Our Perth Wildcats Jersey Battle: which kit is WA’s favourite?
West Aussies love the Perth Wildcats.
Our home team has built a rich history as a national basketball powerhouse, headlined by a jaw-dropping stretch of 33 consecutive NBL finals appearances and a record nine Championships.
Over the decades, local and international players have lit up Perth’s home courts – donning a range of team jerseys while delivering plenty of ups and downs, hits and misses.
Black, white, gold or red – which Wildcats jersey has your vote?
Retro or current? Black, white or red? Every Wildcats fan has their pick – so we’re asking you to cast your vote until a winning jersey comes out on top.
Here’s an overview of our contenders:
Season 1982
Three years after the National Basketball League (NBL) began, the Westate Wildcats became the first WA team in the competition.
Coached by Henry Daigle and captained by Mike Ellis, the Wildcats struggled to make a strong impact in their first season and finished in tenth place.
While the black-and-yellow combo didn’t last long, we think the Wildcats’ first NBL jersey has a sentimental case for best ever.
NBL Champions: West Adelaide Bearcats
Wildcats season MVP: Tim Evans
WA Premier: Raymond O’Connor
Australia’s top single: “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor
Season 1990
Arguably the most exciting chapter in Wildcats history came in 1990 as the team moved its home court to WA’s then-iconic Perth Entertainment Centre.
Cal Bruton became the Wildcats’ General Manager and led the recruitment of Ricky Grace – who’d help create history with team’s first NBL Championship.
Our local heroes looked clean and crisp in this white and black kit – a jersey design now etched in Perth Wildcats folklore.
NBL Champions: Perth Wildcats
Wildcats season MVP: James Crawford
WA Premier: Carmen Lawrence
Australia’s top single: “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinéad O’Connor
Season 1994
After several seasons on their home court at the Perth Entertainment Centre, the Wildcats stretched their consecutive NBL finals appearances eight on the back of big game players including James Crawford, Ricky Grace, Andrew Vlahov and Scott Fisher.
A new black and gold jersey marked a fresh look for the Wildcats – worn by many big names in big games – but ultimately failed to enjoy Championship success.
NBL Champions: North Melbourne Giants
Wildcats season MVP: Scott Fisher
WA Premier: Richard Court
Australia’s top single: “Love Is All Around” – Wet Wet Wet
Season 1995
With the Wildcats hungry for more championship success, improvement in scoring power came with new additions Anthony Stewart and Martin Cattalini.
Results were instant with a return to NBL glory through the Wildcats’ third Championship, with captain Andrew Vlahov named Grand Final MVP.
The now-famous red and black colour combo flagged a new era for WA’s home team, with this kit proudly worn by some of the club’s all-time greats.
NBL Champions: Perth Wildcats
Wildcats season MVP: Andrew Vlahov
WA Premier: Richard Court
Australia’s top single: “Gangsta’s Paradise” – Coolio (featuring L.V.)
Season 1999/00
Ownership of the Perth Wildcats passed to three-time NBA champion, Luc Longley, and club great Andrew Vlahov.
Talent on and off the court helped earn the Wildcats their fourth NBL Championship as they overcame the Victoria Titans.
Marcus Timmons was named Grand Final MVP, Paul Rogers won NBL season MVP – both looking sharp in this evolution of the black and red kit.
NBL Champions: Perth Wildcats
Wildcats season MVP: Paul Rogers
WA Premier: Richard Court
Australia’s top selling single: “Baby, One More Time” – Britney Spears
Season 2000/01
Having once again tasted the ultimate success in season 1999/2000, the Wildcats were on the hunt for back-to-back NBL Championships.
While they finish second on the ladder and earn yet another finals appearance, hopes were dashed by eventual Champions the Woolongong Hawks.
This modern, blacked-out jersey showcased a striking new Perth Wildcats logo which remains the club emblem to this day.
NBL Champions: Woolongong Hawks
Wildcats season MVP: Ricky Grace
WA Premier: Richard Court
Australia’s top single: “I’m Outta Love” – Anastasia
Season 2013/14
As Trevor Gleeson took the reins as Head Coach, the Wildcats also welcomed talented imports James Ennis and Jermaine Beal to their roster.
This completed a squad already full of local talent – with an 8-0 start paving the way for a top of the ladder finish and the club’s sixth Championship.
With rouge tones entrenched as the defining colour – and worn proudly by the Red Army – opposition teams saw red in more ways than one against our Wildcats.
NBL Champions: Perth Wildcats
Wildcats season MVP: James Ennis
WA Premier: Colin Barnett
Australia’s top selling single: “Roar” – Katy Perry
Season 2018/19
A pre-season focus on recruitment paid dividends for the Wildcats when they signed American Bryce Cotton on a three-year deal.
At 10–1 at the season’s mid-point, another minor premiership was followed by a ninth NBL Championship with Terrico White named Grand Final MVP.
Stripping things back with a simple, clean and unashamedly red kit – this jersey proves the simple things in life are quite often the best.
NBL Champions: Perth Wildcats
Wildcats season MVP: Bryce Cotton
WA Premier: Mark McGowan
Australia’s top single: “Youngblood” – 5 Seconds of Summer