Perth Wildcats legend Bryce Cotton has described the profound emotional impact of the reception he received from fans during his first game back at RAC Arena as an Adelaide 36er. The five-time NBL Most Valuable Player was visibly moved by a spontaneous standing ovation and thunderous MVP chants from a record regular season crowd.
A Hero's Welcome in the West
A regular season record crowd of 13,661 fans at RAC Arena took matters into their own hands on Sunday, 7 December 2025. Before a planned video tribute could even finish, the stadium erupted as Cotton jogged onto the court. The Wildcats faithful rose to their feet, cheering wildly for their former superstar, before breaking into a deafening chorus of "MVP, MVP, MVP."
Cotton was clearly caught off guard by the intensity of the moment. He was seen patting his chest, waving to the crowd, and even biting his t-shirt in an effort to maintain his composure. "It caught me off guard hearing the cheers from the fans," Cotton admitted after the game. "The video was cool as well. Hearing the MVP chants, it was really gratifying."
From Cheers to Boos as Cotton Seals Victory
The atmosphere inside the arena became complex as the game progressed. While the love for Cotton's historic contributions to the Wildcats was undeniable, fans were confronted with the reality of him now wearing opposition colours. This conflict reached its peak in the dramatic final moments.
After the Wildcats had built a commanding 21-point lead in the third quarter, Cotton orchestrated a remarkable Adelaide comeback. He finished the game with 21 points and 12 assists, making crucial baskets late to lift the 36ers to a nail-biting one-point victory. His wild celebration after the final buzzer signalled the job was done.
"It was fun hearing the boos at the free throw line," Cotton said, reflecting on the shift in fan sentiment. "Then, even weirdly it seemed like every time I scored I would hear subtle claps. It was weird in a good way and something I have never experienced before."
A Lasting Bond with Perth
Beyond the game itself, Cotton made a concerted effort to acknowledge his deep connection with the Perth community. He spent significant time before the match engaging with young fans, signing autographs, and taking pictures. After the final buzzer, he sought out familiar faces in the crowd for heartfelt embraces.
The superstar guard, who had not been back in the city for nine months, was unequivocal about his feelings for his former home. "I've always said the city of Perth I've got nothing but love for. The coaches and my old teammates I've got nothing but love for," Cotton stated. He emphasised that Perth will always hold a special place for him, ensuring his legacy with the Wildcats and its fans remains firmly intact despite the competitive result.
