Jesse Wagstaff re-signs

The Perth Wildcats are thrilled to have re-signed veteran forward Jesse Wagstaff to a one-year deal.

Wagstaff is one of the all-time greats of the club, and he’s excited to be preparing for a 13th NBL season.

“Playing for such a phenomenal organisation such as the Perth Wildcats, you always want to put your hand up to go again, so it wasn’t a tough decision,” he said.

“When you don’t win the championship, it leaves a little bit of a sour taste which adds some motivation, but to be honest there’s always that motivation and hopefully next year we go one better.

“We’ve always had consistency here at the Wildcats. Mitch (Norton) coming back is huge, Bryce (Cotton) has been here a number of years now, while we’ve seen what Todd (Blanchfield) can do, while LT (Luke Travers) is coming along nicely. I’m excited to see what next season holds.”

Wagstaff had an impressive year in his first as captain of the Perth Wildcats, providing steadying leadership through the unpredictable nature of the COVID impacted 2021 season.

On the court, he averaged 6.7 points per game, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists. He drained 46 triples – one short of a career- best total.

“Jesse is invaluable in what he brings, not only on the court, but off the court. He stepped up big time in the leadership role and I still think he has a lot in the tank,” said Gleeson.

“To have that experience on the team with these young guys coming through, he passes on the values and behaviours of the Wildcats that we’ve built over the last decade. Those young guys can see Jesse’s work ethic, he’s always working on his game and getting the most out of his body.”

Jesse Wagstaff joined the Wildcats as a rookie in 2009 and has gone on to play 388 games for the club – second to only Ricky Grace.

In that time, he’s become one of just four NBL players to win six championships, and one of two to do it at the same club.

In the Perth Wildcats all-time record books, Wagstaff sits second overall in three-pointers-made, seventh in total points and ninth in total rebounds.

The new contract gives him the opportunity to become just the second player to join the Perth Wildcats 400 Games Club.

Wagstaff joins Mitch Norton, Bryce Cotton, Todd Blanchfield and Luke Travers on the 2021/22 Perth Wildcats playing roster.