NICKNAME/S: Fish

BIO: Scott Fisher was born in San Jose, California (USA) Fisher played at the University of California, Santa Barbara under head coach Jerry Pimm.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Scott Fisher made his NBL debut with the North Melbourne Giants at 23 years of age. He scored 22 points in his first game.

1987
Newly appointed head coach Bruce Palmer recruited Scott Fisher to North Melbourne as the Giants rebuilt their roster. The Giants had missed the playoffs the season prior and as a result moved home venues from Coburg to the inner city where they would play at the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Centre, more commonly known as “The Glasshouse”.

The Giants’ additional financial backing supported their move to the Glasshouse and a refreshed roster. Fisher (25.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists) helped North Melbourne return to the playoffs. North Melbourne finished in sixth place at the end of the regular season (15-11) and then went on to lose to Illawarra (97–105) in the Elimination Finals.

Scott Fisher earned All-NBL Second Team honours for the 1987 season.

1988
North Melbourne reached the Grand Final in 1988, with Fisher and new import Tim Dillon forming the team’s frontcourt. The Giants had recruited Tim Dillon to play alongside Fisher, a duo dubbed the ‘Twin Boulders’ by media and supporters. The team also acquired US born Mark Leader from Geelong, who had become a naturalised Australian during the off-season.

The Giants’ new frontcourt saw the team skyrocket to the top of the NBL ladder, causing regular sellouts at the team’s 7,000-seat home court. Fisher (27.5 points and 11.3 rebounds) and Dillon (33.2 points and 10.9 rebounds), who was selected to the All-NBL First Team, led the Giants to a second-place finish (18-6). Dillon (at least 35 points in 13 games that season) was another consistent scoring threat. This included Dillon (49 points on 22-of-29 shooting, 79%) against Newcastle.

In the 1988 semifinals, Fisher (26 points and 11 rebounds) contributed as North Melbourne lost 108-105 to Perth at the Superdrome in game one.

Scott Fisher earned All-NBL Second Team honours for the 1988 season.

In semifinal game two at the Glasshouse, Dillon (44 points and 15 rebounds) led the Giants to a 137-113 victory to level the series.

North Melbourne won the deciding semifinal 134-111 at home as Dillon (44 points and 9 rebounds) helped the Giants reach their first Grand Final.

At the AIS Arena, a crowd of 5,200 watched Phil Smyth (25 points) and Jamie Kennedy (21 points) lead Canberra to a 120-95 victory in Grand Final game one, with Dillon (29 points and 16 rebounds) leading North Melbourne.

In Grand Final game two, Dillon (43 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists) led North Melbourne to a 117-101 home win, levelling the series.

A crowd of 7,200 attended the decider at the Glasshouse, where Fisher (18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) contributed for North Melbourne. Willie Simmons (23 points and 10 rebounds) led Canberra alongside Simon Cottrell (21 points) and Phil Smyth (21 points), as the Cannons won 108-101. Smyth (21.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 2.6 steals per game across the three-game series) was named Grand Final MVP.

1989
North Melbourne entered 1989 looking to build on its narrow Grand Final defeat in 1988. Bruce Palmer, who had succeeded Les Riddle after the Giants missed the 1986 playoffs, retained the team’s championship ambitions. The team added naturalised import Cecil Exum from the state league and Ray Borner (via Illawarra) to strengthen the frontcourt alongside Scott Fisher (32.1 points and 12.7 rebounds) and Tim Dillon (29.4 points and 10.0 rebounds). Both players delivered two of the greatest statistical seasons of all time and Fisher was selected to the All-NBL First Team and named NBL Most Valuable Player as North Melbourne finished first with an 18-6 regular-season record.

Fisher (38 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals) opened 1989 strongly against Westside Melbourne. Against Newcastle, Fisher (a career-high 45 points) starred, before Fisher (35 points and 21 rebounds) played Sydney the following night. These dominant outings helped establish his 1989 season as one of the finest individual performances by an eventual NBL champion.

Sources: Aussie Hoopla: The Greatest NBL Players at Every Age; Aussie Hoopla: Greatest NBL Seasons, Scott Fisher.

North Melbourne earned a first-round bye and faced Perth in the semifinals, winning the deciding game at home by 55 points. Canberra advanced after defeating Sydney 2-1 in its postseason series. North Melbourne’s 165-110 victory set an NBL postseason scoring mark. Dillon (40 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists), Fisher (32 points and 14 rebounds) and David Graham (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) all coming up big for the Giants. Wildcats captain Mike Ellis (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals) top scoring for the visitors.

Canberra hosted the opening Grand Final game at the AIS Arena, where Fisher (37 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals), Dillon (24 points and 12 rebounds), and Borner (18 points and 9 rebounds) led North Melbourne to a 111-105 victory.

The Giants returned to Melbourne for game two, and similar to the season prior, the Glasshouse was a sell-out, with 7,200 Giants fans keen to see the North Melbourne go one step further than last year. Fisher (33 points and 12 rebounds) was relentless at the offensive end and finished as the game’s high scorer. Teammates Dillon (21 points and 15 rebounds), Borner (16 points and 7 rebounds), David Graham (16 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Exum (10 points and 8 rebounds) and Mark Leader (10 points and 12 rebounds) delivered a balanced offensive attack, the Giants finishing the game with six players scoring in double figures.

North Melbourne ensured that Canberra had no chance of repeating last years result by destroying the Cannons on the glass, with the team having collected 60 rebounds, compared to Canberra’s 39 at the final siren (111-97).

The Giants’ 1989 championship was the first won by a Victorian club since the St Kilda Saints in 1980. Fisher (35 points and 12 rebounds per game across the Grand Final series) was named Finals MVP.

1990
The Giants lost a number of key players after winning the 1989 Grand Final, prompting head coach Bruce Palmer to recruit several replacements to defend the title.

Former Indiana Hoosier Joe Hillman was signed as a replacement for Dillon, naturalised import Dwayne Nelson who had spent the past five seasons with Adelaide filled the role of Exum and young Australian Institute of Sport product, 19-year-old Pat Reidy was added to fill out the team’s main roster.

Despite the roster overhaul, the Giants blazed a trail through NBL opponents, winning their first eight games in a row. Scott Fisher (31.4 points, 12 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 steals) led the team in points and rebounds, finished second on the team in assists and steals and shot 55% from the field to deliver one of the greatest statistical season in NBL history.

Hillman (22.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 2.3 steals), Ray Borner (15.8 points), and David Graham (15.5 points) rounded out the Giants’ offence.

The Giants finished first with a 20-6 regular-season record, earning a semifinal berth alongside second-placed Eastside Melbourne. Perth had eliminated Melbourne in two games to set up its semifinal against North Melbourne.

In the first semifinal at the Perth Entertainment Centre, Fisher (27 points and 12 rebounds) led North Melbourne, but Ricky Grace (39 points) and the Wildcats prevailed 121-111.

In game two at the Glasshouse, Fisher (35 points and 14 rebounds) powered North Melbourne to a 131-110 victory and levelled the series.

The deciding game remained at the Glasshouse, where Fisher (32 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists) starred, but Perth won 112-110 in overtime to take the series 2-1. Brisbane also eliminated Eastside in the other semifinal before the Wildcats defeated Brisbane in the Grand Final to claim their first NBL title.

1991
With North Melbourne rebuilding its frontcourt following Dillon’s departure after the 1989 championship, the Giants signed Yale graduate Paul Maley (via South Melbourne Saints). Maley (27.6 points and 10.2 rebounds, up from 25.8 points with the Saints) paired with Fisher (30.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists) as the Giants, who finished sixth with a 16-10 regular-season record, were able to get past Geelong in the elimination finals (winning in three games) before being knocked out by rival club Eastside Melbourne Spectres in the semifinals.

1992
In 1992, Fisher (27.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists) and Paul Maley (21.9 points and 9.9 rebounds) again led the Giants into the postseason behind 14 wins, 10 losses and a fourth-place finish, with Fisher named NBL Most Valuable Player at season’s end. The Giants then eliminated the Illawarra Hawks in the quarterfinals before being ousted by Brian Goorjian and the South East Melbourne Magic. The Magic being the same team that eliminated them the season prior under a new name (The Magic had re-branded from the Eastside Melbourne Spectres at the start of the season).

After the season, Fisher left North Melbourne to join the Perth Wildcats.

1993

Fisher (23.7 points and 10.7 rebounds) helped Perth finish first in the regular season with a 21-5 record.

Scott Fisher earned All-NBL Second Team honours for the 1993 season.

1994
Fisher (20.5 points and 9.5 rebounds) helped Perth finish sixth in the regular season with a 16-10 record.

1995
Fisher (19.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists) helped Perth finish first with a 19-7 regular-season record before winning the NBL championship.

At the 1995 McDonald’s Championship in London, Fisher (18 points and 12 rebounds) led Perth’s scoring in its 116-72 loss to the NBA champion Houston Rockets.

1996
Fisher (16.4 points and 8.4 rebounds) helped Perth finish third with a 16-10 regular-season record before a knee injury in the quarterfinal series against Adelaide sidelined him for more than a year.

1997
Adelaide ended Perth’s 1996 season in the quarterfinals, and Adrian Hurley entered 1997 without Aaron Trahair (to Sydney), Pete Hansen and Matthew Earp. Captain Andrew Vlahov, Ricky Grace, Todd Lichti, James Crawford, Anthony Stewart, Gavin Vanderputten, Phil Doherty and Ryan Gardiner returned, while David Van Dyke (via Newcastle), Greg Brown, Scott Harkess and Nick Lackovic were added. Scott Fisher remained sidelined following knee reconstruction.

Fisher (10 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1 assist across 2 games) spent almost the entire season rehabilitating the serious knee injury he suffered in game one of Perth’s 1996 quarterfinal series against Adelaide. The injury required reconstructive surgery and kept him out of all 30 regular-season games and both quarterfinals before he returned for the semifinals, more than a year after his previous NBL appearance.

With Fisher already unavailable, Perth’s frontcourt depth was further tested when Van Dyke was sidelined by injury after May 24. George Banks (via Dinamo Sassari) joined the Wildcats in late June as short-term injury cover and played seven games before his stint ended after July 19, with Van Dyke returning on August 16.

Lichti (16.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 34 games) led Perth in scoring and appeared in every game, while Grace (16.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.6 steals across 34 games) also appeared in every game and led the Wildcats in assists. Crawford (14.7 points and 7.4 rebounds across 31 games) remained productive around the basket and appeared in his tenth consecutive NBL All-Star Game, while Van Dyke (14.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks across 24 games) led Perth in rebounding and blocks. 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 as Perth finished fourth with a 17-13 record.

Fisher remained sidelined for the opening quarterfinal against Brisbane at the Perth Entertainment Centre, where Perth won 81-79 despite losing Crawford (12 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) to injury.

Without Crawford or Fisher, Perth won the second game in Brisbane 88-71 to complete the quarterfinal sweep.

With Crawford unavailable, Fisher finally returned when the semifinals opened at the Perth Entertainment Centre on October 13. Fisher (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists, making all six free throws) made his comeback in his highest-scoring performance of 1997. Lichti (20 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Grace (19 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) provided support, but Chris Anstey (19 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals) and Tony Ronaldson (18 points) led South East Melbourne to a 92-82 win.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park on October 17, where Fisher (6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) played 33 minutes in only his second game back. Grace (16 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) and Van Dyke (13 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) led Perth, while Sam Mackinnon (21 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Brian Tolbert (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) carried South East Melbourne to a 96-69 win and completed the semifinal sweep. The 27-point defeat was Perth’s heaviest loss of 1997, with the Magic responsible for the Wildcats’ three biggest losses of the season.

1998
Perth changed direction after a 17-13 season and semifinal exit in 1997, with Adrian Hurley departing after five years as head coach and Alan Black returning to the Wildcats. David Van Dyke, George Banks, Scott Harkess and Ryan Gardiner left the club, while captain Andrew Vlahov, Ricky Grace, Todd Lichti, Scott Fisher, James Crawford, Anthony Stewart, Gavin Vanderputten, Phil Doherty, Greg Brown and Nick Lackovic returned. Greg Smith and Thomas Hill (via Jacksonville) were added for what became the NBL’s final winter season.

Black’s second stint began against Townsville at the Perth Entertainment Centre on January 30, where Fisher (9 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) contributed alongside Grace (21 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals) and Lichti (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists). Derek Rucker (34 points and 6 assists) led the Suns to an 89-87 victory.

Fisher (17.2 points and 9.2 rebounds across 32 games) returned to full-time action after knee reconstruction had wiped out his 1997 regular season and restricted him to Perth’s final two playoff games. He re-established himself as the Wildcats’ leading rebounder as Perth worked through an inconsistent opening half of the season.

The Wildcats lost four consecutive games from March 6 to March 22 before immediately turning their form around with five straight victories through April 11, with Fisher appearing in each game of the winning streak. Perth also changed imports during the season, replacing Hill with Dewey Michaels (via Perth Redbacks), who had won the previous season’s SBL MVP and Grand Final MVP awards, while Vlahov made his first appearance of the year on April 19.

Fisher (31 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 assists on 10-of-17 field-goal shooting, including both three-point attempts and 9-of-10 free throws) produced his highest-scoring regular-season game of 1998 against Adelaide at the Perth Entertainment Centre on May 16. Crawford (23 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Lichti (17 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) provided support as Perth defeated the eventual champions 106-103.

Grace (18.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1.5 steals across 34 games) led Perth in scoring and assists and earned All-NBL Third Team honours, while Lichti (17.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 steals across 32 games) remained one of the Wildcats’ main perimeter scorers. Crawford (16 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 34 games), Vlahov (12.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.6 steals across 17 games) and Stewart (11.7 points and 3.3 assists across 34 games) provided further production. Fisher, Crawford and Vlahov were all selected to the NBL’s 20th Anniversary Team.

Perth finished the regular season against Wollongong on June 9, with Fisher (19 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal), Grace (22 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) and Crawford (18 points and 1 rebound) helping the Wildcats win 99-89 at the Perth Entertainment Centre and secure third place with a 17-13 record.

The elimination finals opened at Beaton Park three days later, where Fisher (37 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal on 16-of-23 shooting) recorded his highest-scoring game of the 1998 season. Lichti (18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and Vlahov (16 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals) provided support, while Mat Campbell (27 points and 5 rebounds) led Wollongong. Perth won 95-85 in the final NBL game played at the Snakepit.

Game two moved to Challenge Stadium, where Fisher (21 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) again played a major role as Lichti (21 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and Grace (17 points, 4 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 steals) helped Perth complete the series sweep. Elliot Hatcher (34 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals) led Wollongong, but the Wildcats won 120-97 and advanced to the semifinals.

Adelaide visited Challenge Stadium for game one of the semifinals, where Fisher (19 points and 10 rebounds), Crawford (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Grace (20 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Perth. Brett Maher (36 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal, including seven three-pointers) starred as the 36ers defeated the Wildcats 114-97.

The series shifted to Adelaide Arena for game two, where Fisher (18 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) recorded another double-double alongside Vlahov (32 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Grace (26 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals). Maher (26 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) led Adelaide to a 117-110 victory, completing the semifinal sweep and ending Perth’s season.

1998/99
Fisher (16.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 27 games) contributed as Perth finished sixth with a 13-13 regular-season record.

1999/00
Perth entered the 1999/00 season looking to recover from a disappointing sixth-place finish (13-13) and an opening-round playoff exit against Adelaide. Fisher (16.2 points and 8.3 rebounds in 1998/99) entered the new campaign as one of Perth’s most experienced frontcourt players. A two-time NBL MVP and championship winner with North Melbourne in 1989 and Perth in 1995, Fisher was now seeking his third NBL title. Coach Alan Black retained Fisher alongside captain Andrew Vlahov, Ricky Grace, Anthony Stewart, Paul Rogers and emerging guard James Harvey, while Todd Lichti, James Crawford, Clinton McDaniel and Sidney Goodman were among those who departed. The Wildcats also entered a new era off the court when Kerry Stokes handed ownership of the club to Vlahov and three-time NBA champion Luc Longley, with Perth looking to return to the Grand Final for the first time since 1995.

Perth began the season against Adelaide at the Adelaide Arena on October 2, where Fisher (10 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals) was unable to help the Wildcats overcome the defending champions. Rogers (20 points and 11 rebounds) led Perth’s scoring, while Stewart (17 points and 6 assists) provided support. Adelaide’s Brett Maher (25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists) helped the 36ers establish control and secure a 109-89 victory. The Wildcats subsequently lost their next two games, beginning their campaign with three consecutive defeats before finding the consistency needed to challenge the league’s leading teams.

Fisher (12.9 points and 6.4 rebounds across 35 games) continued to provide Perth with valuable scoring and rebounding alongside Rogers and Vlahov, although his offensive role was reduced compared with previous seasons. The former league MVP had established himself as one of the NBL’s most decorated forwards, earning All-NBL selection in each of his first eight seasons and winning two championships before the Wildcats’ 1999/00 campaign. With Perth developing a more balanced offence, Fisher remained an important member of Black’s rotation, contributing around the basket and providing experienced frontcourt support. He appeared in 27 of Perth’s 28 regular-season games, missing the March 11 finale against Melbourne. Fisher returned for the playoffs and appeared in all eight postseason contests.

Fisher (a season-high 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals on 12-of-17 shooting) starred against West Sydney at the Perth Entertainment Centre on November 12 as Perth established a strong inside presence against the Razorbacks. Grace (26 points, 4 rebounds, and 12 assists) 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, with Fisher’s scoring helping Perth continue its recovery from the opening three losses.

One week later, on November 20, Fisher delivered arguably his strongest all-round performance of the regular season against Townsville at the Perth Entertainment Centre. Fisher (23 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals on 10-of-14 field-goal shooting, including four offensive rebounds) contributed. Stewart (22 points and 7 assists) contributed, while Vlahov (21 points, 23 rebounds, and 4 assists) controlled the boards. Perth defeated the Crocodiles 109-98, with Fisher’s efficient scoring and work on the boards complementing Vlahov’s dominance inside.

Fisher was also involved in one of Perth’s most impressive road victories on December 11, when the Wildcats faced the Melbourne Tigers at Melbourne Park. Fisher (11 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists) helped Perth on the boards against Melbourne’s frontcourt. Vlahov (29 points and 6 rebounds) led Perth, while Rogers (18 points and 9 rebounds) provided support. Andrew Gaze (33 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists) was the Tigers’ leading performer, but Perth claimed a 107-102 victory to continue its climb up the standings.

Rogers (18.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks across 36 games) established himself as the Wildcats’ leading scorer and rebounder, taking on much of the interior offensive responsibility that Fisher had carried earlier in his Perth career. Rogers’ outstanding season was rewarded when he became the first Wildcats player to win the NBL Most Valuable Player award, also earning selection to the All-NBL First Team. Vlahov (14.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals across 36 games) provided leadership and another strong rebounding presence, while Grace (14.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 7.6 assists across 35 games) continued to direct Perth’s offence. Stewart (12.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists across 36 games) remained an important perimeter contributor, and Harvey (8.2 points across 36 games, up from 1.7 points as a rookie) increased his scoring considerably.

The Wildcats strengthened their rotation midway through the season by signing former Melbourne Tigers import Marcus Timmons (12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 16 games), who made his Perth debut against Wollongong on January 26. Having previously won an NBL championship with Melbourne in 1997, Timmons brought athleticism, outside shooting and postseason experience to a team already beginning to establish itself as a championship contender. His arrival gave Black greater flexibility in the rotation, with Fisher continuing to provide frontcourt scoring and rebounding while the Wildcats developed one of the league’s deepest lineups.

Another important victory came against ladder-leading Adelaide at the Perth Entertainment Centre on February 26, with Perth overcoming a 16-point halftime deficit to defeat the defending champions 88-86. Fisher (16 points and 8 rebounds, including five offensive rebounds) helped the Wildcats’ comeback. Rogers (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks) and Stewart (21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) supported the comeback. Martin Cattalini (24 points and 4 rebounds) led Adelaide, but Perth completed the comeback when Grace attracted multiple defenders on the final possession before finding Stewart, who made the winning basket after a pump fake and one dribble. The victory was another important result against a championship rival and helped Perth maintain its momentum heading towards the playoffs.

The Wildcats finished the regular season on an eight-game winning streak, transforming their 0-3 start into a third-place finish with a 22-6 record. Adelaide and Townsville also finished with 22 wins and six losses, with the three teams separated by tiebreaking criteria. Perth entered the postseason with an experienced frontcourt built around Fisher, Rogers and Vlahov, supported by the playmaking of Grace and additional perimeter scoring from Stewart, Timmons and Harvey.

Perth began its quarterfinal series against West Sydney at the Whitlam Centre on March 15, but suffered a 91-80 defeat in the opening game. Fisher (12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) contributed, while Vlahov (15 points and 4 rebounds) led Perth’s scoring and Grace (14 points and 5 assists) provided support. Derek Rucker (29 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals) controlled the contest for the Razorbacks, whose victory left Perth needing to win consecutive home games to keep its championship hopes alive.

Game two moved to the Perth Entertainment Centre on March 17, where Fisher (16 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal on 8-of-12 shooting) responded as the Wildcats defeated West Sydney 99-88. Rogers (25 points and 18 rebounds) dominated the paint, while Grace (20 points and 9 assists) contributed to help Perth establish a more balanced offensive attack. Rucker (25 points and 7 assists) again led the Razorbacks, but the Wildcats levelled the series at 1-1 and forced a deciding third game.

The quarterfinal decider followed on March 19, with Fisher (2 points in just under four minutes) making a brief appearance as Perth secured an 82-74 victory. Rogers (19 points and 12 rebounds) led Perth, while Timmons (17 points and 7 rebounds) contributed. Simon Dwight (17 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks) was West Sydney’s leading scorer, but Perth completed a 2-1 series comeback and advanced to face Townsville in the semifinals.

The Wildcats hosted Townsville in the opening semi-final at the Perth Entertainment Centre on March 24, recording a narrow 104-101 victory. Fisher (12 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in 18 minutes on 5-of-6 field-goal shooting, including both three-point attempts) contributed. Grace (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Perth, while Timmons (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) contributed. Mike Kelly (29 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists) was Townsville’s leading scorer, but the Wildcats held on to take a 1-0 series advantage and move within one victory of the Grand Final.

Townsville responded in game two on March 31, defeating Perth 101-78 at the Townsville Entertainment Centre to force another deciding contest. Fisher (8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) contributed, while Grace (16 points and 5 assists) and Rogers (13 points and 8 rebounds) provided support. Sam Mackinnon (23 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals) led 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 defeat levelled the series at 1-1 and left Perth needing another road victory to reach the championship series.

The deciding semi-final was played at the Townsville Entertainment Centre on April 2, with the Wildcats producing a commanding 104-84 victory to advance to their first Grand Final since 1995. Fisher (9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) contributed, while Grace (21 points and 11 assists) and Rogers (20 points and 12 rebounds) provided support. Rose (33 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals) was outstanding for Townsville, but Perth’s balanced scoring and experienced frontcourt proved too strong. The Wildcats completed a 2-1 series victory, giving Fisher another opportunity to add to the championships he had won with North Melbourne and Perth earlier in his career.

Perth faced the Victoria Titans in the Grand Final series, travelling to Melbourne Park for game one on April 7. Fisher (9 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 assist, including five offensive rebounds) helped Perth on the boards. Rogers (24 points and 20 rebounds) dominated inside, while Grace (19 points and 6 assists) contributed. Tony Ronaldson (25 points and 2 rebounds) led Victoria’s scoring, but Perth secured an 84-78 road victory to take a 1-0 series lead and move within one win of the championship.

Game two was played in front of approximately 8,000 supporters at the Perth Entertainment Centre on April 12, with Fisher looking to secure his third NBL championship. Fisher (6 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) provided rebounding support as the Titans placed greater pressure on Perth’s interior scorers. Timmons (27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals, including seven three-pointers) starred, while Stewart (20 points and 7 rebounds) contributed. Darryl McDonald (25 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals) led Victoria, but Perth secured an 83-76 victory to complete a 2-0 Grand Final sweep. Timmons was named Grand Final MVP as Fisher collected his third NBL championship, adding the 2000 title to his victories with North Melbourne in 1989 and Perth in 1995, while the Wildcats claimed their fourth championship and their final title at the Perth Entertainment Centre.

2000/01
Fisher (13.4 points and 7.8 rebounds across 31 games) helped Perth finish with a 21-7 regular-season record, ranked third in season-specific ladders.

2001/02
Fisher (0 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist in one appearance) played his final NBL game for Perth in 2001/02.

‘The Fish’ was selected to an All-NBL team in each of his first eight seasons, an achievement recognised in historical profiles of his career.

Scott Fisher played sixteen seasons in the NBL, playing for both the Perth Wildcats and the North Melbourne Giants. He averaged 22.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3 assists in 417 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:

– 45th in total games played.
– 8th in total points
– 6th in total rebounds
– 34th in total assists
– 19th in total steals