Jesse Wagstaff honoured to be named Perth Wildcats captain

Jesse Wagstaff will captain the Perth Wildcats in 2020/21, with Mitch Norton named his vice-captain.

The decision was made following a vote from the playing group while on their pre-season road trip in Brisbane.

Wagstaff becomes the ninth player to captain the Perth Wildcats in its 39-year history, and his appointment represents the first change of captaincy since 2013.

The six-time NBL champion said it’s an honour.

“I stepped foot into the club 12 years ago. You never dream you’ll be at the same club for this long let alone captain it. It’s a huge honour and I’ll do my best in keeping the legacy alive,” he said.

“This year’s already shaping up to be highly unique. It’ll be about keeping everyone level-headed and adaptable, things are going to change and change quite quickly. So being adaptable and rolling with the punches is going to be huge this season.

“I’m a simple person, but if I see something I’ll say it. Norto (Mitch Norton) is similar in that way as well. I don’t think too much is going to change for me, we’ve got guys that have been around for a while, so there’s plenty of well-respected voices and I encourage guys to speak up.”

Wagstaff and retired former captain Damian Martin are the only players in NBL history with six championships at the one club.

In addition to that headlining achievement, the 34-year-old is a former NBL Rookie of the Year and Best Sixth Man.

He’s played 347 NBL games, which makes him the fifth most-capped Wildcat of all-time.

Meanwhile, Mitch Norton is in his third year at the Wildcats, winning championships in both of his seasons with the club.

He’ll move to the starting point guard position this season.

Norton has played 227 NBL games.

Perth Wildcats Captains 

Mike Ellis 1982-1991

Andrew Vlahov 1992-2002

Ricky Grace 2002-2005

Tony Ronaldson 2005-2006

Paul Rogers 2006-2009

Shawn Redhage 2009-2012

Brad Robbins 2010-2012

Damian Martin 2013-2020

Jesse Wagstaff 2021-present