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
After finishing fourth with a 15-13 record and reaching the 2017 NBL Grand Final, where they were swept by Perth, Illawarra entered 2017/18 with Marvelle Harris (to Team Challenge ALS) and Michael Holyfield (to Beijing Dongfang) departing. Coach Rob Beveridge secured the return of former NBL MVP Rotnei Clarke and added imports Demitrius Conger (via Antwerp Giants) and Delvon Johnson (via Södertälje Kings). Beveridge said of Conger, “I always said we needed a stud three-man, and I feel very confident that we’ve found him.”

Illawarra opened the season in Cairns on October 6, where Norton (12 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals) started at point guard, while Ogilvy (22 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, and a block) and Clarke (22 points) led the Hawks, but Alex Loughton (19 points and 3 rebounds) made the deciding free throw with 0.8 seconds remaining to give Cairns an 88-87 win. Norton also came from the game in the fourth quarter with a suspected knee problem but returned for Illawarra’s next game.

Norton (7.8 points across 19 games) was in the second season of the two-year deal he had signed with Illawarra after Townsville folded in 2016, having joined alongside former Crocodiles teammate Nicholas Kay despite both receiving larger offers elsewhere. He started his first 12 appearances before injury interrupted his season.

Norton suffered a broken thumb against Melbourne at Hisense Arena on December 4 but played through the injury during the second half, finishing with 4 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, and a steal. With Conger serving his one-game suspension and Ogilvy unavailable with a groin injury, Clarke (24 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Ellis (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Illawarra, while Casey Prather (18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and a block) led United to a 91-73 win. Norton underwent surgery and was ruled out for six weeks, with the loss dropping the Hawks to 5-7.

With Norton sidelined and Illawarra searching for injury cover at point guard, Indiana Faithfull (via Sydney Comets) was added to the backcourt and appeared in nine games between December 10 and January 21. Norton missed nine consecutive games before returning in late January. Johnson (4.4 points and 4.6 rebounds across 28 games) remained with Illawarra despite calls for his replacement during the season, with the Hawks making no mid-season import change.

Norton’s best game of the season came against Adelaide on February 11, where he made two three-pointers and finished with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal, and a block without committing a turnover. Conger (27 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal) and Coenraad (15 points) were Illawarra’s other leading scorers, but Daniel Johnson (21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal, and a block) led Adelaide to a 111-87 win.

Five days later in Auckland, Norton (13 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals) delivered one of Illawarra’s biggest moments of the season. The Hawks trailed New Zealand 69-53 entering the fourth quarter before outscoring the Breakers 31-13, with Norton making the game-winning three-pointer with two seconds remaining to complete an 84-82 comeback. Conger (24 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Kay (15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) helped Illawarra complete the comeback, while Finn Delany (23 points and 6 rebounds) led New Zealand.

Conger (19.7 points and 5.7 rebounds across 27 games) led Illawarra in scoring, finished second in NBL MVP voting and earned All-NBL First Team honours, while Clarke (18 points across 25 games), Kay (11.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals across 28 games), Ogilvy (9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 22 games), Coenraad (6.9 points and 3 rebounds across 28 games), Ellis (6.7 points across 20 games) and Martin (5.9 points and 1.3 steals across 28 games) were the Hawks’ other major contributors. Clarke was named Illawarra’s MVP and Members MVP, while Norton received the club’s Best Defensive Player award. Kevin White served as captain, while Oscar Forman played his final NBL season.

Illawarra closed the season at Hisense Arena on February 18, where Norton (2 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists), Kay (27 points, 7 rebounds, and a block) and Coenraad (24 points and 6 rebounds) helped the Hawks defeat minor premier Melbourne 94-84, while Josh Boone (14 points and 3 rebounds) was United’s equal-leading scorer, leaving Illawarra fifth with a 12-16 record.

PERTH WILDCATS
2018/19
After finishing third with a 16-12 record and being swept 2-0 by Adelaide in the 2018 semifinals, Perth reshaped its roster. Matt Knight (retired), JP Tokoto (to Israel), Lucas Walker (to Cairns), Jarrod Kenny (to Cairns), Dexter Kernich-Drew (to Cairns) and Derek Cooke Jr departed, while Bryce Cotton re-signed on a three-year deal. Nick Kay (via Illawarra), Mitch Norton (via Illawarra), Tom Jervis (via Brisbane) and import Terrico White (via Seoul SK) joined the Wildcats, while Rhys Vague was elevated from development player to the full roster.

Norton signed a three-year deal with Perth on April 23 after spending two seasons with Illawarra and winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal with Australia earlier that month. The opportunity to play alongside Damian Martin was a major factor in his decision, with Norton saying, “I’ve always wanted to spend a couple of seasons of my career playing with him.”

The Wildcats travelled to the United States during the preseason, suffering a 130-72 loss to the Utah Jazz before producing a much stronger performance in a 96-88 loss to the Denver Nuggets, with Trevor Gleeson later describing the Utah defeat as a catalyst for the season.

Perth opened the regular season in Adelaide on October 11, where Norton (5 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists) made his Wildcats debut as Cotton (22 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) and White (20 points and 3 rebounds) led Perth to a 99-91 victory, while Daniel Johnson (23 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 block) was Adelaide’s best.

Norton (8.3 points across 27 games) provided Perth with defensive pressure and another ball-handler alongside Martin and Cotton, with his speed and ability to attack the basket giving Gleeson another option in the backcourt.

On November 9, Norton (15 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists) played a major role during the fourth quarter against Brisbane as Cotton (37 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) hit the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to give Perth a 90-87 victory. Kay (12 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) controlled the boards, while Lamar Patterson (13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) was among Brisbane’s best.

Norton delivered another strong performance in Cairns on November 17, finishing with 18 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals as Perth survived an overtime battle to defeat the Taipans 88-83. Cotton (26 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) and Kay (18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) helped the Wildcats remain on top of the ladder, while Melo Trimble (18 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 block) led Cairns after forcing overtime with a four-point play in the final second of regulation.

Norton’s best game of the season came six days later against New Zealand at Spark Arena, where he finished with a season-high 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists as Perth defeated the Breakers 98-93 in overtime. Cotton (24 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) and Kay (20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) also delivered big games, while Tai Wesley (19 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) led New Zealand as Perth improved to 9-1.

The Wildcats reached 10-1 before injuries began disrupting the rotation. Martin (5.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.6 steals across 28 games) missed six games after tearing his right calf, while Brandt (8 points and 5.5 rebounds across 31 games) missed three games after suffering an ankle injury while playing for the Australian Boomers. Perth lost eight of its next ten games to fall to 12-9 by mid-January, but despite calls to make roster changes or activate a third import, Gleeson and the Wildcats backed the existing group.

Perth began to recover with consecutive victories over Melbourne and Adelaide, but Norton’s season was interrupted during the January 25 win over the 36ers. Norton (7 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) played only seven minutes before leaving during the second quarter with a left calf injury as Cotton (19 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) and Steindl (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) helped Perth defeat Adelaide 100-81, while Majok Deng (19 points and 4 rebounds) led the 36ers. Scans revealed a tear in Norton’s left calf and ruled him out for the remainder of the regular season, with Gleeson saying, “You don’t meet a guy that has that team-first mentality. It’s all selfless stuff for the team.”

The Adelaide victory was the second of six consecutive wins for Perth, who continued its surge despite Norton’s absence and finished the regular season on top of the ladder with an 18-10 record. Cotton (21.8 points, 4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals across 31 games) led the NBL in scoring, while White (17 points and 4.3 rebounds across 30 games), Kay (14.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals across 34 games), Steindl (6.9 points across 34 games) and Wagstaff (5.6 points across 34 games) were the other main contributors alongside Brandt and Martin. Cotton and Kay were selected to the All-NBL First Team, while Andrew Bogut won the league MVP award ahead of Casper Ware and Cotton.

Norton pushed to return for the semifinals but remained sidelined for game one against Brisbane, where Cotton (22 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), White (19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Kay (18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) led Perth to an 89-59 victory at RAC Arena. Cameron Gliddon (18 points and 4 rebounds) and Matt Hodgson (10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) were Brisbane’s best.

Norton travelled with the team for game two and trained before the game but was again ruled out by the medical staff, saying, “I was very close.” White (24 points and 3 rebounds), Cotton (19 points and 10 assists) and Kay (16 points, 15 rebounds, and 1 steal) led Perth to an 84-79 victory, while Patterson (19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Hodgson (15 points and 2 blocks) led Brisbane as the Wildcats completed the semifinal sweep.

After five weeks on the sidelines, Norton was cleared to return for Grand Final game one against Melbourne at RAC Arena. Norton (7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) played just over ten minutes and hit a three-pointer during Perth’s decisive third-quarter run, while White (19 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Brandt (14 points and 7 rebounds) led the Wildcats to an 81-71 victory. Casper Ware (19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) and Chris Goulding (15 points and 1 steal) led Melbourne, with Norton saying after his return, “I’m feeling really good.”

Game two moved to Melbourne, where Norton (2 points and 1 assist), Cotton (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and White (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) were unable to prevent United from winning 92-74. Ware (14 points), Goulding (14 points) and DJ Kennedy (12 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led Melbourne as the series was levelled 1-1.

Back in Perth for game three, Norton (3 points) continued to work his way back into the rotation as White (31 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Cotton (16 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) powered Perth to a 96-67 victory. David Barlow (13 points and 5 rebounds) and Kennedy (13 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) were Melbourne’s best as the Wildcats moved ahead 2-1.

Game four returned to Melbourne Arena, where Norton (11 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) produced his best performance since returning from injury, while Cotton (28 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals), White (20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Kay (12 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Perth. Ware (18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block), Barlow (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Goulding (15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led Melbourne. White was awarded the Larry Sengstock Medal after averaging 21.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across the Grand Final series as Perth defeated Melbourne 97-84, won the series 3-1 and claimed its ninth NBL championship, giving Norton his first NBL title.

2019/20
After defeating Melbourne United 3-1 in the 2019 Grand Final to claim their ninth NBL championship, Perth focused on keeping its championship core together. Four-time championship-winning coach Trevor Gleeson re-signed on a three-year deal, while Damian Martin, Jesse Wagstaff and Terrico White returned. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk was elevated from development player to the full roster following Greg Hire’s retirement, while Dario Hunt (via Spirou Charleroi) and Majok Majok (via New Zealand) were added after Tom Jervis (retired) and Angus Brandt (to Europe) departed.

After suffering a groin injury against Illawarra during the NBL Blitz and missing Perth’s following game against Sydney, Norton (7 points, 3 assists, and 1 steal) recovered in time for the season opener against Melbourne United at RAC Arena on October 5. Bryce Cotton (21 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists), White (20 points and 2 steals) and Nick Kay (18 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) led Perth to a 94-93 victory, while Melo Trimble (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) was Melbourne’s best. White hit the game-winning three-pointer with 11 seconds remaining as Perth closed the game on a 12-2 run. The groin injury did not cause Norton to miss a regular-season game.

Norton (6.8 points across 33 games) entered the second season of the three-year deal he had signed with Perth in 2018 after joining from Illawarra. He came off the bench in each of Perth’s first 19 games, sharing the point guard duties with Martin as the Wildcats opened the season 5-1, slipped to 8-5 by Round 10 and then won four straight games to close December with a 13-6 record. Martin (3.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 26 games) played his 300th game for Perth during December before a left heel injury sidelined him throughout January, moving Norton into the starting lineup from New Year’s Day.

In his first start of the season, Norton (16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) made six of 11 shots against Adelaide on January 1, but Perth fell 100-97. Norton also produced one of the most memorable shots of the season, winning possession inside Adelaide’s key with 0.1 seconds remaining in the first half before launching an almost full-court shot which banked in to reduce Perth’s deficit to four points. White (23 points and 6 rebounds), Cotton (22 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) and Clint Steindl (16 points) led the Wildcats alongside him, while Eric Griffin (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks) was Adelaide’s best.

Following a second consecutive loss to begin 2020, Perth released Hunt (8.6 points and 6 rebounds across 21 games) and signed seven-year NBA veteran Miles Plumlee (via Zhejiang Lions; 8.6 points and 6.7 rebounds across 12 games) as his replacement. With only seven regular-season games remaining when he arrived, Plumlee was required to appear in all seven to qualify for the postseason.

Plumlee made his debut in Wollongong on January 10, where Norton (14 points and 2 rebounds) made all four of his field-goal attempts, including all three attempts from beyond the arc, as Perth defeated Illawarra 99-77. Cotton (23 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals), White (17 points and 3 steals) and Kay (14 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) provided support, while Todd Blanchfield (26 points and 8 rebounds) led Illawarra.

Norton’s best game of the season came against South East Melbourne on January 17, where he finished with 18 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists as Perth celebrated Cotton’s 100th NBL game with a 97-71 victory at RAC Arena. Cotton (25 points and 7 assists) led the Wildcats, while White (15 points), Steindl (11 points) and Kay (10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) provided support and Devondrick Walker (16 points) led the Phoenix. Norton was also influential defensively alongside Cotton as Phoenix guard John Roberson was restricted to 11 points on three-of-nine shooting.

Norton (11 points and 5 assists) helped Perth secure its 34th consecutive finals appearance on February 1 as the Wildcats defeated Sydney 110-100 at RAC Arena. Cotton (30 points and 5 steals), Kay (21 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists), Steindl (19 points) and White (15 points) led Perth alongside him, while Jae’Sean Tate (23 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists) was Sydney’s best.

With Cotton unavailable after developing knee soreness at training and White sidelined by a right knee injury, Norton (9 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) produced one of his best all-around performances of the season in Perth’s final regular-season game against Adelaide. Kay (23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks), Plumlee (14 points and 7 rebounds) and Steindl (14 points) helped the Wildcats win 94-79, while Daniel Johnson (18 points and 11 rebounds) led Adelaide. Perth won six of its final seven games to finish second with a 19-9 record.

Cotton (22.6 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.6 steals across 32 games) won his second NBL MVP award and became the first import to lead the league in scoring for three consecutive seasons, while Kay (15.9 points, 8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals across 33 games) was named to the All-NBL First Team. White (15 points and 3.6 rebounds across 30 games), Steindl (9.6 points across 32 games) and Wagstaff (5.8 points across 33 games) provided Perth’s other main scoring options. Martin returned from his heel injury in February, but Norton remained in the starting lineup throughout the postseason.

Perth opened its semifinal series against Cairns with a 108-107 overtime win at RAC Arena, where Norton (12 points and 2 assists) provided another scoring option in the starting lineup. Cotton (42 points and 6 assists) made 10 three-pointers to tie the NBL finals record, while Kay (23 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) also starred. Scott Machado (31 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists), DJ Newbill (25 points) and Cameron Oliver (19 points and 17 rebounds) led Cairns.

Game two moved to Cairns, where Norton (3 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal) struggled offensively as the Taipans defeated Perth 85-74. Steindl (18 points), White (13 points and 4 rebounds) and Kay (10 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) led Perth, while Oliver (22 points and 19 rebounds) and Newbill (16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led Cairns to tie the series at 1-1.

Back at RAC Arena for the deciding game three, Norton (10 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist) grabbed four offensive rebounds, including three during the fourth quarter, as Perth defeated Cairns 93-82. White (26 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Kay (24 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led the Wildcats, while Cotton (5 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists) impacted the game as a facilitator. Oliver (20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Machado (19 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) led Cairns as Perth won the series 2-1 and advanced to its 15th NBL Grand Final. “White was outstanding, Mitch Norton was huge and got some really big rebounds down the stretch and his defence,” Gleeson said.

Game one of the Grand Final moved to Qudos Bank Arena, where Norton (9 points, 4 assists, and 1 steal) started as Perth defeated Sydney 88-86 in front of 11,647 fans. Cotton (32 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists), Kay (14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) and Plumlee (10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Wildcats, while Andrew Bogut (18 points and 11 rebounds) and Kevin Lisch (17 points) led Sydney as Perth took a 1-0 series lead.

Ahead of game two, the developing COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the remainder of the Grand Final series being played behind closed doors. In an empty RAC Arena, Norton (5 points, 3 assists, and 1 steal) started as Sydney defeated Perth 97-83 behind Jae’Sean Tate (20 points), Bogut (19 points and 14 rebounds) and Lisch (19 points). Cotton (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists), Kay (17 points and 7 rebounds) and Steindl (12 points) led Perth as the series was tied at 1-1.

Game three returned to Sydney, where Norton (2 points and 1 assist) remained in the starting lineup as Perth defeated the Kings 111-96 behind Cotton (31 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Kay (30 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists), who made seven three-pointers. Plumlee (13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) also contributed inside, while Tate (20 points and 6 rebounds) and Brad Newley (19 points and 5 rebounds) led Sydney as Perth moved ahead 2-1.

Before game four, Sydney withdrew from the series amid concerns surrounding COVID-19 and uncertainty over travel restrictions, leading the NBL to cancel the remaining two games. Two days later Perth was officially awarded the championship after holding a 2-1 series lead, securing its tenth NBL title and giving Norton his second consecutive NBL championship.

2020/21
After being awarded the previous season’s championship when Sydney withdrew from the Grand Final series amid COVID-19 concerns, Perth entered NBL21 looking to win a third consecutive title under coach Trevor Gleeson. Damian Martin (retired), Terrico White (to Puerto Rico), Nick Kay (to Spain) and Rhys Vague (to Japan) departed, while the NBL’s decision to reduce import spots from three to two prevented Perth from retaining Miles Plumlee. Gleeson added John Mooney (via Notre Dame), Todd Blanchfield (via Illawarra) and Kevin White (via Adelaide), while Tom Jervis returned from retirement and Corey Shervill and Andrew Ferguson joined as development players. Majok Majok was also ruled out for the season after rupturing his Achilles before the campaign began. Numerous delays to the season and COVID-19 border restrictions resulted in games beginning without a fixed schedule.

Perth opened its championship defence against South East Melbourne at RAC Arena on January 24, where Norton (10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) helped the Wildcats to an 88-76 win. Cotton (27 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 steals) and Blanchfield (16 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Perth, while Mitchell Creek (17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) was South East Melbourne’s leading scorer.

Norton (8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 41 games) entered the final season of the three-year deal he had signed with Perth in 2018 and, following Martin’s retirement, became the Wildcats’ full-time starting point guard and vice-captain. His rebounds and assists were both career highs. Perth struggled early and sat seventh after five rounds before relocating to Melbourne for the NBL Cup, where the Wildcats won seven of their eight games to claim the inaugural tournament. Norton also played through a back problem during the NBL Cup which required sideline treatment but did not force him to miss a game.

Norton’s best game of the season came against Brisbane on May 15, where he matched his career-high with 24 points, adding 7 rebounds and 3 assists while making eight of 12 shots as Perth defeated the Bullets 102-90. Blanchfield (31 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Cotton (24 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists) provided the Wildcats with three 24-point scorers, while Nathan Sobey (24 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) led Brisbane.

Perth added Will Magnay (via New Orleans) as a nominated replacement player in May after his stint with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Wildcats’ championship hopes then suffered a major setback when Cotton required emergency surgery on a quadriceps haematoma late in May, ruling him out of Perth’s final four regular-season games and the entire postseason.

With Cotton sidelined, Norton (19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) took on a larger offensive role against Adelaide on May 23 and led all scorers as Perth won 76-68 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Mooney (15 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) and Blanchfield (14 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) provided support, while Daniel Johnson (13 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist) and Brandon Paul (10 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) were Adelaide’s best.

Cotton (23.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals across 32 games) was named NBL MVP, Scoring Champion, Fans MVP and to the All-NBL First Team, while Mooney (16.9 points and 11.4 rebounds across 42 games) was also selected to the All-NBL First Team and later won Perth’s Gordon Ellis Medal as club MVP. Blanchfield (15.2 points and 4.1 rebounds across 41 games) set a Wildcats record for most three-pointers made in a season, while Wagstaff (6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds across 41 games) and Steindl (6.4 points across 38 games) were other key contributors. Norton was a finalist for the NBL Defensive Player of the Year award and finished third in voting before winning Perth’s Andrew Vlahov Medal as Best Defensive Player and Eric Watterson Medal as Players’ Player, while Gleeson was named NBL Coach of the Year.

Norton suffered a hip injury against Illawarra on June 1, finishing with 4 points, 1 rebound, and 9 assists as Perth fell 81-79. Steindl (15 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) and Mooney (14 points, 16 rebounds, and 2 assists) led the Wildcats, while Tyler Harvey (27 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) led the Hawks. The injury prevented Norton from training and forced him to miss Perth’s 78-64 loss to Melbourne three days later, his only missed game of the season, as the Wildcats finished second with a 25-11 record behind Melbourne at 28-8. Although initially reported as a hip injury, Perth later described it as a groin injury which required post-season surgery. Norton returned for the playoffs despite the injury, with Gleeson later saying, “What he did during the playoffs, to play injured and perform like he did, it typifies Wildcats Basketball.”

Without Cotton, Perth opened the semifinals against Illawarra with a 74-72 loss at RAC Arena. Norton (7 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists), Blanchfield (24 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Mooney (13 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) led Perth, while Justinian Jessup (17 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) and Justin Simon (16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led Illawarra.

Game two moved to WIN Entertainment Centre, where Norton (2 points, 1 assist, and 1 steal) aggravated his hip injury and limped from the court after playing less than 10 minutes. Mooney (18 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists), Travers (13 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) and Steindl (12 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists) carried Perth to a 79-71 win, while Harvey (24 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals) and Jessup (11 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 block) led Illawarra.

Norton (15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) returned for the deciding game three and produced one of his biggest performances of the season as Perth won 79-71. Blanchfield (24 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) and Mooney (16 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) led the Wildcats alongside him, while Sam Froling (14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 4 blocks) and Simon (9 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists) were Illawarra’s best.

Perth faced first-placed Melbourne United in the Grand Final, with COVID-19 travel restrictions resulting in the opening two games being played at RAC Arena. Norton (6 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals) continued to play through the injury in game one, while Blanchfield (27 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist) and Mooney (8 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals) led Perth. Chris Goulding (23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Jock Landale (17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) led Melbourne to a 73-70 win.

Game two saw Norton (12 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) produce his best offensive game of the Grand Final, with Mooney (17 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists), Blanchfield (13 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) and White (12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) also contributing. Goulding (21 points and 1 steal), Yudai Baba (15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Landale (12 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) led Melbourne to an 83-74 win and a 2-0 series lead.

Game three moved to John Cain Arena in front of 5,000 fans, where Norton (4 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) lasted just over nine minutes before the hip injury ended his night. White (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists), Mooney (14 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Blanchfield (11 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) led Perth, while Landale (15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Goulding (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Melbourne as United completed the sweep with an 81-76 win and Landale was named Grand Final MVP.

2021/22
After finishing second with a 25-11 record and being swept by Melbourne in the Grand Final, Perth underwent major changes with five-time championship coach Trevor Gleeson (to Toronto) leaving for the NBA. John Mooney (to Chiba), Will Magnay (to Tasmania), Clint Steindl (to Tasmania), Jarrad Weeks (to Tasmania), Jarred Bairstow (to Tasmania) and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (to Sydney) also departed. Scott Morrison replaced Gleeson as coach, with Perth adding Vic Law (via Brisbane), Michael Frazier II (via Delaware), Matthew Hodgson (via Brisbane) and Jack Purchase (via Adelaide), while Majok Majok returned after missing the previous season with an Achilles injury.

Vice-captain Mitchell Norton re-signed with Perth on a three-year deal which would keep him with the Wildcats through the 2023/24 season. After playing the entire previous Grand Final series with a groin injury which required post-season surgery, he hyperextended his right knee at training in November. Scans cleared him of structural damage but revealed bone bruising, forcing him to miss the entire NBL Blitz and the opening five regular-season games. “We genuinely love the city of Perth, I think our lifestyle here played a big factor in the decision to stay,” Norton said.

The knee injury kept the point guard sidelined when Perth opened the season against Adelaide at RAC Arena on December 3, where Law (37 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) produced the highest-scoring Wildcats debut as Perth defeated the 36ers 85-73. Cotton (16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) and Travers (15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals) provided support, while Daniel Johnson (22 points and 6 rebounds) led Adelaide. CLICK HERE FOR GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Norton (9.6 points and 3.8 assists across 18 games) was limited to only 18 appearances by three separate absences but produced a career-high scoring season when available. Perth played its first five games at RAC Arena before Western Australia’s border restrictions forced the Wildcats into 14 consecutive games on the road.

Norton (2 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) made his season debut against Cairns on December 31 after missing the opening five games, with Cotton (29 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Law (17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) leading Perth to an 84-78 win at the Cairns Convention Centre, while Majok Deng (27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks) led the Taipans.

On February 12, Norton (21 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals) made eight of 10 shots and all three of his three-point attempts against Melbourne at John Cain Arena, with Cotton (31 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Law (12 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks) helping Perth build a 15-point first-quarter lead. Jo Lual-Acuil (22 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks) and Matthew Dellavedova (18 points and 5 assists) led Melbourne’s comeback as United defeated Perth 93-87.

A head knock later in February placed Norton in concussion protocols and forced him to miss Perth’s February 28 game against Tasmania. Cotton (20 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Law (19 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 assists), Travers (16 points and 5 rebounds) and Hodgson (15 points and 7 rebounds) led the Wildcats to an 89-78 win, while Jack McVeigh (16 points and 5 rebounds) led Tasmania. Norton returned after missing only one game.

Norton’s best game came against league-leading Melbourne on March 10, where he finished with a career-high 26 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal as Perth defeated United 97-87 at John Cain Arena and moved into second place. Law (20 points, 18 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block), Cotton (19 points and 5 assists) and Majok (13 points and 6 rebounds) provided support, while Lual-Acuil (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks), Dellavedova (15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Ariel Hukporti (14 points and 2 blocks) led Melbourne.

Perth completed its 14-game road stretch with a 13-6 record and returned to RAC Arena for its final nine games. Norton (2 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) suffered a low-grade hamstring strain during Perth’s first game back on March 20, where Law (26 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists), Cotton (25 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Majok (8 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists) led the Wildcats to a 95-85 win over New Zealand, while Yanni Wetzell (15 points and 6 rebounds) and Peyton Siva (13 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals) led the Breakers. The injury sidelined Norton for the next four games before he returned for Perth’s final four fixtures.

During the run home, Perth attempted to replace Frazier II (7.8 points and 4.6 rebounds across 19 games) with John Brown III (via UNICS Kazan), who had left Russia amid humanitarian concerns. Brown arrived in Perth and trained with the Wildcats, but complications involving his former club and the FIBA clearance process prevented him from being registered before the deadline, forcing Perth to return Frazier II to the active roster as Brown returned to the United States.

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

Cotton (22.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.5 steals across 28 games) and Law (20.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 26 games) led Perth’s offence as the Wildcats averaged a league-best 89.1 points per game, with both selected to the All-NBL First Team. Blanchfield (10.4 points and 4.4 rebounds across 23 games), Travers (7.8 points and 5.4 rebounds across 27 games), Hodgson (6.9 points and 4.7 rebounds across 18 games), Wagstaff (6.2 points across 28 games) and Majok (5.3 points and 5.2 rebounds across 28 games) provided further support. Despite his injury-interrupted season, Norton was awarded the Andrew Vlahov Medal as Perth’s Best Defensive Player, while Travers was named Most Improved Player. Perth’s run home was dealt another blow when Law suffered a right ankle syndesmosis injury against Cairns on April 16 and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

With Law unavailable, Perth entered its final game against South East Melbourne at RAC Arena on April 24 needing a win to reach the playoffs. Norton (11 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists), Cotton (28 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists), Frazier II (22 points and 6 rebounds) and Hodgson (12 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block) led the Wildcats, while Xavier Munford (24 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals), Brandon Ashley (17 points and 6 rebounds) and Mitch Creek (15 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) led the Phoenix. Perth built an eight-point lead before South East Melbourne fought back, with Norton and Cotton helping tie the game late and force overtime.

The Phoenix won 102-100, leaving Perth fifth with a 16-12 record and ending its run of 35 consecutive finals appearances.

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 393 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)