'Huge honour': Wagstaff on upcoming 450-game milestone

Becoming just the second Perth Wildcat to reach 450 games is a milestone not lost on captain Jesse Wagstaff.

The six-time championship player is on the verge of joining the legendary Ricky Grace in the Wildcats’ exclusive 450 club, sitting on 449 games ahead of Saturday’s road clash against Adelaide 36ers.

It’s been widely reported that Wagstaff has knocked back offers from NBL rivals throughout his decorated career to stay a Wildcat and be a one-club player which makes this achievement all the more special.

"To play 450 games is exciting enough, but to play them with one club and to play them with an organisation such as the Wildcats, I consider it a privilege and a huge honour,” Wagstaff said.

The 37-year-old, originally from Canberra, joined the Wildcats as a fresh-faced youngster back in 2009 and has since gone on to win a record-equalling six titles and become a true icon and leader of the club.

Wagstaff admits there has been plenty of luck on the way on the injury front, with ankle ligament damage early on the only major setback of his career.

“I’ve never relied overly on my athleticism. I guess that helps. Then you add in my role and it’s not as if I’ve never played huge minutes. I haven’t really played in the off-season too much. That probably adds into it as well,” Wagstaff told The Dribble podcast.

“Then you add the sheer luck. I’ve never had a really significant injury. You look at someone like Damo (Damian Martin) who was incredibly unfortunate with injuries and it probably cut his career short. I haven’t had anything significant and have been able to keep healthy."

As for whether he’s got Grace’s 482-game record in his sights?

“We’ll see,” Wagstaff said with a grin.

“My legs and body feel all right now, but ask me again in six months and it might be a different answer.”