Three Point Perspective: Rebuilding The Red Army’s Legacy With Patience and Pride

Restoring the Red Army’s Legacy with Resilience and Pride

The Perth Wildcats are more than just a basketball team—they’re a symbol of pride for one of the most passionate fanbases in the NBL. My wife chuckles when I say “we” while talking about the team, but like so many diehard Wildcats supporters, I feel deeply connected to every win and loss. This connection isn’t unique; it’s a shared experience among fans who live and breathe Wildcats basketball.

The past few seasons, however, have brought challenges unfamiliar to many long-time supporters. Inconsistency on the court and instability in the roster and coaching staff have offered a glimpse of what many other teams’ fans endure regularly: seasons without a genuine sense of championship contention.

Still, it’s important to maintain perspective. The Wildcats are the most successful franchise in Australian basketball, boasting 10 championships and holding the world record for the most consecutive playoff appearances by a professional sports team—35 years. Sustained success like this comes with high expectations, but we must remember that championships are not guaranteed.

Success Is a Journey, Not a Guarantee

The Wildcats have competed in the NBL since 1982, spanning 42 seasons for 10 championships. That’s an impressive record, but it also means there have been 32 seasons without a title. Fans who remember the dominance of the 2010s—when the team won six titles in 10 years—are understandably accustomed to a level of success that few clubs in any league experience.

However, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s response to the Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff exit in 2023 serves as a valuable lesson. When asked if the season was a failure, he responded:

"It’s not a failure; it’s steps to success… Michael Jordan played 15 years and won six championships. Were the other nine years a failure? There’s no failure in sports. There are good days and bad days. Some days it’s your turn; some days it’s not. That’s what sports is about."

Winning every game, every season, and every championship is an unrealistic expectation. What matters is building toward success—something the Wildcats have excelled at historically.

Support Through Wins and Losses

A troubling trend among Wildcats fans is the intensity of criticism after a loss. Social media lights up with attacks on players, coaches, and the organisation—often from the same fans who are quick to celebrate and boast about the team after a win.

This inconsistency in support is concerning. Passion is one thing; outright hostility is another. Coaches and players are acutely aware of their performance and its stakes—it’s their livelihood. Head Coach John Rillie, a basketball veteran with experience at the highest levels, led the Wildcats to a second-place finish in NBL24, only to fall short against the eventual champions, Tasmania. This season’s slower start mirrors last year’s early struggles, but there’s still time for the team to find its rhythm.

Coaches often bear the brunt of criticism after a loss, while players receive the praise after a win. This double standard is unfair. The Wildcats’ success will depend on a united front from fans, players, coaches, and management. Supporting the team equally through highs and lows is not just beneficial—it’s essential.

Reflecting on Our Role as Fans

The Wildcats’ legacy is built on elite players, both local and international, who have become legends through their time with the club. From Mike Ellis, Ricky Grace, and Andrew Vlahov to Damian Martin, Jesse Wagstaff, and the incomparable Bryce Cotton, these players have elevated the franchise to greatness.

However, recent seasons have seen a worrying shift in fan behaviour. Criticism of the team has become more vocal, public, and relentless. Rumours of Bryce Cotton leaving at the season’s end highlight the potential consequences of this negativity. For a player who has brought so much success to the Wildcats, it’s disheartening to think he might be driven away by a toxic environment.

Imagine if your workplace was subject to this level of scrutiny. How long could you endure it? Would you feel more motivated knowing you had unwavering support, or would constant criticism wear you down?

The Wildcats are not just building toward their next championship; they are shaping the next chapter of their legacy. Fans must recognise their role in fostering a positive, supportive culture—one that motivates the team rather than dragging them down.

A Call to the Red Army

This is not about accepting mediocrity; it’s about trusting the process and supporting a group of proven professionals working tirelessly to bring success back to Perth. The Red Army has a reputation as the most passionate fanbase in the league. Let’s live up to that reputation by lifting our team through the tough times, as well as celebrating the good.

With patience and pride, we can ensure the Wildcats are always building—toward the next championship and beyond.