Perth Pair Released, Now Free Agents

Contracted Perth duo Mitch Norton and Todd Blanchfield will depart the Wildcats, becoming Free Agents after the club deactivated their deals. 

Both players dropped out of John Rillie’s rotation towards the back end of NBL23 and, despite strong showings in the Play-In qualifier and Boomers camp respectively, will now be searching for new homes. 

Norton, 30, arrived at the club in 2018 after beginning his career with the Townsville Crocodiles, before two years with Illawarra. In his five years at the club he played 148 games and won Championships in 2019 and 2020.

Blanchfield, 31, joined the Wildcats following their 2020 championship triumph. He represented the club on 90 occasions across three seasons.

“In what were two difficult decisions to make because of the quality of people and players both Mitch and Todd are, we believe this is the right decision for the club and in the best interests of the organisation’s long-term plans,” Perth General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said.

“We thank both Mitch and Todd for their outstanding contribution to the Wildcats both on and off the court, and wish them nothing but the best for the next stage of their careers.”

The Wildcats have already been active during the NBL Free Agency period, having signed back-to-back NBL Most Improved Player Keanu Pinder and former Melbourne forward David Okwera.

They have also re-signed development player Michael Harris for a further two seasons.