Blanchfield Committed to Remain a Wildcat

Out of favour Perth guard Todd Blanchfield has confirmed he wants to remain at the Wildcats in NBL24 despite falling out of John Rillie's rotation in the second half of this season.

The NBL veteran started off the campaign in the starting five but a drop in form saw him record a number DNP’s at the back end of the season.

Head coach Rillie shortened the Wildcats' rotation as he looked to make a push for post-season basketball, and Blanchfield was the largest victim of the change.

He didn't touch the floor in four of the final 12 games of the season - including in the do-or-die Play-In Qualifier against South East Melbourne.

Despite this, Blanchfield is happy with his position at the Wildcats and isn’t seeking any other opportunities. The 31-year-old has also been picked for the Boomers’ team in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers this week.

“I signed a three-year deal at the start of the season because I wanted security. I’m here to honour that,” Blanchfield told The West Australian.

“My wife and I are happy here and I’m definitely looking to honour that. It didn’t pan out the way I would have liked to, but that’s what a good off-season is for — to work on your body and keep working on your game. Hopefully I can turn that around.

“It’s the nature of the business. I’m the first one to put my hand up and say I didn’t start the season the way I would have liked to.”

With two years remaining on Blanchfield’s contract, he is optimistic on having a productive offseason and becoming a staple Wildcat for coach John Rillie to rely on again.