WOW! In the blink of an eye, we are halfway through the season! I absolutely love the level of competition in the league this year.

It seems that on any given night, regardless of number of wins or ladder position, any team has the talent to come away with a win and I can’t wait to see the second half of the year unfold.

It has been a pretty successful start to the year for the Wolfpack with both Men’s and Women’s teams sitting in the top two positions. It is true what people say; defending your championship is a lot harder than winning one. That has definitely been the case so far this year for our team and also as individuals.

Being the hunted is something a lot of our players are getting used to but is something we are really enjoying. Retaining our core Australians from last year as well as bringing back one of the best big men in the league in Kevin Davis was massive in our off-season. A lot of that credit needs to go to our coach Ben Ettridge and new CEO Cameron Britt who worked really hard in the off-season to give us the team that can challenge for another championship.

Welcoming back guys like Rhys Smyth, Reece Maxwell and of course Greg Hire cannot be understated. They have really lifted our energy levels in what can be a very long season. I would also like to mention our new import Bobby Evans whose work ethic and love for the game has really been contagious in our quest to repeat as champions.

We have had guys in and out of the team so far this year and I’m really looking forward to what we’ll look like as a team once we all get some continuity.

This weekend is also special as the SBL All-Star games are being played on Monday the 6th at the Bendat Basketball Centre. I was honoured to have been chosen again this year as an All-Star.

Unfortunately, with the minor hamstring injury I suffered last week, I have been ruled out of the game. I would like to congratulate all of the players competing in the All-Star game with a special mention going to Ben (Ettridge), Craig Friday, Kevin Davis, Bobby Evans, Klara Wischer, Nikita Martin and Shani Amos for representing the Wolves. I’m sure it will be a great day and one I wish I could be a part of.

The cause of the All-Star is also a great one, with 100 per cent of the proceeds of the ticket sales going directly to Lifeline WA. Suicide is an extremely important issue in our society today and I am very proud to be part of a league that gives back and supports an organization like Lifeline WA. I hope as many people as possible head down to the Bendat Basketball Centre to support a great cause and see some great basketball being played.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to congratulate Damian Matacz and Rhys Smyth for playing their 300th and 150th games respectively. They have both been absolute stalwarts of the club and are both ripping blokes as well. I am honoured to be able to call them my teammates as well as my friends!