SBL.asn.au continues our look at each club's off-season changes by analysing the Perth Redbacks, who surprisingly missed the women's finals in 2011 and were knocked out in the quarter-finals on the men's side.

Perth Redbacks 2012 Season Preview

Men -

2011 Recap: Perth had their ups and downs throughout 2011, but overcame several speed bumps to finish sixth. Big things were tipped for the Redbacks after the big recruit of Adrian Majstrovich - despite the off-season loss of Jarrad Prior - but it took time to gel and injuries to various players at key points didn't help their cause. That was especially true in the playoffs, when a severely weakened team lost to Cockburn in the first round. The 2011 Perth side could match the offensive power of any side, but their defence and rebounding deficiencies were exploited far too often and prevented a top four finish.

Off-Season Grade: B

Off-Season Summary: The most important move for the Redbacks over the summer was the return of Prior, a former Wildcats development player. Prior was one of the better defenders in the league in his last time with the club and will help to improve the club's biggest weakness. Import big man Daniel Maddox has departed after an injury-plagued campaign, leaving Michael Vigor with plenty of responsibility. But coach David Harris can expect big improvement of Vigor, who showed hugely positive signs in 2011 and has spent the summer working with the Wildcats. Young ball-carrier Jarrad Jackson has gone to college in America, which is a potential problem since point guard depth behind Joel Wagner was far from a strength last year. But, in Wagner, they still have arguably the lead's best point guard.

2012 Fixture: After opening the season against Kalamunda, the Redbacks face three 2011 semi-finalists in just eight days in what is sure to be a huge test. Back-to-back doubleheaders in the first two rounds will be a concern for Harris, but their schedule eases off significantly in rounds three to eight.

Women -

2011 Recap: 'Disappointing' is the best word to describe the Redbacks' 2011 campaign. Viewed as legitimate title contenders by many pundits entering the season, Perth showed glimpses but ultimately never came close to the hype as they slumped to a ninth placed finish and a 7-15 record. They boasted a front court any team would be jealous of, led by the likes of Brooke Hiddlestone and Marita Payne, but couldn't get the necessary production out of the guard department.

Off-Season Grade: A-

Off-Season Summary: Veteran guard Narelle Henry will return to playing duties only in 2012, with Glenn Ellis taking over as coach. A former NBL player and Perth Wildcats assistant coach, Ellis has coached extensively and both the women's and men's leagues and has enjoyed significant success. No longer having to focus on the coaching duties should also boost Henry as a player, which the Redbacks need given their 2011 back court struggles. Rachel Watman, a former WNBL player with Sydney Uni and West Coast who averaged 14.6 points per game with Stirling in 2011, has joined Perth in a major recruiting coup. Payne and Hiddlestone are back while Jessica Jakens was hugely promising in 2011 and should step up again this season.

2012 Fixture: Perth won't want to be relying on wins late in the season, because their run home is tough. Four of their last six games are against 2011 semi-finalists, while Rockingham, one of their other opponents in that stretch, are likely to be big improvers.

What the Grades Mean: The grades are a subjective way of analysing whether each team has improved over the off-season. A grade of C- or better indicates they are well positioned to improve on their 2011 performance, while a grade of D+ or below indicates they're expected to be weaker. They are not intended to predict each team's ladder position.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Marg Prior

Follow the SBL on Facebook