 steals) was among the league’s top scorers and playmakers, while Nevill (13.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks) provided size and scoring in the paint.

Todd Blanchfield (9.4 points, 4.1 rebounds) and Peter Crawford (12 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) contributed effectively on the wings, while Mitchell Norton (4.1 points and 1.0 rebounds) saw a slightly expanded role, appearing in 24 games and providing energy off the bench. Townsville finished second last on the ladder with a 10–18 record, two games outside the playoff picture. Ervin’s efforts were rewarded with All-NBL Second Team honours.

2013/14
Ahead of the 2013/14 season, Townsville’s ownership model underwent a major shift as Barrier Reef Basketball relinquished control, putting the Crocodiles’ season in jeopardy. However, the team transitioned to a community-owned model, keeping the club afloat. With this change, Coach Paul Woolpert was not retained, and Perth Wildcats assistant Shawn Dennis was appointed as his successor.

Dennis focused on developing the team’s younger players, particularly Todd Blanchfield and Mitchell Norton, aiming to build a core around them over the coming seasons. The team’s veterans, including Peter Crawford, Jacob Holmes, and captain Russell Hinder, returned, while former Australian Boomers squad member Steven Markovic, who had spent the previous few seasons in Europe, joined the roster. Rounding out the lineup were imports Joshua Pace and Brian Conklin.

The Crocs found an unexpected talent in Conklin, who scored 33 points in his second game—a victory over the New Zealand Breakers (91–78)—marking the second-highest individual score by a Townsville player since the NBL’s shift to 40-minute games in 2010. Despite being widely expected to finish last, Townsville pulled off upset wins over top teams, including Melbourne (90-75) and Adelaide (98-94), and defeated New Zealand twice. By Round 10, they were just outside playoff contention in fifth place.

However, with Pace (14.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) and Markovic (13.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists) not meeting expectations, the team’s inexperience began to show, resulting in an eight-game losing streak.

Despite the setbacks, Conklin (16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) proved a revelation, using his strength and agility to overcome any height disadvantage, ending the season as one of the league’s top seven scorers. His absence due to a hamstring injury in the final four games was keenly felt. Townsville finished second-last with a 10-18 record, but Conklin’s standout performances earned him a spot on the All-NBL Second Team.

Norton played in 27 games, averaging 6.9 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.

2014/15
Townsville retained star import Brian Conklin for the 2014/15 season, banking on his contributions alongside the development of young players like Todd Blanchfield and Mitchell Norton to improve the team under Coach Shawn Dennis’s leadership. The Crocodiles made several roster changes, parting ways with veteran Peter Crawford (to Adelaide) and the retiring Russell Hinder, while replacing underperforming import Joshua Pace with former NBA shot blocker Mickell Gladness.

Dennis also added Mackay product Clint Steindl and New Zealand-born Leon Henry to bolster the lineup. The team became a formidable force at home, securing a winning home record (8-6) for the first time since 2012, but struggled on the road, finishing with only three away victories and an overall record of 11-17.

Notable highlights included Blanchfield (14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) making his mark across the league, even catching the eye of NBA scouts after being named the NBL’s Most Improved Player and earning an All-NBL Second Team selection. Conklin (18.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) delivered an even stronger second season, finishing fourth in the league in scoring with a 50.7% field goal percentage. His standout performances included a 33-point, 11-rebound game in a 79–75 loss to Cairns. At season’s end, Conklin was named the NBL’s Most Valuable Player and selected for the All-NBL First Team.

Norton appeared in 28 games, averaging 7.9 points, 2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.

2015/16
Facing front office changes and financial challenges, Townsville struggled to maintain stability, complicating their recruitment process. Todd Blanchfield, the reigning NBL Most Improved Player, left to join Melbourne United. In response, Coach Dennis signed Nicholas Kay, who had just completed four years at Metro State College of Denver, and filled the roster with players willing to play for near-league-minimum contracts. This group included players like Luke Schenscher (via Adelaide), Corey Maynard, and Mitchell Young (both from Cairns).

Conklin, re-signed as captain, was paired with incoming import Jordair Jett, but Townsville’s season started poorly with losses to Melbourne (84-99) at home and New Zealand (81-89) away. Surprisingly, they then managed back-to-back away wins over Sydney (80-77) and Perth (66-63), but the season quickly soured after that. A 31-point defeat to Melbourne in late October left Townsville with the league’s worst record (2-9) after the opening months.

Tensions escalated when Conklin became involved in a controversial on-court incident with Perth’s Damian Martin, resulting in a broken jaw for Martin. Although some, including Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze, called for a suspension, the NBL cleared Conklin of wrongdoing. Weeks later, Conklin was again in the spotlight after an elbow incident involving Adelaide’s Mitch Creek, leading to a three-game suspension, with two games suspended.

By November’s end, Townsville terminated Conklin’s contract due to what they cited as “sub-par performances.” Conklin, averaging 13.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, later suggested that financial reasons led to his release. A week after his departure, Townsville signed Omar Samhan (13 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 blocks) as his replacement.

Schenscher (4.1 points and 3.1 rebounds) struggled with injuries, prompting Townsville to add junior player Harry Froling (1.6 points and 0.8 rebounds) as an injury replacement. Jett (15.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals) led the team in scoring during the season’s latter half, with Mirko Djeric (5.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists) also showing improvement. Townsville’s teamwork showed as they managed a balanced finish, winning seven of their last 14 games, including an unforgettable upset over Adelaide.

Despite another strong home record (8-6) and improved performance toward the end, Townsville concluded the season second-last (11-17). Jett earned the Kevin Sugars Medal (club MVP), while Norton played in all 28 games, averaging 8.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.

Townsville’s achievements did not go unnoticed. Coach Dennis won the NBL Coach of the Year award, while Nicholas Kay (10.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) was named Rookie of the Year, and Clint Steindl (12.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists) earned Most Improved Player honours. Despite a commitment from the league to support the team, the lack of sufficient community funding led to Townsville’s exit from the NBL. Kay and Norton signed with Illawarra, Young joined Brisbane, while Steindl and Djeric found opportunities overseas. Schenscher retired, and Coach Dennis moved on to coach in Japan’s national league.

ILLAWARRA HAWKS
2016/17
The Hawks faced a challenging offseason in 2017, losing star guard Kevin Lisch to NSW rival Sydney after the Kings made a lucrative offer that Illawarra couldn’t match. Additionally, veteran Kirk Penney departed to rejoin the New Zealand Breakers.

With the Townsville Crocodiles disbanding after the 2015/16 season, both Mitchell Norton and teammate Nick Kay became free agents and quickly attracted interest from multiple NBL clubs. Although both players received financially superior offers, the chance to play under head coach Rob Beveridge was persuasive, leading them to sign two-year deals with the Hawks.

Beveridge brought in returning Hawk and former NBL MVP Rotnei Clarke to replace Lisch, paired him with Marvelle Harris as the team’s second import, and managed to retain core players Oscar Forman, Tim Coenraad, Rhys Martin, and Kevin White.

With the new lineup, Illawarra struggled initially and found themselves at the bottom of the ladder after the first four rounds. However, a strong end-of-season push led by Clarke, who averaged 17 points per game, allowed the Hawks to edge into the top four by a single game. Norton concluded the regular season with averages of 8.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.

In the semifinals, the Hawks faced the top-seeded Adelaide 36ers, who dominated game one with a 93-78 win, thanks to Jerome Randle’s 26 points and 4 assists. However, Illawarra pulled off a major upset, winning games two (100–94) and three (106-98) to eliminate the 36ers. Clarke led the team with 20 points in the decisive game.

The Hawks advanced to the Grand Final to face Beveridge’s former team, the Perth Wildcats, who ultimately swept the Hawks in three straight games to secure their eighth NBL Championship. Illawarra’s top scorer, Rotnei Clarke, was stymied by Perth’s Defensive Player of the Year, Damian Martin, who limited him to just eight shot attempts in game one. Conversely, Perth’s Bryce Cotton was unstoppable, recording a historic 45-point performance in game three and earning the NBL Finals MVP award.

2017/18
Norton averaged 7.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists as the Hawks narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing fifth with a 12-16 record.

PERTH WILDCATS
2018/19
In the off-season, Perth re-signed star Bryce Cotton to a three-year contract, alongside key signings Nick Kay and Mitch Norton (both from Illawarra), two-time champion Tom Jervis (via Brisbane), and new import Terrico White (from Korea). These changes led to the departure of Lucas Walker, Jarrod Kenny, and Dexter Kernich-Drew, all of whom signed with Cairns. Rounding out the roster, four-year development player Rhys Vague was promoted to the full-time roster.

The Wildcats traveled to the U.S. for two pre-season games against NBA teams, facing the Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets. After a heavy (130–72) loss to the Jazz, Coach Trevor Gleeson cited this game as a catalyst for the season’s success. In their second game, they narrowly lost (96–88) to the Nuggets, gaining valuable experience that set the tone for their NBL campaign.

Perth opened the season with a strong (10–1) record. However, injuries struck, with captain Damian Martin (5.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals) tearing his right calf and missing six games, and Angus Brandt (8.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists) sitting out three games in November after an ankle injury during a Boomers match. These setbacks led to a mid-season slump, with Perth dropping eight of their next ten games, resulting in a (12–9) record by mid-January.

Despite calls to make roster changes or add a third import, the team and coaching staff stood by the current lineup. Once the roster was back to full health, Perth rebounded, securing three wins over Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney. They finished the regular season in first place with an (18–10) record.

Perth’s success was largely driven by Bryce Cotton (21.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals), who won both the league MVP and the scoring title, and Nick Kay (14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.2 steals), who had a career-best season. Both Cotton and Kay earned All-NBL First Team honours. Terrico White (17.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals) overcame early-season injuries to become a critical contributor.

Mitch Norton (8.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists) provided a strong defensive presence, consistent ball-handling, and leadership, with his role influenced by the opportunity to play alongside defensive stalwart Damian Martin. Norton’s standout games included 16 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals against Sydney on 19 October 2018, 14 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal against Illawarra on 15 December, and 13 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals against Brisbane on 23 December.

Norton returned from a calf injury just in time for the playoffs, bringing critical depth and contributing in every game of the Grand Final series.

In the semi-finals against Brisbane, Cotton (19 points, 2 rebounds, and 10 assists) and White (24 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) led Perth to an opening Game 1 win (89–59), with Norton (8 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal) contributing valuable defense off the bench. Brisbane’s Cameron Gliddon topped their scoring with 18 points and 4 rebounds. In Game 2 (84–79), White again led with 24 points, Cotton added 19 points and 10 assists, and Norton chipped in 7 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds. Despite strong efforts from Brisbane’s Lamar Patterson (19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Matthew Hodgson (15 points, 2 blocks), Perth advanced to the Grand Final to face Melbourne.

In the Grand Final series opener, Perth defeated defending champions Melbourne (81-71). Although Cotton was held to 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists due to tight defense, White (19 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Norton (10 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds) stepped up to secure the win. Casper Ware (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Chris Goulding (15 points) led Melbourne’s offense.

Melbourne bounced back in Game 2 (92-74) with a well-rounded performance from Ware (14 points), Goulding (14 points), DJ Kennedy (12 points, 14 rebounds), and David Barlow (11 points), evening the series. Despite Norton’s efforts (9 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) and solid contributions from Cotton (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and White (17 points), Perth couldn’t keep up.

Coach Gleeson’s adjustments in Game 3 paid off as Perth dominated (95-67). White (31 points, 7 rebounds) and Cotton (27 points, 10 assists) combined for 58 points, nearly outscoring Melbourne alone, while Norton (8 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds) provided crucial playmaking and defense. Melbourne’s DJ Kennedy (13 points and 10 rebounds) and David Barlow (13 points) were among their few bright spots.

In the decisive Game 4 (97-84), Perth clinched the championship with standout performances from Cotton (28 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals) and White (20 points, 8 rebounds). Norton (11 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds) contributed with defensive plays and ball distribution to help secure the win. Despite Melbourne’s efforts from Ware (18 points) and Goulding (15 points), Perth proved too strong.

Terrico White, who overcame early-season criticism, was named Grand Final MVP, averaging 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over the four-game series.

PERTH WILDCATS
2019/20
The Wildcats’ first off-season priority was re-signing head coach Trevor Gleeson to a three-year deal and bringing back five-time champions Damian Martin and Jesse Wagstaff, along with import Terrico White. Perth retained six members of their championship squad and promoted Wani Swaka Lo Buluk from development player to a full roster position, filling the gap left by Greg Hire’s retirement. The Wildcats also brought in Dario Hunt and Majok Majok to replace departing big men Tom Jervis and Angus Brandt, who moved to Europe.

Perth began the season in dominant form with a (5–1) record but stumbled mid-season, sitting at (8-5) after back-to-back losses. However, the team recovered with a four-game winning streak to close December at (13–6). In December, Martin played his 300th game for the Wildcats but suffered a left heel injury, sidelining him for all of January. The Wildcats’ form dipped, and after consecutive losses at the start of 2020, the team decided to part ways with Hunt (8.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists), replacing him with NBA veteran Miles Plumlee (9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks).

Plumlee made an immediate impact, recording 23 points and 18 rebounds in a close win over New Zealand (80–79), becoming the first Wildcat to post a 20+ point, 15+ rebound game since 2007. With seven games remaining, Perth, needing Plumlee to play every game to qualify for playoffs, won six of their final seven matches, securing a 34th straight finals appearance and finishing in second place (19–9). Fresh off his World Cup appearance, Nick Kay (15 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.1 steals) had a breakout season, while Bryce Cotton (22.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists) made history, becoming the first import to lead the league in scoring for three consecutive seasons.

In the semifinals, Perth faced Cairns, winning the series (2–1) to advance to their 15th NBL Grand Final. Cotton (32 points) and Kay (14 points, 6 rebounds) led Perth to a narrow victory in Game 1 (88–86) before 11,647 enthusiastic Kings fans. As both teams prepared for Game 2 in Perth, it was decided all remaining games would proceed without fans due to COVID-19. Sydney tied the series (1-1) with Jae’Sean Tate (21 points) shooting 7-of-9 and Andrew Bogut (24 points, 14 rebounds) having one of his season’s best games.

In Game 3, Kay (30 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists) delivered a career-high performance with seven three-pointers, joining Cotton (31 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) to propel Perth to victory (111–96). Before Game 4, the Kings withdrew from the series due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. With several Kings players based overseas, they feared being unable to return home. After a week of deliberations, Perth was awarded the championship, holding a 2-1 series lead and securing their 10th title. Cotton, who averaged 30.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over the three games, was named Grand Final MVP for the second time in four years, becoming the first Wildcat to achieve league MVP, Grand Final MVP, and a championship win in a single season.

Norton played an expanded role for the Wildcats, especially in the playoffs, as it was revealed that starting point guard Martin played through an Achilles injury, necessitating post-season surgery. Norton appeared in 28 games, averaging 6.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.

2020/21
After claiming the championship when Sydney withdrew from the Grand Final series due to COVID-19, Perth faced a challenging start to the 2020/21 season amid league-wide COVID-related disruptions. Losing Terrico White and Nick Kay to overseas contracts, Perth signed John Mooney to fill a key frontcourt role, but they were unable to re-sign import Miles Plumlee after the NBL reduced import spots from three to two. The season eventually began with a flexible, week-to-week schedule to accommodate travel restrictions.

By Round 5, Perth was struggling with a (3-5) record and sat in seventh place. The league then relocated all teams to Melbourne to play eight games as part of the NBL Cup, aiming to sidestep further travel issues. Cotton (23.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals) took his game up a notch, and Todd Blanchfield (via Illawarra) capitalized on Cotton’s playmaking, delivering his best season yet. Blanchfield (15.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) set a franchise record for most three-pointers in a season, and Mooney (16.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals) formed a formidable trio with Cotton and Blanchfield.

Perth’s season took a major hit when Cotton sustained a season-ending injury in a late-season game against Melbourne (64–78). Despite Cotton’s MVP-caliber season, Perth entered the playoffs without him, placing second (25-11) behind first-place Melbourne United (28-8). In the semi-final series against Illawarra, Luke Travers (13 points, 10 rebounds) and Mooney (18 points, 10 rebounds) helped Perth secure a Game 2 win (79-71). In Game 3, Blanchfield (24 points, 5 rebounds) and Norton (15 points, 4 rebounds) stepped up in Cotton’s absence, helping the Wildcats reach the Grand Final against Melbourne.

Facing top-seeded Melbourne, both Games 1 and 2 were played in Perth due to restrictions. Despite a strong showing from Blanchfield (27 points, 7 rebounds) in Game 1, Melbourne edged out Perth (73-70). Game 2 saw Melbourne’s Chris Goulding (21 points) and Jock Landale (12 points, 17 rebounds) prove too much for Perth, with the Wildcats falling again (74-83).

Norton, battling through injuries, continued to provide crucial contributions with averages of 8.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. With restrictions lifted, Game 3 moved to Melbourne’s home court, where United sealed their title win (81-76) behind a stellar performance from Finals MVP Jock Landale (15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists, and 2 blocks).

2021/22
This season, Perth would see Trevor Gleeson, who coached the team to five championships in seven seasons, leave to coach in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors. The Wildcats would then suffer another blow, losing mid-season signing Will Magnay and half of Perth’s bench rotation (Clint Steindl, Jarrad Weeks, and Jarred Bairstow), all signing multi-year deals to play for Tasmania under former Wildcats assistant Scott Roth.

Perth then looked to rebuild its squad, bringing in US coach Scott Morrison to replace Gleeson, adding imports Vic Law (via Brisbane) Michael Frazier III and signing Matthew Hodgson (via Brisbane) with their last free roster spot.

With the Wildcats missing key players Mitchell Norton, Matthew Hodgson, Todd Blanchfield and Michael Frazier during the season, Norton would see increased opportunities and increase his production for the third year in a row, putting up 9.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in the Wildcat’s new system.

Perth played its first five games at home before playing 14 games away due to the border closures resulting from COVID-19. Despite the obstacle of being away from family and friends, the Wildcats spent the majority of the year in the top four and were a consensus favourite to make the Grand Final.

The dynamic duo of Cotton (22.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals) and Law (20.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks) was nearly unstoppable in the early stages of the season, with both players among the top three scorers in the league and Perth leading the league in total points scored (89.1 points per game).

Perth, who were second on the ladder (13-6), returned to Western Australia to play their last nine games, all at home. During that time, the team decided to replace Frazier with big man John Brown III, who flew into the country and began training only to receive the news that his former team would not provide a clearance in time for him to make the playoffs. Perth was then faced with the uncomfortable situation of asking Frazier, who had been training alongside Brown, to return to the lineup while Brown III headed back to the USA.

Earlier today, @PerthWildcats head coach Scott Morrison addressed the awkward nature of how things have played out with Michael Frazier II and John Brown III.#NBL22 pic.twitter.com/scxWbnKfDQ— NBL (@NBL) April 6, 2022

A season ending knee injury saw Law shut down with only a few games to go, while Cotton also missing several games during the run home. This resulted in Perth winning only three of their nine home games and heading into their last game needing to defeat South East Melbourne to reach the playoffs. Perth entered the game sitting in fourth place, with their playoff chances on the line, but when the team built a eight-point lead in the second half, it seemed a lock that the Wildcats would return to the playoffs for the 37th season in a row. The Phoenix, however, fought back and ended the Wildcats’ extraordinary run of finals campaigns with a thrilling two-point overtime win, ending the team’s run of consecutive playoff appearances, a streak which had begun in 1986.

2022/23
After missing the playoffs for the first time in 35 years, Scott Morrison stepped down after one season to return to Canada for family reasons, with former Townsville Crocodiles guard John Rillie appointed as Perth’s new head coach on a three-year deal. Kevin White (to Illawarra), Matt Hodgson (to Taiwan), Vic Law (not re-signed) and Michael Frazier II (not re-signed) departed, while Bryce Cotton (re-signed, three years), Todd Blanchfield (re-signed, three years) and Jesse Wagstaff (re-signed, one year) returned and Kyle Zunic (elevated from development player) moved onto the full roster. Corey Webster (via Franklin Bulls), TaShawn Thomas (via Le Mans) and Brady Manek (via North Carolina) completed the roster.

Perth’s vice-captain entered the second season of the three-year contract he had signed in 2021, which was due to keep him with the Wildcats until the end of the 2023/24 season.

Perth opened the season at RAC Arena on October 2, where Norton (2 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal) started at point guard. Cotton (23 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 steals) and Wagstaff (14 points) led the Wildcats, while Devondrick Walker (16 points and 5 rebounds) was Brisbane’s leading scorer as Perth recovered from 24 points behind to win 87-73.

Norton (5.1 points across 28 games) started his first 12 appearances before moving to the bench when Webster entered the starting lineup during December. He averaged a career-low 17.7 minutes as Rillie shortened his rotation, with Norton’s playing time falling further during the final month of the regular season. Perth won its first three games and moved to the top of the ladder before five consecutive losses dropped the Wildcats to seventh.

Norton’s best game came at the Cairns Convention Centre on October 10, where he made six of his 10 field-goal attempts and finished with 16 points, 1 rebound, 9 assists, and 1 steal. Cotton (24 points and 7 rebounds) and Blanchfield (17 points) provided support, with Blanchfield playing his 350th NBL game, while Keanu Pinder (18 points and 15 rebounds) led Cairns as Perth won 105-76 and improved to 3-0.

Norton played his 300th NBL game against Adelaide at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on December 9. “300 is a pretty cool achievement,” Norton said. He finished with 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal in 19 minutes, while Cotton (32 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals), Thomas (22 points and 8 rebounds) and Webster (22 points) gave Perth three players with more than 20 points for the first time during the season. Mitch McCarron (20 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) led Adelaide as the Wildcats won 98-90.

With ten regular-season games remaining, Perth added Tai Webster (via Petkim Spor, 7 points across 8 games), reuniting him with his older brother Corey, while Corey Shervill (released) remained with the club as a training player. The additional guard depth contributed to Norton falling out of Rillie’s regular rotation before a hip injury ruled him out against Sydney on January 20 and South East Melbourne on January 22. They were the only two games Norton missed, with the vice-captain returning to the lineup one week later.

? TEAM UPDATE ?

Mitch Norton (hip) has been ruled out of tomorrow night’s game against Sydney Kings.

Michael Harris comes into the 11-man lineup. pic.twitter.com/8zW40i2e1E

— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) January 19, 2023

Cotton (23.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.6 steals across 30 games) led the NBL in scoring, earned All-NBL First Team selection and received Perth’s Gordon Ellis Medal, Players’ Player award and Members’ MVP. Webster (14.2 points across 29 games), Thomas (13.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 28 games), Manek (13.1 points and 5.3 rebounds across 30 games) and Luke Travers (9.7 points and 5.7 rebounds across 29 games) were the Wildcats’ other major contributors. Travers received the Andrew Vlahov Medal as Perth’s Best Defensive Player, Michael Harris received the Most Improved Player award and Zunic received the Coaches’ Award. Perth averaged 92.1 points per game and finished with the NBL’s highest offensive rating, but recorded the league’s worst defensive rating and ranked last in rebounding at 33.5 per game.

Norton (0 points) played 13 minutes against Tasmania at MyState Bank Arena on January 29, where Thomas (19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Webster (17 points and 4 assists) led Perth, while Milton Doyle (21 points and 4 assists) led the JackJumpers. Tasmania outscored Perth 27-15 during the fourth quarter and won 102-94.

Norton (2 points and 1 steal) then played nine minutes against Cairns at RAC Arena on February 3, with Cotton (28 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Thomas (23 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) leading Perth. Bul Kuol (15 points and 9 rebounds) led the Taipans as Cairns won 84-71, leaving Perth needing to defeat Sydney by at least 11 points in its final regular-season game to qualify for the postseason.

Norton (0 points) played only eight seconds against Sydney at RAC Arena on February 5, with the Kings holding Cotton (7 points) to one made field goal. Webster (26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Travers (22 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Manek (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals) carried Perth, while Dejan Vasiljevic (18 points and 7 rebounds) led Sydney. The Wildcats won 96-84, securing the required margin by one point to finish sixth with a 15-13 record and qualify for the inaugural play-in tournament.

The Play-In Qualifier moved to John Cain Arena on February 9, where Norton (10 points) provided an early spark with a three-point play before making another three-pointer during the final quarter and becoming Perth’s defensive catalyst against Gary Browne. The Wildcats trailed South East Melbourne by 13 points early in the fourth quarter before outscoring the Phoenix 41-23, with Cotton (26 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals), Manek (24 points) and Thomas (13 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists) leading Perth. Mitchell Creek (24 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists), Browne (20 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals) and Alan Williams (16 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 steals) led South East Melbourne as Perth won 106-99.

Perth then faced Cairns at the Cairns Convention Centre on February 12, with the winner advancing to the semifinals. The Taipans entered without Pinder because of a serious facial injury and Tahjere McCall because of a shoulder injury, but DJ Hogg (32 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks), Kuol (23 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Sam Waardenburg (15 points and 10 rebounds) led Cairns. Cotton (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists), Thomas (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Webster (14 points and 4 rebounds), Manek (13 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Norton (6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 3 steals) led Perth as Cairns won 91-78.

BRISBANE BULLETS
2023/24
After a turbulent 8–20 campaign left Brisbane ninth, new head coach Justin Schueller made defence and championship experience central to the Bullets’ rebuild. Jason Cadee (to Adelaide), Tanner Krebs (to Melbourne), Gorjok Gak and Kody Stattmann (both to South East Melbourne), Rasmus Bach (retired) and Tyler Johnson (retired) exited, while Isaac White and Sam McDaniel (both via Tasmania), Josh Bannan (via Montana), Shannon Scott (via Cairns), Chris Smith (via Chiba Jets), Next Star Rocco Zikarsky (via the Centre of Excellence) and Mitch Norton (via Perth) were added.

Perth and Norton agreed to part ways in April despite one season remaining on the three-year contract he signed in 2021, with the Wildcats buying out Norton and Todd Blanchfield as they moved towards a younger roster. Part of both buyouts remained within Perth’s NBL24 team spend before Norton signed a two-year deal with Brisbane five days later, returning to Queensland after five seasons and two championships with the Wildcats.

“From the moment we started our roster build we kept saying we needed a Mitch Norton type in that spot, so when he became available, we jumped at the opportunity,” Schueller said.

“He fits who we want to be perfectly. He’s hardworking, an elite defender and a great culture fit.”

Norton made his Brisbane debut at Nissan Arena on September 29, where Norton (4 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) helped the Bullets recover after Adelaide scored the opening 15 points to win 86–71. Sobey (18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Smith (15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Brisbane’s scoring, while Humphries (17 points and 7 rebounds) was Adelaide’s best.

Norton (7.1 points across 28 games) moved between the starting lineup and second unit, starting 13 times and leading Brisbane with 76 total assists. After falling out of Perth’s rotation during his final season with the Wildcats, he again became a regular contributor through his ball handling, defensive pressure and willingness to play either guard position.

Norton’s best scoring game came against Illawarra at Nissan Arena on January 14, where Norton (18 points) made five of eight field goals and all six free throws as Brisbane defeated the Hawks 110–103 and extended its winning streak to four games. Sobey (25 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Smith (19 points) led the other Bullets contributors, while Harvey (29 points and 3 rebounds) was Illawarra’s leading scorer.

His strongest all-round performance came against Adelaide on February 9, where Norton (15 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) made six of seven shots as Brisbane won 102–84 and remained in the play-in race. Sobey (37 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) produced a career-high scoring performance and Baynes (10 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) provided support, while Vasiljevic (28 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Adelaide.

A season-ending hip injury to DJ Mitchell (5 points across 15 games) led Brisbane to sign Casey Prather (via Israel) in December. Prather (6.7 points across 7 games) returned to the NBL after two seasons away and added another experienced option to the rotation.

Sobey (20.1 points and 4.4 rebounds across 27 games) led Brisbane’s offence and received the Leroy Loggins MVP Award, with Bannan (11.9 points and 7.2 rebounds across 19 games), Smith (11 points across 27 games), Harrison (9.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 27 games) and McDaniel (9 points and 4 rebounds across 28 games) providing the other main contributions. Baynes (7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds across 23 games) and White (7 points across 28 games) added further depth, while Norton received the H.A.B.I.T.S Player of the Year award for his impact on and off the court and commitment to the club’s values.

Brisbane entered its final game needing a win to secure a play-in position but lost 103–87 to New Zealand at Spark Arena on February 16. Bannan (29 points and 4 rebounds) and Sobey (16 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block) led Brisbane, while Jackson-Cartwright (27 points, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) controlled the game for the Breakers, leaving the Bullets seventh with a 13–15 record and outside the postseason on percentage. Norton (10 points, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) played 26:05 minutes in the loss.

2024/25
After finishing seventh with a 13–15 record and missing the NBL24 play-in tournament on percentage, Brisbane entered Justin Schueller’s second season as head coach with a renewed roster aimed at returning to postseason contention. Long-time captain Nathan Sobey (to South East Melbourne), Chris Smith (to Japan), Shannon Scott (to Taiwan), and DJ Mitchell (to England) departed, while Aron Baynes retired. “Really this decision wasn’t about Nathan, but how we can continue to move forward as a club and build a true contender,” Schueller said. “We needed to lean more into our culture and bring in winners who can help us grow. We can’t shy away from Nathan’s production, but we also know there’s other areas we must improve if we want to win a championship.”

Mitch Norton, Isaac White, Tyrell Harrison, Casey Prather, Josh Bannan, Sam McDaniel, and Rocco Zikarsky returned, while Schueller added James Batemon III (via Kiryat Ata), Keandre Cook (via Crailsheim), Deng Adel (via Boulazac), Tohi Smith-Milner (via Adelaide), and Jarred Bairstow (via Tasmania). Kye Savage, Tristan Devers, and Josh Kunen filled the development positions.

Norton exercised his player option for NBL25 before signing a two-year extension that secured him through the end of NBL27. Following Sobey’s departure, he was unanimously voted captain by Brisbane’s players and coaches, with McDaniel and Prather joining the leadership group. “As a player, I’ve always just kind of left it all out there on the floor, and that’s naturally made me a leader by example. But to be voted by my teammates and peers, I think it’s a really cool achievement and testament to how I’ve paved my way through the league,” Norton said.

Brisbane opened against New Zealand at HoopsFest in Perth on September 21, where Norton (7 points, 1 assist, and 1 steal) came off the bench as the Bullets recovered from a 26-point deficit before falling 91–87. Cook (25 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Prather (11 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal) led Brisbane’s comeback, while Parker Jackson-Cartwright (20 points, 3 rebounds, 11 assists, and 1 steal) controlled the Breakers’ offence.

Norton (7.4 points across 29 games) was inserted into the starting lineup for Brisbane’s fourth game and started each of the remaining 26 contests. He was the only Bullet to appear in all 29 games, providing stability as the team’s primary organiser while continuing to defend the opposition’s leading guards, and was named among the finalists for the Damian Martin Trophy.

Norton’s best scoring game came against Tasmania at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on October 26, where he finished with 20 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals and helped Brisbane recover from a 19-point deficit to lead by five midway through the fourth quarter. Prather (11 points and 4 rebounds) and Bannan (9 points and 9 rebounds) provided support, while Jordon Crawford (16 points and 6 assists) helped the defending champions regain control as the JackJumpers won 87–79.

Norton celebrated his 350th NBL appearance against Melbourne on November 7, scoring the opening basket and finishing with 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Cook (23 points and 5 assists) and Prather (21 points and 8 rebounds) led Brisbane, but Robert Loe (30 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) carried United to a 120–103 victory in a game delayed for almost half an hour after a power failure inside the broadcast unit.

Brisbane’s strongest stretch was disrupted when Batemon III (15.5 points across 16 games) suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in December. McDaniel (6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals across 1 game) had already been ruled out following shoulder surgery, while Harrison (14.3 points and 9.7 rebounds across 20 games) and Bannan (13.2 points and 8.6 rebounds across 19 games) entered concussion protocols. Adel (4.7 points across 10 games) battled hand and groin injuries and Bairstow (2.3 points across 8 games) was sidelined by an ankle problem. After three players were hurt during the same game on a slippery Gippsland court, Schueller admitted, “I don’t know if we can field a side right now.”

Emmett Naar (1.1 points across 14 games, via Mackay) initially joined as a nominated replacement player to support Norton in the backcourt. Josh Adams (10.7 points across 9 games, via Maroussi) was later signed as Batemon’s import replacement, while Callum Dalton (3.5 points across 4 games, via Luxembourg) was added as the frontcourt rotation continued to shrink.

Prather (21.3 points and 6.3 rebounds across 27 games) finished third in league scoring, received Brisbane’s Leroy Loggins MVP Award, and earned All-NBL Second Team selection. Cook (16.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals across 28 games) was the team’s second-leading scorer and led the NBL in steals, while Harrison led the league in rebounding and received the NBL Most Improved Player award. Bannan was named Brisbane’s Youth Player of the Year, with White (6.6 points across 28 games) and Smith-Milner (5.1 points across 27 games) providing further rotation depth.

Norton received Brisbane’s Defensive Player of the Year and H.A.B.I.T.S Player of the Year awards, the latter recognising the player who best upheld the club’s values throughout the season.

Brisbane closed the season against Cairns at the Cairns Convention Centre on February 6, where Cook (28 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Prather (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) led the Bullets, but Taran Armstrong (28 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1 steal) recorded the only triple-double of NBL25 as the Taipans won 100–88 and left Brisbane eighth with a 12–17 record. Norton (8 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 1 block) played 25:47 minutes in the loss.

2025/26
After an injury-riddled 12-17 campaign left Brisbane eighth and outside the postseason, the Bullets released Justin Schueller and moved on from Isaac White (to Adelaide), James Batemon (to Lleida), Josh Bannan (to Tasmania), Keandre Cook (to Lugo) and Rocco Zikarsky (to Minnesota). Stu Lash was appointed head coach and added Taine Murray (via Virginia), Jacob Holt (via Sacramento), Jaylen Adams (via Sydney), Alex Ducas (via Oklahoma City) and Javon Freeman-Liberty (via Chicago) to a returning group built around Casey Prather, Tyrell Harrison, Sam McDaniel and Tohi Smith-Milner.

Captain Mitch Norton entered the first season of the two-year extension he signed in April 2024, which kept him contracted through NBL27.

Brisbane opened at Spark Arena on September 19, where Norton (2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal) played 6:26 before hyperextending his left knee as the Bullets defeated New Zealand 104-95, with Prather (27 points, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Harrison (24 points and 15 rebounds) leading the win, while Jackson-Cartwright (16 points, 5 rebounds, 12 assists, and 3 steals) was the Breakers’ best.

Norton (7.5 points and 3.2 assists across 23 games) missed the next 10 games after imaging confirmed a tibial plateau contusion, then returned to start 21 of his 23 appearances and continued to provide ball handling, defensive pressure and leadership through repeated injuries and roster changes.

He returned in Hobart on November 8, where Norton (4 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) played 20:23 as Brisbane edged Tasmania 83-81, with Prather (28 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Harrison (21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) leading the Bullets, while Bannan (18 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals) was the JackJumpers’ best.

His best scoring game came at John Cain Arena on November 15, where Norton (19 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) made three three-pointers and did not commit a turnover as Brisbane scored 39 points in the fourth quarter but fell to Melbourne 99-93, with Patterson (18 points and 3 assists) and Harrison (16 points and 11 rebounds) providing support, while Doyle (28 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) led United.

The roster repeatedly changed around him, with Prather (24.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2 steals across 12 games) ruled out after knee surgery, Freeman-Liberty (13.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.7 steals across 9 games) released in October before returning in November and Adams (12.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.4 steals across 13 games) cut after 13 appearances. Dakota Mathias (via Indiana) (11.8 points and 3.4 rebounds across 8 games) and Terry Taylor (via Stockton) (11.9 points and 6.4 rebounds across 17 games) were added before Lash stepped down following a 5-13 start and assistant Darryl McDonald took over on December 18.

Prather and Harrison (14.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 25 games) were Brisbane’s leading offensive players when available, while Holt (9.1 points and 5.1 rebounds across 22 games) and Ducas (8.5 points across 30 games) were the other main contributors. Harrison won the Leroy Loggins Medal as club MVP, Norton received the Players’ Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards, and Holt was named Youth Player of the Year.

Brisbane finished 10th with a 6-27 record and missed the postseason, ending the campaign on a 13-game losing streak. The Bullets closed at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on February 20, where Davis (31 points and 8 assists) led Sydney to a 117-77 win, while Maldonado (16 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Murray (13 points and 3 assists) were Brisbane’s leading scorers, and Norton (3 points and 2 assists) played 21:05.

2025/26
Mitchell Norton currently plays for the Brisbane Bullets and has played 390 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 7.2 points, 2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists since entering the league in 2011.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Brisbane Bullets – 2 Year Deal (2025-27)