Former Perth Wildcats captain Damian Martin has made a heartfelt public plea for the club to honour its retiring superstar, Bryce Cotton, in a special way this weekend. Martin wants a tribute video dedicated to Cotton's legendary career to be played at RAC Arena before the team's final game of the season on Sunday.
A Champion's Call to Honour a Legend
The call comes ahead of what will be Cotton's last appearance in Wildcats colours, marking the end of an era for one of the National Basketball League's most successful franchises. Damian Martin, a six-time NBL champion and club icon in his own right, took to social media to voice his suggestion. He proposed that the tribute be shown just before the game's tip-off, ensuring the sold-out crowd of 13,000 fans can participate in a fitting farewell.
Sunday's game against the Tasmania JackJumpers is already sold out, underscoring the immense public desire to say goodbye to a player who has defined the Wildcats for nearly a decade. Cotton, a three-time NBL Most Valuable Player, has been the cornerstone of the team's success since joining in 2017, leading them to multiple championships and breaking numerous scoring records.
The Legacy of Bryce Cotton
Bryce Cotton's impact on the Perth Wildcats and Australian basketball cannot be overstated. His scoring prowess, clutch performances, and leadership have made him a fan favourite and one of the most dominant imports in NBL history. His retirement signals the close of a major chapter for the club.
Damian Martin's idea is seen as a way to properly channel the emotions of the fanbase and provide a unified moment of appreciation. The proposed video would highlight Cotton's greatest plays, championship moments, and his connection with the Perth community. Such a tribute would serve as a powerful thank-you from the organisation and its supporters.
Final Game at a Packed RAC Arena
The atmosphere at RAC Arena on Sunday is expected to be electric, albeit bittersweet. While the Wildcats' finals hopes have ended, the focus will entirely be on celebrating Cotton's phenomenal career. A pre-game tribute would set the tone for an emotional and memorable evening.
As of now, the Wildcats organisation has not publicly confirmed any specific tribute plans for Cotton, but the weight of Martin's suggestion and the expectations of a full stadium are significant. The club is known for its first-class fan engagement, making some form of major recognition highly likely.
The game against the Tasmania JackJumpers tips off at 2:30 pm WST on Sunday, April 7th. Regardless of the official schedule, the day will undoubtedly belong to Bryce Cotton, as Perth says farewell to one of its greatest sporting heroes.
