The Perth Wildcats' challenging NBL24 campaign has been dealt another crushing blow, with the club confirming that guard Jaron Rillie will miss the remainder of the season due to a significant foot injury.
Season-Ending Blow for Rillie and Wildcats
Scans have revealed a Lisfranc injury in Rillie's right foot, suffered during the Wildcats' recent road trip. This complex mid-foot injury requires surgery and an extensive rehabilitation period, effectively ending the 22-year-old's season. Rillie, who joined the Wildcats as a development player and was elevated to the full roster, had appeared in 11 games this season, averaging 1.5 points and 1.1 assists.
Wildcats basketball boss Danny Mills expressed the team's disappointment, stating the injury is a significant setback for the promising young guard. "It's devastating news for Jaron and for our group," Mills said. "He has worked incredibly hard to earn his spot in the NBL and was making a positive impact."
Search for Replacement Import Intensifies
Rillie's injury compounds an already severe personnel crisis for the Wildcats. The team is already without star import Jordan Usher, who is sidelined for at least another month with a calf tear. This leaves the Wildcats with just a single import, Kristian Doolittle, on their active roster.
The club is now urgently searching the global market for a replacement player. "Our focus immediately turns to securing a replacement import as soon as possible," Mills confirmed. The search is complicated by the timing, as many professional leagues around the world are in mid-season, making top-tier talent difficult to acquire.
Mounting Pressure in a Critical Season
This injury crisis strikes at a pivotal moment for the perennial contenders. The Wildcats' season hangs in the balance with a record of 8 wins and 11 losses, placing them in a precarious position outside the top four. Every game is now crucial for their playoff hopes.
The loss of Rillie further depletes the team's backcourt depth, putting immense pressure on the remaining guards, including captain Bryce Cotton and veteran Mitch Norton, to carry a heavy load. The team's next challenge is a daunting road game against the high-flying Tasmania JackJumpers in Hobart this coming Saturday.
Coach John Rillie, father of the injured guard, now faces one of his toughest tactical challenges. He must rally a depleted squad and integrate a new import at short notice to keep the Wildcats' storied playoff streak—the longest in Australian professional sports—alive.
