Published on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 at 10:47:25 AM
The Shire of Dardanup is proud to welcome the Perth Wildcats back to the South West this August, with the NBL powerhouse set to take to the court at Eaton Recreation Centre for a blockbuster pre-season intraclub game and community clinics.
The game will be held on Friday, 14 August, followed by junior basketball clinics on Saturday,
15 August, giving local basketball fans a rare opportunity to watch and learn from one of Australia's most successful sporting clubs.
Tickets will go on sale from 12noon this Friday, 17 July via the Shire of Dardanup and Eaton Recreation Centre websites.
Shire of Dardanup President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner said hosting the Wildcats reinforced Eaton Recreation Centre's standing as one of regional Western Australia's premier sporting venues.
Cr Gardiner said the partnership between the Shire of Dardanup, Perth Wildcats, Eaton Basketball Association and South West Slammers continues to strengthen pathways for local athletes while providing opportunities for the community to experience elite basketball close to home.
"The Shire of Dardanup is honoured to welcome the Perth Wildcats to Eaton Recreation Centre and showcase our first-class facility to players, coaches and basketball fans from across the region.
"As a FIBA-accredited facility, Eaton Recreation Centre has the capacity to host elite-level basketball events, and we're proud to bring an NBL club of the Wildcats' calibre to our community.
"About 280,000 people visit Eaton Recreation Centre each year, making it one of the Shire's most valued community assets. We continue to invest in this vital facility because it plays an important role in keeping our residents healthy, active and connected.
"This event is not only a fantastic opportunity for basketball fans to see elite athletes in action, but also for young players to be inspired and develop their skills through direct engagement with some of the country's best basketball talent."
Perth Wildcats quote:
Perth Wildcats Head of Operations Sam Fotu said taking the Wildcats to regional communities is an important part of who they are as a club.
“We’re thrilled to be heading to Eaton for our first pre-season hit-out,” Mr Fotu said.
“The Shire of Dardanup has been a key driver in bringing this event to the region, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support in helping us connect with basketball fans across the South West.
“The intraclub match (Red vs Black) will give fans the chance to see our full squad in action, including our new recruits, and we’re looking forward to sharing that experience with the local community.”
Eaton Basketball Association quote:
Eaton Basketball Association Vice President Dan Gunson said the EBA is proud to support an event that brings elite basketball to the South West and creates opportunities for the community to experience high-level competition firsthand.
“Having been involved in basketball for 16 years, I know how much excitement events like this generate,” Mr Gunson said.
“They don’t just showcase the sport at its highest level, they also help grow the grassroots game by inspiring the next generation of players.
“For local children to watch elite athletes compete and then have the opportunity to play on the same court afterwards is a special experience. Bringing high-performance sport to regional communities is incredibly important, and we’re delighted to help make that possible.”
South West Slammers quote:
Manager Basketball Operations Dan Gould: “The Slammers are proud to be able to assist the Shire of Dardanup in hosting the Wildcats for a pre-season game at ERC. We're looking forward to seeing the community enjoy a great night out!"
Cr Gardiner said this exciting South West event has been made possible through the generous support of Commonwealth Bank, Halifax Mechanical and Engineering, Civil Safety, Blue Hire and J&P Group Pty Ltd.
“The Shire of Dardanup acknowledges and thanks these businesses for their commitment to grassroots sport, community wellbeing and creating opportunities for the next generation of South West basketballers,” Cr Gardiner said.
Event details:
Perth Wildcats Pre-Season Intraclub Game
Friday, 14 August 2026.
Eaton Recreation Centre.
Doors open: 5.30pm.
Tip-off: 7pm.
Perth Wildcats Junior Basketball Clinics
Saturday, 15 August 2026.
Eaton Recreation Centre.
Sessions: 10am and 11am.
Tickets and bookings:
Tickets to the Perth Wildcats pre-season game and junior basketball clinics can be made from 12noon this Friday, 17 July via the following websites:
Shire of Dardanup website and
Eaton Rec Centre website
The Shire of Dardanup will host the Perth Wildcats at the Eaton Recreation Centre next month. Pictured are Shire/ERC staff (from left) Natalie Hopkins, Michael Gibbings, Craig Johnson, Shire President Tyrrell Gardiner and Dan Gunson (Eaton Basketball Association and South West Slammers), Ashleigh Erbe (Shire) and event sponsors Linton Haasy (Civil Safety), Anthony De Marte (Halifax Mechanical and Engineering, HME) Tennae Delamotte (Commonwealth Bank) and Melissa De Marte (HME).
Media contact: Tahnia Creedon, Coordinator Communications and Marketing | tahnia.creedon@dardanup.wa.gov.au | 0436 942 509.
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