Wildcats Alumni: Rob Beveridge Reflects on His Wildcats Era

When Rob Beveridge arrived at the club as head coach in 2009, the focus was clear from day one: to build a winning team by creating a system that would allow players to thrive on and off the court.

“We wanted to develop a model of being athlete centred, coach driven and administratively supported,” Beveridge said.

“What this meant was that it was all about the athletes. It was coach driven, where the coaches were allowed to coach the way we wanted to, and we were supported by the owner and management.”

With strong backing from the club’s leadership group, that vision quickly became reality. 

“We wanted to build a team of players that had talent but, most importantly, had great character,” he said.

That balance came together through a mix of emerging talent and experienced leaders. Damian Martin and Jesse Wagstaff formed part of a young core, supported by seasoned figures and high quality imports. But for Beveridge, it wasn't just the names that defined the group.

“What stood out the most for me was the togetherness and the brotherhood of the team.”

That connection translated into immediate success. In his first season at the helm, Beveridge led the Wildcats to the 2009/10 NBL Championship, a moment that still holds a special place.

“Winning the Championship in my first year was one of the most favourite moments of my life,” he said.

“To win a Grand Final in front of a packed Challenge Stadium was amazing. The noise and atmosphere was electric.”

While the championship remains the headline moment, Beveridge points to a lesser known incident that helped define the identity of that team.

An early season game saw injury replacement Galen Young send a strong message to the competition, making it clear that his teammates would not be pushed around. What followed in the locker room reinforced the standard.

“He made it known that no one in this league would bully his teammates,” Beveridge said.

“That gave our younger players confidence, knowing they had leaders there to look after them. It defined what we stood for as a group.”

Coaching the Wildcats also came with expectations that few organisations can match. Success is demanded, and every opponent brings their best.

“With so much prestige and very high expectations, it brings enormous pressure from all areas,” he said.

“Every game you play, the opposition raises their level.”

It is an environment that shaped Beveridge not only as a coach, but as a person. One of his biggest takeaways was learning how to manage the noise that comes with the role.

“I learnt to keep my inner circle small,” he said.

“When you are winning, everyone wants to be your friend. When you lose, it can be the opposite, especially with social media. People are not aware of what is happening behind the scenes.”

Since his time in Perth, Beveridge’s journey has taken him across the world. Coaching roles in China, New Zealand and Indonesia have followed, alongside a life threatening accident that shifted his perspective.

“Falling six metres off my roof and surviving was a defining moment,” he said.

“It brought our family back to Perth, a city that gave us so many great memories.”

Today, he continues to contribute to the game at an international level, helping drive the growth of basketball in Indonesia and working within national development pathways.

Despite a global coaching career that spans decades, the Wildcats remain central to his story.

“Perth has been the best place that I have lived, and the Wildcats have been a massive part of my life,” Beveridge said.

“I’ve been blessed to coach incredible players and be part of an amazing organisation.”

That connection continues through the Wildcats alumni network, something Beveridge believes plays an important role in preserving the club’s legacy and standards.

“We all love the club and hope that being part of the Wildcats Alumni will help future players, coaches and staff recognise how lucky they are to be part of the history of this great club.”

Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.