Wagstaff named as Wildcats captain

Six time Wildcats championship winner Jesse Wagstaff has been announced as Damian Martin's successor, confirmed as new captain of the club on Monday.

The 34 year old, who first played for the club in 2009 takes over from long time mate Martin, who retired at the end of the 2019-20 season having also played in six championship teams.

Mitch Norton is Wagstaff's deputy, the 27 year old point guard the likely long term successor with Wagstaff in the final years of his incredible career.

The decision was made following a vote from the playing group while on their pre-season road trip in Brisbane.

Wagstaff becomes the ninth player to captain the Perth Wildcats in its 39-year history, and his appointment represents the first change of captaincy since 2013.

The six-time NBL champion said it was an honour to captain the side.

“I stepped foot into the club 12 years ago. You never dream you’ll be at the same club for this long let alone captain it. It’s a huge honour and I’ll do my best in keeping the legacy alive,” he said.

“This year’s already shaping up to be highly unique. It’ll be about keeping everyone level-headed and adaptable, things are going to change and change quite quickly. So being adaptable and rolling with the punches is going to be huge this season.

“I’m a simple person, but if I see something I’ll say it. Norto (Mitch Norton) is similar in that way as well. I don’t think too much is going to change for me, we’ve got guys that have been around for a while, so there’s plenty of well-respected voices and I encourage guys to speak up.”

Wagstaff has played 347 games, the fifth most in club history, and becomes the ninth club captain in the Wildcats 39 years in the NBL competition.

IMAGE: Perth Wildcats Twitter.