NICKNAME/S: Amazing Grace

BIO: Ricky Grace was born in Dallas, Texas (USA).

FAMILY: His son Jerami was a training player with the Adelaide 36ers in 2019.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Ricky Grace made his NBL debut with the Perth Wildcats at 23 years of age. He scored 24 points in his first game.

1990
After North Melbourne eliminated Perth in the semifinals in both 1988 and 1989, Cal Bruton (retirement), Paul Kuiper (to Gold Coast) and Ned Coten exited the playing roster. James Crawford, Kendal Pinder, captain Mike Ellis, Trevor Torrance, Steve Davis and Eric Watterson returned from the previous season.

Prominent West Australian businessman Kerry Stokes became co-owner of the franchise and moved the Wildcats from the Superdrome into the iconic 8,000-seat Perth Entertainment Centre. The naturalisation of James Crawford and Kendal Pinder at the end of 1989 freed both import positions, while Bruton moved into the general manager role and recruited Oklahoma guard Ricky Grace (via Oklahoma), import Jeff Allen and rookie David Close (via AIS). Alan Black remained head coach to begin the season.

Bruton modelled Perth’s roster roles on the Adelaide 36ers of the mid-1980s, with Grace envisaged in a role similar to Al Green, Ellis to Darryl Pearce, Torrance and Close to Mike McKay, and Crawford, Pinder and Allen to Mark Davis and Bill Jones.

Perth opened the season at Geelong Arena on March 30, where Grace (24 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) made an immediate impact and directed the Wildcats to a 100-96 win over the Supercats.

Grace (21.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 2.6 steals across 34 games) played throughout the campaign and gave Perth another high-scoring option while directing the offence alongside the team captain. However, Black was controversially fired after only two games and replaced by Bruton, whose appointment was met with negativity from players and supporters. With Perth holding a 6-4 record, tensions boiled over during a game against Sydney, with a halftime altercation between Jeff Allen and Kendal Pinder, Bruton being ejected and a players-only meeting held afterwards in which his removal was discussed. Management refused another mid-season coaching change, told the players to come together and placed Bruton’s role under review at season’s end.

The Wildcats recovered to finish fifth with a 17-9 record, going 11-2 at the Perth Entertainment Centre and 6-7 away before entering the playoffs as the lowest seed.

Crawford (23.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.1 blocks) led Perth in scoring and anchored the frontcourt, while the rookie guard finished second in scoring and led the Wildcats in assists and steals. Pinder (20.3 points and 9.9 rebounds) earned the Wildcats club MVP, while Ellis (14.0 points, 6.6 assists, and 1.4 steals) directed the backcourt and led the NBL in free-throw percentage at 88.6%. Close (9.1 points), Torrance (8.7 points and 3.4 rebounds), Allen (7.2 points and 7.7 rebounds) and Steve Davis (7.0 points) completed Bruton’s main rotation.

Perth opened the elimination finals against Melbourne at the Perth Entertainment Centre, where Grace (30 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists) made 10-of-13 shots and repeatedly found Close (25 points and 6 rebounds), while Crawford (23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) helped the Wildcats withstand David Colbert (52 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals), who produced a career-high in the absence of the hospitalised Andrew Gaze. Perth won 122-100.

Game two moved to the Glass House, where Pinder (29 points and 7 rebounds), Crawford (25 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks) and Ellis (10 assists) led Perth, while Colbert (42 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Dave Simmons (29 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists) carried Melbourne. The Wildcats won 123-113 and completed the sweep.

On the eve of the semifinals against North Melbourne, Pinder was arrested and spent the night in jail before returning to the team for the opening game without his teammates being aware of what had occurred.

Grace’s best game of the season came in game one at the Perth Entertainment Centre, where Grace (a season-high 39 points and 5 rebounds) led Perth alongside Pinder (20 points and 14 rebounds), Crawford (20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) and Ellis (12 assists). Scott Fisher (27 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists) led North Melbourne as Perth won 121-111.

Game two moved to the Glass House, where Fisher (35 points and 14 rebounds) controlled the interior and led North Melbourne to a 131-110 win, while Grace (25 points) and Crawford (21 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) were Perth’s best as the Giants levelled the series.

The deciding game remained at the Glass House, where Pinder (28 points and 13 rebounds), Crawford (18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks) and Grace (11 assists) led Perth, while Fisher (32 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists) did everything possible to keep North Melbourne’s season alive. The Wildcats held on for a 112-110 overtime win and advanced to the Grand Final.

With tens of thousands of Western Australians watching the live broadcast, the Grand Final series opened before a sold-out crowd of 8,200 at the Perth Entertainment Centre, where Grace (32 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks), Pinder (28 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Crawford (16 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) led Perth. Derek Rucker (27 points and 10 assists) and Andre Moore (25 points and 14 rebounds) were Brisbane’s best as the Wildcats won 112-106.

Game two moved to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, where Rucker (27 points and 7 assists) and Moore (13 rebounds) led the Bullets, while Crawford (22 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Grace (7 assists) carried Perth. Brisbane won 106-90 and levelled the series.

The deciding game remained in Brisbane, where Perth shot 70 per cent in the first half and opened a 20-point lead by three-quarter time. Crawford (24 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 blocks) and Pinder (8 rebounds) helped control the interior, while Rucker (21 points and 5 assists) and Moore (9 rebounds) led Brisbane. The Wildcats became the first Western Australian team to win a national championship, with Grace (25 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists per game across the series) named Grand Final MVP. Grace (25 points and 7 assists) led Perth to a 109-86 win over Brisbane in game three.

1991
In controversial circumstances, Cal Bruton was not retained as coach despite leading the Wildcats to a championship in 1990. He was replaced by Murray Arnold, a former assistant coach with the Chicago Bulls. Arnold’s style of game was focused on defence which was a significant change from the high scoring and entertaining style previously implemented under Cal Bruton. In pursuit of back-to-back championships, the Wildcats strengthened their roster considerably in the off-season with the addition of future WA basketball legend Andrew Vlahov and Peter Hansen, an American who arrived via Venezuela, Spain and the Perry Lakes Hawks.

Arnold’s Wildcats were a highly successful team, as they finished the regular season in first place (22-4). Grace (22.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 2.5 steals across 31 games) delivered another strong season, alongside James Crawford (20.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists), Hansen (16.2 points and 9.5 rebounds) and Vlahov (15.0 points and 8.3 rebounds).

After finishing first with a 22-4 regular-season record, Perth faced Adelaide in the semifinals. On 5 October at Apollo Stadium, Grace (24 points and 8 assists) led the Wildcats to a 102-99 victory, while Mike McKay (23 points) led Adelaide.

In game two at the Perth Entertainment Centre on 10 October, Grace (27 points and 9 assists) again led Perth’s scoring as the Wildcats won 105-104, completing a 2-0 semifinal sweep and advancing to the Grand Final against Eastside Melbourne. In Grand Final game one at Melbourne Park on 19 October, Perth defeated the Spectres 109-83.

Eastside responded in game two at the Perth Entertainment Centre on 25 October, winning 86-81 to level the championship series.

With game two played on Friday and the decider scheduled for Sunday, Perth had little time to prepare. The Wildcats won game three 90–80 at home to become the third team in NBL history to win consecutive championships. Hansen (17.3 points per game across three games) was named Grand Final MVP.

1992
Grace (18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 2.3 steals across 25 games) helped Perth finish sixth at 12-12. The Wildcats’ defence of their back-to-back titles ended in a three-game quarterfinal against Melbourne.

In game one at the Perth Entertainment Centre on 2 October, the Wildcats defeated Melbourne 111-103.

In game two at Melbourne Park on 5 October, the Tigers levelled the series with a 95-94 win.

The deciding game three was played in Melbourne on 7 October, where the Tigers won 116-100 to eliminate Perth.

1993
Grace (19.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.8 steals across 35 games) helped Perth finish first at 21-5 in the regular season. Perth’s championship campaign continued into a nine-game playoff run under new coach Adrian Hurley.

In the opening quarterfinal game, North Melbourne upset the Wildcats 105-101.

Perth responded with a 108-98 victory in game two, setting up a deciding game three at the Perth Entertainment Centre.

Ricky Grace earned All-NBL Second Team honours for the 1993 season.

Grace (26 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) led Perth to a 117-104 win in the deciding game three on 3 October, completing the quarterfinal comeback.

The Wildcats travelled to Brisbane for semifinal game one on 10 October, losing 101-97 to the Bullets.

Perth won semifinal game two 120-107 at the Perth Entertainment Centre on 15 October, forcing a deciding game.

The Wildcats dominated game three on 17 October, defeating Brisbane 119-80 to advance to the Grand Final.

Melbourne won Grand Final game one 117-113 at Melbourne Park on 23 October.

Perth responded at home in game two on 29 October with a 112-105 victory to level the series.

Melbourne won the deciding game three 104-102 at the Perth Entertainment Centre on 31 October to claim the championship, leaving the Wildcats as Grand Final runners-up.

1994
1994 saw Perth return with almost their entire roster (all bar the retiring Steve Davis) after falling short against Melbourne in the previous year’s Grand Final. In an effort to build towards the future, however, up and coming talent in the form of AIS graduate Aaron Trahair and CJ Bruton, son of Wildcats’ legend Cal, were added to the roster.

Perth started the season by winning their first three games and sat atop the NBL ladder with a record of 7-2 after the first five rounds. Around the halfway mark of the season, Perth suffered losses to Brisbane (127–126), Hobart (93–92) and South East Melbourne (112–94), which saw them drop down to the middle of the ladder with a record of 10-5. Whilst many believed the Wildcats would rebound from the Grand Final loss and be among the league’s top team’s, they struggled to replicate last season’s form. Whilst they would show signs of brilliance, as they did in their beat down of Melbourne in Round 18 (131–108), they also lost to multiple team’s that weren’t even in the playoff picture, as they did the very next round, suffering a home loss to the Newcastle Falcons (83–92).

Grace (18.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists across 26 games) helped Perth finish sixth at 16-10. He delivered two standout performances in August. Against Brisbane, Grace (40 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) helped Perth win 118-108. The following week against Melbourne, Grace (24 points, 2 rebounds, and a season-high 15 assists) contributed to a 131-108 victory.

Perth qualified for the quarterfinals against South East Melbourne Magic. On 28 September at the Perth Entertainment Centre, Grace (14 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) contributed but the Magic won 113-82.

The series moved to Melbourne on 2 October, where Grace (21 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led Perth’s backcourt. South East Melbourne won 100-86 to complete a 2-0 sweep and eliminate the Wildcats.

1995
After narrowly reaching the playoffs in 1994, Perth entered 1995 looking to return to championship contention. Coach Adrian Hurley stepped into this season with rumours suggesting the team would be dismantled if they didn’t get it done this year. Despite this, there were minimal roster changes, with Hurley putting his faith into Perth’s younger players and their expected improvement. The only changes he made to the squad were bringing in Anthony Stewart (via Hobart), to replace the outgoing Trevor Torrance (to Gold Coast), CJ Bruton (US college), and Eric Watterson (retirement).

Team captain Andrew Vlahov (20.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.2 steals) would deliver his best season, becoming the team’s leading scorer and rebounder and the Wildcats’ other young talent, Aaron Trahair (9.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals) and Martin Cattalini (9.4 points and 5.0 rebounds) both delivered the best seasons of their career so far. The addition of Stewart (10.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals) made a huge difference to the Wildcats playing style, with his ability to hit the three creating more room in the low post for Vlahov, Scott Fisher and James Crawford to operate in. This also allowed veteran players Ricky Grace (18.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 1.7 steals across 33 games), Scott Fisher (19.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists) and James Crawford (15.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks) to play slightly reduced roles and be rested and energised when it came time to deliver in the big games.

Ricky Grace earned All-NBL Third Team honours for the 1995 season.

Hurley would rely on an eight-man rotation for the majority of the year, and thanks to a four-game winning streak to end the season, they finished first (by one game) during the regular season. Perth then faced eighth-seeded Melbourne in the quarterfinals. In game one on 22 September 1995 at the Perth Entertainment Centre, Grace (11 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists, and 1 steal) contributed, but Andrew Gaze (28 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists) and Lanard Copeland (29 points) led the Tigers to a 103-91 upset.

In game two at Melbourne Park on 25 September, Vlahov (30 points and 11 rebounds) led Perth to a 108-99 win to level the series.

In the deciding game three at the Perth Entertainment Centre on 27 September, Grace (18 points) contributed alongside Crawford (20 points), Vlahov (18 points), Fisher (17 points), and Martin Cattalini (11 points). The Wildcats won 96-92 as all five starters scored in double figures, advancing to the semifinals.

Perth then faced Adelaide in the semifinals. In game one, Robert Rose (27 points) led Adelaide, but Fisher (27 points and 7 rebounds) led Perth to a 94-78 victory.

In semifinal game two, Rose (22 points) again led the 36ers, while Fisher (26 points and 9 rebounds) helped Perth win 85-76 to complete a 2-0 sweep and reach the Grand Final.

Perth would face the reigning NBL champions North Melbourne in the Grand Final series, losing their home opener 97-104 thanks to the sharpshooting of Giants stars Chris Jent (29 points and 7 assists), Rod Johnson (21 points and 3 assists), Pat Riedy (21 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists) and Darryl McDonald (18 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals). James Crawford (24 points and 9 rebounds) would top score for the Wildcats.

The series shifted to Melbourne for game two, and with Perth trailing 53-45 at half-time and facing elimination, coach Hurley noticed hundreds of balloons in the ceiling and said to Vlahov,’ Look Andrew, the Giants are ready to celebrate, they think they’ve got it won’. That was enough to motivate Vlahov (29 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists) to be unstoppable for the remainder of the game, keeping the Wildcats championship hopes alive. Jent (28 points and 8 rebounds) top scoring again for the Giants in the nine point Wildcats win (97-88).

The Wildcats continued their strong defensive effort in game three, holding the Giants to 15 points in the first quarter while scoring 30 themselves. North Melbourne’s leading scorer Chris Jent was limited to 5/14 shooting, and Perth forced the entire Giants squad to shoot 38% from the field (29/77 shots).

Coach Hurley’s plan to rest the team’s veterans also seemed to pay off, with 35-year-old James Crawford (32 points on 83% field goal shooting, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks) proving unstoppable inside. Perth closed things out with a blowout victory (108-88) that saw them win their third championship in six years behind a dominant season that saw them win the ‘Triple Crown’, the pre-season, regular season and the Grand Final series all in the same year.

Andrew Vlahov (24 points per game across the three Grand Final games) was named Finals MVP after also earning All-NBL First Team honours.

The Wildcats had little time to celebrate, boarding a flight to take part in the McDonald’s Championship in London, where they would face the NBA champions Houston Rockets. The Wildcats would go down 116-72, but Vlahov (15 points) and Fisher (18 points, 12 rebounds) played well in a game that was the most viewed TV game featuring a NBL team in Australian basketball history.

Perth then played Euroleague champions Real Madrid to determine third place in the tournament. Real Madrid was without star Arvydas Sabonis, but Perth took it to Europe’s best at the time and won 93-86. Grace (26 points and 7 assists), Crawford (26 points) and Vlahov (12 points and 11 rebounds) finished as Perth’s leading scorers.

1996
Grace (15.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.9 steals across 29 games) helped Perth finish third with a 16-10 regular-season record.

Perth met sixth-seeded Adelaide in the quarterfinals. In game one at Adelaide Arena on 4 October, the 36ers won 103-93.

In game two at the Perth Entertainment Centre on 6 October, Grace (21 points, 6 rebounds, and 11 assists) led Perth’s backcourt while James Crawford (23 points and 12 rebounds) contributed inside. The Wildcats won 115-92 to level the series.

Adelaide won the deciding quarterfinal at the Perth Entertainment Centre on 8 October, defeating Perth 114-104 and ending the Wildcats’ championship defence.

1997
Following its quarterfinal exit to Adelaide, Perth moved into 1997 without Aaron Trahair (to Sydney), Pete Hansen and Matthew Earp, while Scott Fisher remained sidelined following knee reconstruction. Coach Adrian Hurley retained captain Andrew Vlahov, Ricky Grace, Todd Lichti, James Crawford, Anthony Stewart, Gavin Vanderputten, Phil Doherty and Ryan Gardiner, adding David Van Dyke (via Newcastle), Greg Brown, Scott Harkess and Nick Lackovic to the roster.

Perth opened the season at the Perth Entertainment Centre on April 11, where Grace (14 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals), Stewart (17 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Lichti (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals) led the Wildcats, but Brian Tolbert (22 points and 3 steals) helped defending champion South East Melbourne win 104-84.

Grace (16.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.6 steals across 34 games) appeared in every game, finished second on Perth in scoring and led the Wildcats in assists. He entered 1997 after signing a six-year contract with Perth during the previous season and went on to win the Gordon Ellis Medal as the Wildcats’ club MVP for the second time in his career.

One of his strongest all-round games came at Melbourne Park on May 3, where Grace (15 points, 4 rebounds, a season-high 13 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) directed Perth’s offence as Perth defeated Melbourne 108-85, with Lichti (23 points and 7 rebounds) and Stewart (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) providing support, while Andrew Gaze (22 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals) was Melbourne’s best.

Six days later against Adelaide, Grace (17 points, 4 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) again directed the offence as Perth defeated the 36ers 102-84 at the Perth Entertainment Centre, with Lichti (18 points) and Van Dyke (14 points, 7 rebounds, and 12 blocks) providing support. Van Dyke (12 blocks) established a Wildcats single-game record that remains the club mark.

Van Dyke (14.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks across 24 games) led Perth in rebounding and blocks when available but was sidelined through June and July with injury. With Fisher still recovering from knee reconstruction, George Banks (via Dinamo Sassari) joined Perth in late June as injury cover. Banks (10.3 points and 7 rebounds across 7 games) played seven games before his short-term stint ended, with Van Dyke returning in August.

Grace’s best scoring game came against North Melbourne at the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Centre on September 24, where Grace (32 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals) made 11-of-18 field goals and all nine free throws as Perth defeated the Giants 106-102. Lichti (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Van Dyke (16 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) provided support, while Pat Reidy (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists) led North Melbourne.

Perth closed the regular season in Townsville on September 26, where Grace (4 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) contributed despite a quiet scoring night as Lichti (25 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Crawford (23 points and 5 rebounds) helped the Wildcats hold off Townsville 102-100, despite Derek Rucker (36 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists). The win left Perth fourth with a 17-13 record.

Lichti (16.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 34 games) led Perth in scoring, while Crawford (14.7 points and 7.4 rebounds across 31 games) remained productive around the basket, shooting 50 percent from the field and appearing in his tenth consecutive NBL All-Star Game. Vlahov (13.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals across 33 games) and Stewart (13.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 33 games) rounded out Hurley’s main rotation.

The quarterfinal series opened at the Perth Entertainment Centre on October 4, where Grace (18 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals), Lichti (15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals), Vlahov (14 points and 12 rebounds) and Crawford (12 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led Perth to an 81-79 win over Brisbane. Crawford was injured during the victory and did not return for the remainder of the postseason.

Game two moved to the Brisbane Convention Centre, where Grace (25 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals), Vlahov (21 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block), Van Dyke (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Lichti (13 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the Wildcats to an 88-71 win and completed the sweep, while Steve Woodberry (21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, and 1 block) was Brisbane’s best.

Fisher (10 points and 5.5 rebounds across 2 games) returned for the semifinal series after missing the entire regular season while recovering from knee reconstruction.

The semifinals opened at the Perth Entertainment Centre on October 13, where Grace (19 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists), Lichti (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block), Fisher (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Van Dyke (12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) were Perth’s best, but Chris Anstey (19 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 steals) and Tony Ronaldson (18 points) led South East Melbourne to a 92-82 win.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Grace (16 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) and Van Dyke (13 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks) were Perth’s best, while Sam Mackinnon (21 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) led South East Melbourne to a 96-69 win.

1998
Perth entered the NBL’s 20th and final winter season after finishing fourth at 17-13 and reaching the semifinals in 1997. The offseason brought a coaching change, with Alan Black returning to replace Adrian Hurley after Hurley stepped down following five seasons. David Van Dyke, George Banks, Scott Harkess and Ryan Gardiner departed, while captain Andrew Vlahov, Ricky Grace, Todd Lichti, Scott Fisher, James Crawford, Anthony Stewart, Gavin Vanderputten, Phil Doherty, Greg Brown and Nick Lackovic remained. Greg Smith and Thomas Hill (via Jacksonville) were added to the roster.

The Wildcats’ first game under Black came against Townsville at the Perth Entertainment Centre on January 30. Grace (21 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals), Lichti (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Crawford (16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Perth, but Derek Rucker (34 points and 6 assists) carried the Suns to an 89-87 victory.

Grace (18.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1.5 steals across 34 games) led Perth in scoring and assists and appeared in all 30 regular-season games and each of the Wildcats’ four postseason games. Perth endured a four-game losing streak from March 6 to March 22 before reversing its form with five consecutive victories through April 11, helping establish itself among the leading playoff teams.

With Vlahov (12.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.6 steals across 17 games) unavailable through the first half of the season, Perth brought in reigning SBL MVP and Grand Final MVP Dewey Michaels (6.3 points and 6.1 rebounds across 23 games) (via Perth Redbacks) as an injury replacement. Vlahov returned to the lineup in April.

Grace produced his best game and highest-scoring performance of the season against Canberra at the AIS Arena on May 29. Grace (37 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals on 11-of-18 field-goal shooting, including six three-pointers) starred, but Robert Rose (26 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists) led the Cannons to a 105-95 victory.

Lichti (17.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 steals across 32 games) and Fisher (17.2 points and 9.2 rebounds across 32 games) gave Perth two more major scoring options, with Fisher returning to full-time action after knee reconstruction had limited him to two appearances the previous season and leading the Wildcats in rebounding. Crawford (16 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 34 games) remained a major frontcourt contributor, while Stewart (11.7 points and 3.3 assists across 34 games) provided further scoring and playmaking. Grace was selected to the All-NBL Third Team, while Crawford, Fisher and Vlahov were named to the NBL’s 20th Anniversary Team.

A 99-89 home win over Wollongong completed Perth’s regular season on June 9, with Grace (22 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) helping the Wildcats finish third with a 17-13 record.

Perth travelled to Beaton Park for the opening game of its elimination series against Wollongong, where Grace (8 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) directed the offence while Fisher (37 points) and Lichti (18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) supplied the scoring. Mat Campbell (27 points and 5 rebounds) and Glen Saville (11 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks) led Wollongong, but Perth won 95-85 in the final NBL game played at the Snakepit.

Game two shifted to Challenge Stadium, where Grace (17 points, 4 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) combined with Fisher (21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Lichti (21 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals). Elliot Hatcher (34 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals) and Clayton Ritter (17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) led Wollongong, but the Wildcats won 120-97 to complete the sweep and advance to the semifinals.

Adelaide visited Challenge Stadium for the opening semifinal, where Grace (20 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Crawford (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Fisher (19 points and 10 rebounds) were Perth’s main contributors. Brett Maher (36 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) made seven three-pointers and Darnell Mee (16 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists) controlled the glass as the 36ers won 114-97.

Game two moved to Adelaide Arena, where Grace (26 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Vlahov (32 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Perth, with Fisher (18 points and 11 rebounds) providing support. Maher (26 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Kevin Brooks (22 points and 4 rebounds) led Adelaide to a 117-110 victory and completed the semifinal sweep.

1998/99
Grace (19.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.4 steals across 23 games) helped Perth finish sixth with a 13-13 regular-season record in the NBL’s first summer season.

In qualifying-final game one against top-seeded Adelaide at Challenge Stadium, Kevin Brooks (24 points) led the 36ers to a 99-87 road win.

Game two moved to Adelaide Arena, where the 36ers won 97-80 to complete a 2-0 sweep and eliminate Perth from the 1998/99 postseason.

1999/00
After Perth finished sixth with a 13-13 record in 1998/99, Ricky Grace entered his tenth NBL season looking to add another championship to the three he had already won with the Wildcats. Perth had failed to reach the Grand Final in four consecutive seasons, but coach Alan Black returned with an experienced roster featuring Grace, captain Andrew Vlahov, Scott Fisher, Anthony Stewart, Paul Rogers and emerging guard James Harvey. Todd Lichti, James Crawford, Clinton McDaniel and Sidney Goodman were among those who departed, while the club underwent a significant change in ownership. Longtime owner Kerry Stokes handed control of the Wildcats to Vlahov and former Chicago Bulls centre Luc Longley, who had recently completed a run of three consecutive NBA championships. The new ownership arrangement added another chapter to Grace’s long association with the club as Perth looked to return to championship contention.

Perth opened the season against Adelaide at the Adelaide Arena on October 2, but Grace did not appear as the Wildcats suffered a 109-89 defeat. Rogers (20 points and 11 rebounds) led Perth’s scoring, while Stewart (17 points and 6 assists) provided support. Adelaide was paced by Brett Maher (25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists), with the defending champions proving too strong on their home floor. Grace returned for Perth’s next game, although the Wildcats lost their opening three contests before finding some consistency.

Grace (14.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists across 35 games) continued to lead Perth’s offence from the point guard position, appearing in the remaining 27 regular-season games and all eight playoff contests. His scoring declined from the previous season, but Grace (267 assists for the season) remained the Wildcats’ primary playmaker. With several established scoring options around him, Grace was able to concentrate on creating opportunities for teammates while providing perimeter shooting and important contributions in close games.

His highest-scoring performance came against West Sydney on November 12 at the Perth Entertainment Centre, where Grace (26 points, 4 rebounds, 12 assists, and 1 steal on 9-of-18 shooting, including all six free throws made) starred, helping Perth maintain control of its offence against the Razorbacks. Fisher (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Rogers (19 points and 16 rebounds) provided support. John Rillie (27 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals) led West Sydney, but the Wildcats secured a 113-102 victory as their early-season form continued to improve.

On December 17, Grace produced one of his best outside shooting displays during a road victory over the Victoria Titans at Melbourne Park. Grace (25 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, including 7-of-9 three-pointers) led Perth’s outside shooting. Fisher (23 points and 5 rebounds) and Vlahov (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) provided support. Tony Ronaldson (29 points and 5 rebounds) was Victoria’s leading performer, but Perth claimed a 98-90 win, with Grace’s shooting proving instrumental against one of the Wildcats’ major championship rivals.

Rogers (18.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks across 36 games) gave Perth a dominant interior presence, establishing himself as the team’s leading scorer and rebounder before becoming the first Wildcat to win the NBL Most Valuable Player award. He was also selected to the All-NBL First Team. Vlahov (14.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals across 36 games) continued to provide leadership and an all-round contribution alongside Grace, while Fisher (12.9 points and 6.4 rebounds across 35 games) remained an important frontcourt scorer. Stewart (12.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists across 36 games) offered additional perimeter shooting, and Harvey (8.2 points across 36 games, up from 1.7 points as a rookie) increased his contribution considerably. The depth of Perth’s offence allowed Grace to operate as a facilitator without carrying the same scoring burden as previous seasons.

The Wildcats further strengthened their lineup midway through the campaign by signing former Melbourne Tigers import Marcus Timmons (12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 16 games). Timmons had been part of Melbourne’s 1997 championship team and brought valuable postseason experience, athleticism and outside shooting to Perth’s rotation. His arrival provided Black with another option on the perimeter, complementing a backcourt already directed by Grace and supported by Stewart and Harvey.

Timmons made his Wildcats debut against Wollongong at the WIN Entertainment Centre on January 26, a game in which Grace delivered arguably his strongest all-round performance of the regular season. Grace (25 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block on 7-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-6 three-pointers and six made free throws) starred. Rogers (29 points and 7 rebounds) and Timmons (7 points and 3 steals in his first appearance) provided support. Matt Garrison (24 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists) led Wollongong, but Perth held on for a 93-88 victory, with Grace’s efficiency and playmaking helping the Wildcats secure another important road win.

One of Perth’s most significant victories followed on February 26 when the Wildcats hosted ladder-leading Adelaide at the Perth Entertainment Centre. Grace (9 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) contributed as Perth recovered from a 16-point halftime deficit. With the Wildcats trailing by one point and fewer than 20 seconds remaining, Adelaide’s defenders converged on Grace, who found an open Stewart. After a pump fake and one dribble, Stewart made the decisive basket to give Perth an 88-86 victory. Stewart (21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Rogers (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks) supported the comeback. Martin Cattalini (24 points and 4 rebounds) led Adelaide, but the comeback provided Perth with a season-defining win against the defending champions.

Grace’s passing remained a major feature of Perth’s late-season improvement, with his season-high passing performance highlighting his ability to create opportunities for the Wildcats’ numerous scoring options. The team finished the regular season on an eight-game winning streak, recovering from its 0-3 start to post a 22-6 record and secure third place on the ladder. Adelaide and Townsville also finished 22-6, with the teams separated by tiebreaking criteria. Grace’s contribution was recognised with selection to the All-NBL Third Team, his third such honour, as Perth entered the playoffs with the experience and momentum needed to challenge for the championship.

The Wildcats began their quarterfinal series against West Sydney at the Whitlam Centre on March 15, but suffered a 91-80 defeat in the opening game. Grace (14 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, and 2 steals) contributed, while Vlahov (15 points and 4 rebounds) led Perth’s scoring and Timmons (13 points and 4 rebounds) provided support. Derek Rucker (29 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals) was the outstanding performer for the Razorbacks, whose victory left the Wildcats needing to win their next two games to remain in championship contention.

Grace (20 points and 9 assists, including three three-pointers) responded in game two at the Perth Entertainment Centre on March 17 as Perth defeated West Sydney 99-88. He helped create opportunities for Rogers (25 points and 18 rebounds), while Vlahov (16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 7 steals) contributed in an impressive defensive performance. Rucker (25 points and 7 assists) again led the Razorbacks, but the Wildcats levelled the series at one game apiece and forced a deciding contest on their home court.

The third quarterfinal was played on March 19, with Grace (15 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) contributing as Perth defeated West Sydney 82-74. Rogers (19 points and 12 rebounds) led the Wildcats, while Timmons (17 points and 7 rebounds) provided support. Simon Dwight (17 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks) was the Razorbacks’ leading scorer, but Perth controlled the deciding game well enough to complete a 2-1 series victory and advance to the semi-finals.

Perth faced Townsville in the semi-finals, opening the series at the Perth Entertainment Centre on March 24. Grace (24 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals, including four three-pointers) led the Wildcats. Timmons (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Vlahov (17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks) provided support. Mike Kelly (29 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists) led Townsville’s scoring, with Sam Mackinnon also producing a triple-double, but the Wildcats prevailed 104-101 in a closely contested encounter to take a 1-0 series lead.

Townsville responded at the Townsville Entertainment Centre on March 31, defeating Perth 101-78 to force a deciding game. Grace (16 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the Wildcats, while Rogers (13 points and 8 rebounds) and Timmons (11 points and 8 rebounds) contributed. Mackinnon (23 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals) was outstanding for the Crocodiles, who received strong support from Pat Reidy (22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists) and Robert Rose (21 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists). The result levelled the series at 1-1 and placed Perth’s championship ambitions under pressure.

Returning to the Townsville Entertainment Centre for game three on April 2, Grace (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 11 assists on 8-of-12 shooting) produced another influential postseason performance as Perth defeated the Crocodiles 104-84. He combined with Stewart (21 points and 4 rebounds) and Rogers (20 points and 12 rebounds) to give the Wildcats a balanced offensive attack. Rose (33 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals) led Townsville, but Perth controlled the contest and completed a 2-1 semifinal series victory, advancing to its first Grand Final since 1995.

The championship series began against the Victoria Titans at Melbourne Park on April 7, where Grace (19 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, including four three-pointers) contributed as Perth claimed an 84-78 road victory. His shooting helped create space for Rogers (24 points and 20 rebounds). Vlahov (9 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) provided support, while Ronaldson (25 points and 2 rebounds) was Victoria’s leading scorer. The win gave the Wildcats a 1-0 Grand Final series advantage and the opportunity to secure the championship in Perth.

Game two was played at the Perth Entertainment Centre on April 12 in front of a capacity crowd of approximately 8,000, with Grace looking to complete the club’s return to the top of the NBL. Grace (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists) contributed, directing Perth’s offence as the Titans fought to keep the series alive. Timmons (27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals, including seven three-pointers) produced the decisive scoring display, while Stewart (20 points and 7 rebounds) contributed. Darryl McDonald (25 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals) was Victoria’s leading performer, but Perth secured an 83-76 victory to complete a 2-0 Grand Final sweep. Timmons was named Grand Final MVP as Grace collected his fourth NBL championship, adding the 2000 title to his victories in 1990, 1991 and 1995, with the Wildcats securing their fourth championship and their final title at the Perth Entertainment Centre.

2000/01
Grace (20.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.8 assists across 29 games) helped Perth finish third with a 21-7 regular-season record.

In qualifying-final game one on 4 April 2001, Wollongong defeated Perth 97-90 in overtime at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

Perth won game two 106-95 at the Perth Entertainment Centre on 7 April, keeping the series alive.

In the deciding game three at the Perth Entertainment Centre on 10 April, Grace (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) contributed alongside Paul Rogers (19 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 blocks) and Marcus Timmons (15 points and 10 rebounds), but Glen Saville (26 points and 16 rebounds) led Wollongong to a 98-88 victory, eliminating the Wildcats.

2001/02
Grace (23.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.3 assists across 32 games) led the Wildcats’ scoring and helped Perth finish second at 17-13, ahead of Adelaide on the head-to-head tiebreaker.

In qualifying-final game one at the State Sports Centre on 27 March 2002, Grace (16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) contributed alongside Paul Rogers (18 points and 6 rebounds), but West Sydney won 106-85 behind John Rillie (25 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Simon Dwight (16 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocks).

In game two at the Perth Entertainment Centre on 30 March, Grace (23 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 blocks) contributed alongside Rob Feaster (26 points and 7 rebounds) and Ben Thompson (21 points), but the Razorbacks won 109-98, completing a 2-0 series sweep and ending Perth’s season.

2002/03
In 2002, club legend and captain Andrew Vlahov retired after 12 seasons, leaving Ricky Grace as the only remaining Wildcat from the team’s early championships in the 1990s. Following Vlahov’s retirement, Grace became captain of the Wildcats (a role he continued until retirement) before the closure of the Perth Entertainment Centre saw the Wildcats return to their old home, the Superdrome (now HBF Stadium), for the 2002/03 season.

Vlahov’s retirement created an enormous gap in both leadership and frontcourt that seemed impossible to fill. However, as a result of the unexpected demise of the Victoria Titans, Vlahov’s fellow Australian Boomers teammate Tony Ronaldson would join the team and capably fill his role. Big man Brett Wheeler would also move across from Victoria to Perth and fill the shoes of the recently departed Paul Rogers, who had decided to return to his hometown 36ers.

The team hardly missed a step despite losing Vlahov and Rogers, starting the season 5-1. The new-look squad delivered a balanced offensive attack with seven players, all scoring in double figures. Import Rob Feaster (19.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists) would lead the team in scoring, the recently acquired Wheeler (12.1 points and 8.6 rebounds) led the team in rebounds and Grace (18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists across 33 games) led both Perth and the league in assists. Key rotation players James Harvey (14.0 points), Stephen Black (12.6 points), Tony Ronaldson (12.0 points) and Matthew Burston (11.6 points) all scored in double figures.

As a result, the Wildcats were unbeatable at home, finishing with a 14-1 home record and ending the regular season on a four-game winning streak. Perth and Sydney ended the season with equal records (22-8) but due to the Kings having the head-to-head advantage (2-1), the Wildcats finished in second place, with the Kings claiming top spot.

The Wildcats balanced roster saw a number of players recognised at the 2003 NBL awards night. Stephen Black earned the Sixth Man of the Year award, while Matthew Burston (11.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 21 minutes per game, up from 2.3 points in 6 minutes per game) won the league’s Most Improved Player award. Grace’s continued form saw him named to the All-NBL First Team for the fourth time.

In qualifying-final game one against Adelaide at Adelaide Arena on 8 March 2003, Grace (29 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) led Perth to a 119-116 win over his former teammate Paul Rogers and the 36ers.

In game two of Perth’s 2002/03 qualifying-final series against Adelaide at Challenge Stadium on 12 March 2003, Grace (13 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals) contributed. Although Perth led by 26 points at three-quarter time, Adelaide scored 45 points to Perth’s 11 in the final period, winning 99–91 to force a third game. Grace later recalled his frustration with spectators who departed early in the quarter.

The Wildcats returned for deciding game three at Challenge Stadium on 16 March, where Grace (32 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Perth to a 94-86 victory, advancing to the semifinals.

Sources: ABC reporting (13 March 2003); 12 March 2003 box score.

Perth faced the fourth-placed Wollongong Hawks in the semifinals, opening with a 121-90 home win led by Grace (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Wheeler (21 points and 7 rebounds).

In game two, Grace (26 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Wheeler (27 points and 14 rebounds) led Perth to a 113–84 win, completing the sweep and taking the Wildcats to their seventh Grand Final in 17 years.

The Sydney Kings had followed a similar path to the Wildcats, defeating the Melbourne Tigers (2-1) in the Qualifying Finals before convincing wins over the Townsville Crocodiles (2-1) saw the two teams that had led the competition all season meet in the Grand Final series.

The Kings lineup, which featured league MVP Chris Williams, Shane Heal and Matt Nielsen, guided Sydney to a narrow victory at home for the opening game, overcoming the phenomenal play of Grace (15 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists), who recorded the second triple double ever in a grand final series. With Williams (26 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals on 12-of-23 shooting), the Kings claimed the opening game (98-94).

Even with game two being held in Perth, Feaster (40 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal, including 30 points in the fourth quarter) carried Perth’s scoring, but the result followed the opening-game defeat. Behind a near triple double from Shane Heal (23 points, 9 rebounds, and 12 assists), a big defensive effort from Nielsen (21 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks), and another stellar performance from Williams (24 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists), this time shooting 10-of-17 from the field, Sydney won their first NBL championship (117-101). Williams was unanimously named Finals MVP.

2003/04
Following Perth’s Grand Final defeat to Sydney, the Wildcats did not renew head coach Alan Black’s contract and appointed club legend Mike Ellis. Captain Grace remained alongside James Harvey, Tony Ronaldson, Matthew Burston, and Ben Thompson, while Brett Wheeler (to Sydney) and Rob Feaster (to Victoria) departed. Imports Reed Rawlings and John Jackson joined the squad, along with Travis Lane and rookie Liam Rush.

After two early losses, Rawlings was replaced by Rashad Tucker. Tucker (17.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.3 steals) handled additional point-guard duties during Grace’s injury absence, setting a single-season NBL record with six triple-doubles. Harvey (20.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists) became Perth’s leading scorer, while Grace (15.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 7.3 assists across 23 games) remained the team’s captain and primary playmaker when available.

Under Ellis, Perth finished seventh with a 15-18 regular-season record. The Wildcats went 13-3 at home but won only twice in 17 road games.

In the elimination final at the Cairns Convention Centre on 3 March 2004, Grace was sidelined through injury and did not play. Cairns won 103-96 behind former Wildcats Anthony Stewart (30 points) and Marcus Timmons (22 points), while Harvey (26 points) and Tucker (24 points) led a seven-player Perth lineup. The defeat ended Perth’s season and Cairns recorded its first NBL playoff victory.

2004/05
Perth entered Grace’s 16th NBL season with former Wildcats player Scott Fisher replacing Mike Ellis as head coach. James Harvey departed to play in Israel, while Peter Crawford joined from Townsville. Fisher retained Grace, Tony Ronaldson, Matthew Burston, Liam Rush, and Rashad Tucker, with Rosell Ellis also joining the Wildcats’ frontcourt.

Grace (10.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 26 games) remained Perth’s captain and a backcourt leader in his final campaign. Crawford (15.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.2 steals) won the NBL Most Improved Player award, and Rosell Ellis (17.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 steals) earned All-NBL Third Team honours. Tucker was released during the season and Ontario Lett joined after Matthew Burston sustained a season-ending injury.

Perth finished seventh with a 17-15 regular-season record and travelled to Melbourne for an elimination final on 24 February 2005.

In Grace’s last NBL game at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, the Tigers recovered from a 49-44 halftime deficit to defeat Perth 108-88, outscoring the Wildcats 40-25 in the fourth quarter. Andrew Gaze (23 points) and Mark Bradtke (22 points and 14 rebounds) led Melbourne, while Tony Ronaldson (27 points) and Ellis (16 points and 10 rebounds) led Perth. Grace received a standing ovation from the crowd near the end of the game, bringing his 16-season Wildcats playing career to a close.

In the NBL’s single-club wins comparison published on 16 January 2026, Ricky Grace was credited with 308 victories for the Perth Wildcats, ranking fourth on the single-club NBL wins list, following Jesse Wagstaff (331), Andrew Gaze (330) and Mark Davis (312). This is a retrospective count of wins achieved while playing for that particular club, not the player’s total NBL wins across multiple teams, and does not describe a record set during 2004/05. Source: 16 January 2026 NBL one-club wins retrospective.

Ricky Grace played sixteen seasons with the Perth Wildcats. He averaged 18.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in 482 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:

– 19th in total games played.
– 12th in total points
– 3rd in total assists
– 8th in total steals
– 22nd in total blocks
– 13rd in assists per game.

HIGHLIGHTS: