Cats steal Dockers catchphrase
Perth Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson says he isn't daunted by the Adelaide 36ers' remarkable winning streak, echoing Fremantle coach Ross Lyon by declaring his team is capable of matching "anybody, anywhere, any time".
The 36ers suffered a dreadful start to the season after being beaten by the Wildcats in last year's grand final series. At the midway point, they were stuck in the bottom two with a 4-10 record.
However, coach Joey Wright has instigated a stunning turnaround, with the 36ers winning nine of their past 10 games to secure a place in the play-offs.
The 36ers are now 15-11 and go into tomorrow's fixture having won their past eight straight, with their last defeat a seven-point loss to the New Zealand Breakers on January 4.
Despite the 36ers' momentum, Gleeson said they were no different to fellow play-off teams the Breakers and the Cairns Taipans.
"Four teams, any team can win this final, without a question," he said.
"We're confident we can match anybody, anywhere, any time.
"No one else has been able to (beat the 36ers) since Christmas, or whenever the eight games started. It's a good test for us and leading into play-offs it's a perfect lead-in."
The Wildcats (also 15-11) are getting back to their best form in the run towards the play-offs, dismantling the ladder-leading Taipans in an 11-point win before cruelly losing to the Breakers courtesy of a half-court, double-overtime buzzer beater by league MVP candidate Cedric Jackson.
But they will need to be at their best to beat Adelaide tomorrow and lock in third spot.
Gleeson said with such an even finals series looming, finishing third could prove crucial.
"I guess it's a big one if both third and fourth get through (to the grand final)," he said.
"Obviously that gives you the home court if first and second get knocked off.
"We know that Adelaide are trying to get as high up the ladder as they can and we've got the split on offer as well. It would be good to finish in third position."
