Wildcats looking to keep Pink Game streak alive

UPDATE Friday 4 June 12pm

Mitch Norton will miss tonight’s game against Melbourne United with a hip injury.

Corey Shervill and Andrew Ferguson will both suit up.

ORIGINAL

The Perth Wildcats will be looking for their fourth straight Pink Game win when they meet Melbourne United on Friday night at RAC Arena.

It’s a tradition that’s close to Trevor Gleeson’s heart, and he’s excited for the special occasion.

“It’s our fourth annual Pink Game so looking forward to it, it’s a great initiative that we started a long time ago, and it’s great that it’s growing some legs and hopefully this Arena will be filled with pink on Friday night,” he said.

“With the journey Dawn (Trevor’s wife) went through, we went through as a family, I’m so grateful the Wildcats supported it all the way through. To have this idea over five years ago and to see it now in its fourth year is something we’re immensely proud of.”

It’s the Wildcats final regular season home game, and while its unlikely to alter ladder positions, Gleeson said you take every game seriously.

“One thing I’ve learnt along the journey is don’t disrespect the game,” he said.

“Our focus is keep getting better, keep developing and keep growing. We’ve got another game to do that.”

Perth are likely to be without Bryce Cotton for the duration of the Finals, and Friday's game is a chance for them to fine tune the dynamic without the MVP in the rotation.

“I think Norto’s been great, he’s been great defensively and now offensively as well,” said Gleeson.

“But it’s going to be a collective effort. No one can replace Bryce, that’s just not going to happen. We have to be better together as a team and keep developing and growing.

“We’ve got some new roles out there and we get another chance to get it right on Friday night.”

Tickets are available here.

Friday Night’s Game is a “Dirty Game”

What does this mean? 

Due to the Melbourne COVID outbreak and Melbourne United having been in Victoria in the last 14 days, Friday night’s game will take place under strict “Dirty Game” protocols.

Unfortunately, this means the court is deemed a “dirty” area and, outside of the basketball, there will be no on-court entertainment.

Post-game functions will go ahead, but players and coaches won't be in attendance.

The health and safety of players, coaches, referees, staff and fans will remain the NBL’s number one priority.

We appreciate your understanding.