I was thinking exactly the same thing Anon what is the point of being a development player if you are not going to be allowed the chance to get a spot when it comes.

All the above players and a couple more could have filled that spot . Cats again giving nothing back to local talent and local clubs ....

Development players are often* not good enough to make full NBL rosters. I'm not suggesting its a bad system at all, as I think there does need to be more pathways for young local players, but they're so often given to guys as reward for being good training squad fellas.

The majority of good young players these days play college ball in the US and come home straight on to a full NBL roster.

*There will, of course, be someone to remind me of all the DPs that went on to have good careers but they are definitely the exception, not the rule.

All the above players and a couple more could have filled that spot . Cats again giving nothing back to local talent and local clubs ....

When not if Knight gets injured this team is in trouble. This is the year Perth miss playoffs.

Recruitment has been ordinary this year. Greenwood is nice pick up but some of the other teams look better. If injuries set in, and they will with an aging.roster they will struggle.
With a small league, players should be capable from 1-10. Not scrubs who are.training fodder.
Should have got Geordie, and a power forward.
What is Cody Ellis up to?

And I think the points has been mismanaged here also.

Agreed with all above. Burdon may shoot the lights out in training but was very inconsistent at NBL level. far too many rushed shots. small frame, lacked handles.
I would also rather some local players, Armour, Illiadis, Scott, Field. They all have much more to their game than shooting.

While Burdon would not be my preferred signing, judging someone from his output when he plays garbage minutes only is ridiculous.

Perth's roster looks fairly balanced to me. They'll have the advantage of chemistry/core that works for them each year.

And 36ers fans often have the same complaints about bringing in out of state players for garbage-minute roles. Every team has different needs or preferences. So be it.

Burdon is a rated a 1, meaning they have filled their roster with 6 or 7 points left. That can be used mid-season if they need to replace an injured player, or even if someone becomes available mid-season.

why have left over points? if someone is injured they can claim long term injury even if for a few weeks(and even then a dev player should step up to the 10th spot and one of the reserves should then step up - keeps the chemistry etc etc). But why not just have a decent player at the 10TH spot straight away.
I hope no one gets injured then they cant bring in another player. Im a wildcats fan too but I just think its very silly.

Find me an 8 point player that will play for minimum $$ and play minimum minutes. Perth are well under the cap due to the loyalty discount and current contracts, nothing to do about incorrectly managing the points cap.

While there is no obligation, it would be nice if the Wildcats told their fans why they bring in Burdon and not a local junior who most of us think would have a better or similar output to Burdon.

Rhys Carter, But probably no money left.

I was expecting them to go with Rhys Carter.

I was hoping for Rhys too.

Just keep in mind that the article also stated he has been "approached". Not as concrete as the Prather announcement of being "expected to sign."

And why is Hire not a long-term solution...albeit a injury riddled season last year he had a huge impact in the Grand Final series and started games for them before. If he struggles this year I'll be the first to say something needs to be done

Were the Drake U'U and Earnest Ross departures driven by the Cats? I would consider both of these options superior to Burdon (without breaking the bank either).

Ross is a player who would've been better for the experience of last year learning how to play a minor role in a new league. I guess the achilles injury he suffered was the final straw though.

I'd absolutely love to see Mitch McCarron in Wildcats colours as I think he has all the tools to impress even if given limited minutes (early on).

At worst I'd go Matthiang Muo as he showed great faith in the club and then got the arse for no real great reason.

Honestly this Wildcats team hasn't filled me with a great deal of hope and I'm a 2 X gold seat ticket holder (over $100/game) so I hope whomever turns out to be our import and 10th man that they don't disappoint but I think Beal needs to have an MVP type season or I expect him gone and our finals streak to end