Vickerman prepared for Perth firepower

With our opponent for the 2024/25 Hungry Jack’s NBL Playoffs series set, Head Coach Dean Vickerman has already begun the process of mapping out our potential pathway to beat the Perth Wildcats.

Having beaten Perth twice on their home court this season, as well as in their lone trip to John Cain Arena, Vickerman is eyeing strategies to slow down all the potent weapons the Wildcats possess.

Speaking on RSN 927 this morning, Vickerman outlined some of his thoughts on the upcoming matchup.

“We’ve beaten them all three times we’re played them,” he said.

“The game in Melbourne, Bryce (Cotton) didn’t play, I think we’ve had Windler miss (games) so we probably haven’t really played them at full strength.

“We’ll really look at the top eight guys that they’re playing and look at the strengths and weaknesses of them.

“Doolittle had a massive game against us last time we played them… Pinder and Windler are two guys that are X-factors for them.”

The series will see the two-time reigning league MVP Bryce Cotton face off against two-time reigning Best Defensive Player Shea Ili at the guard position.

Across the course of this season Ili has done as good a job as any guarding the American scoring machine, limiting Cotton to just four points on 2/13 shooting from the field.

Vickerman said he expects the series to contain more can’t-miss meetings between the two stars.

“We have the best defender in the league in Shea Ili. Him against the MVP is going to be a matchup with everyone is certainly going to be looking at.

“Can Shea stop him from catching the basketball? Can Shea make his shots very difficult and when Shea’s not on him, who are the other guys that can really slow Bryce down?

“Bryce is going to get his numbers but can you keep him off the free throw line and can you make his threes really difficult as well.”

The Playoffs Series will take place following the February FIBA Window, which will run from Monday 17 February to Tuesday 25 February. 

Exact dates and tip-off times of the games are still to be confirmed. 

Keep an eye on our social media and your emails for more information on Member's pre-sale windows and tickets on sale details.