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Perth Wildcats’ NBL finals streak on the line in Pink game after Tasmania beat Melbourne United

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Craig O'DonoghueThe West Australian
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Perth Wildcats’ annual Pink game will also be the match that decides their finals fate.
Camera IconPerth Wildcats’ annual Pink game will also be the match that decides their finals fate. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian

Perth Wildcats star Todd Blanchfield is adamant his team will embrace the pressure of having to beat South East Melbourne on Sunday to qualify for finals, but warned the Phoenix will relish the opportunity to secure their own piece of NBL history.

Tasmania’s huge 83-61 win over Melbourne United on Saturday has guaranteed the last spot in the play-offs will be determined from the last game of the NBL season. The Wildcats will play finals if they win, but a loss will see them miss the play-offs for the first time since 1986.

Perth last entered the final round needing to win to make the finals in 2017 and beat Melbourne by two points in the last game of the season. Blanchfield was a United player that year and, like the Phoenix, Melbourne entered that game knowing they couldn’t play finals.

Blanchfield said both teams had plenty of motivation.

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“These games are things you dream of as a kid,” he said.

“They’re big moments and these are the games you remember. They’re the games where you really come together. The must-win games are fun to be part of.

The Game AFL 2024

“If you were in South East Melbourne’s shoes, they’re going to have a fairly similar team next year so they’re building to move forward. But also, I think it’d be a big thing from their point of view to be able to say you’re one of the teams that put an end to the streak of the Wildcats making the play-offs.

“It’s a big game and these are fun. As a kid, when you’re shooting in the driveway by yourself, you’re thinking about this.”

The battle for a play-off position will see the NBL’s most successful club trying to ward off the newest franchise which is coached by ex-Wildcats assistant Scott Roth and captained by championship winner Clint Steindl.

Sunday’s clash will also be Perth’s annual Pink game as they switch their red uniform for pink clothing to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer Care WA.

Pink game-worn gear and coaching polo tops will be auctioned on the club’s website, while merchandise will be sold at the venue.

Last season’s Pink game raised $60,000. Breast Cancer Care WA CEO Zoe McAlpine said the opportunity raise funds and give people fighting cancer a day of joy made the event special.

“The support literally holds us up, especially right now when we can’t hold events ourselves. The fundraising and awareness raised from the game is just incredible,” she said.

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