Perth Wildcats fans turned RAC Arena into a cauldron of emotion and adoration on Sunday, delivering a hero's welcome to returning club legend Bryce Cotton. The five-time NBL Most Valuable Player was playing his first game at the venue since departing the Wildcats at the end of the 2024 season, and the pre-game tribute was as stirring as the lengthy build-up.
A Tribute Fit for a Legend
Before the national anthem on 7 December 2025, both teams stood on court to watch a special 45-second video montage. The tribute showcased Cotton's incredible highlights, paired with heartfelt audio messages from key figures. Wildcats coach John Rillie, captain Jesse Wagstaff, NBL icon Andrew Gaze, and former Wildcat Eric Watterson all spoke glowingly about the megastar's impact over his nine seasons in red.
The capacity crowd, packed to the rafters, erupted as Cotton ran onto the court. He was the last Adelaide 36er to enter, adding a touch of showmanship to the moment. After the video concluded, the famous 'Red Army' broke into a sustained chant of "MVP, MVP, MVP". The cheering continued as a visibly moved Cotton acknowledged the stands, at one point biting his shirt collar to contain his emotion.
A Familiar Face in Unfamiliar Surroundings
Cotton's arrival at the stadium earlier in the day was far more low-key. He stepped onto the court at 12:45pm for his warm-up, greeting staff and sharing a hug with former captain Damian Martin. After 19 minutes of preparation, he spent a further three minutes signing autographs and taking selfies with fans before heading to the away rooms.
The day underscored his new reality. Everything was different for Cotton: the Adelaide uniform, warming up at the opposite end of the court, using the visitor changerooms, and sitting on a different bench. He would even start the game shooting towards the end where he had so often closed out victories for the Wildcats.
From Tribute to Contest
With the emotional ceremonies complete, focus shifted to the game itself. All eyes were on whether Cotton could author another remarkable chapter against his former team. In his previous outing against the Wildcats in November, he had posted a formidable stat line of 23 points, seven three-pointers, and seven assists.
This return to RAC Arena, however, carried a far greater emotional weight than that first meeting in South Australia. The connection between the player and the Perth faithful was palpably reaffirmed, proving that some bonds transcend the jersey a player wears on any given night.
