Warrnambool export Trevor Gleeson wins fourth NBL championship

Trevor Gleeson won his fourth title on Sunday, guiding Perth Wildcats to an against-the-odds victory over reigning champions Melbourne United.

It elevated him to equal second on the all-time record for most championships coached.

He now shares the honour with Brian Kerle, who won four with St Kilda and Brisbane.

Only six-time winner Brian Goorjian sits above them.

The Wildcats' championship-sealing win epitomised their 2018-19 campaign - it defied expectations.

Many thought United would get a win on their home floor and force the series to a game five decider in Perth.

MAIN GOAL: Gleeson wants fourth title with Wildcats

But Gleeson's charges, with grand final MVP Terrico White dropping 20 points and fellow import Bryce Cotton 28, played with the hunger and desire which has become a their trademark.

The Wildcats won 97-84 to deliver their fans a ninth title.

All season pundits spoke of why the Wildcats couldn't win.

But Gleeson, who is out of contract, held firm.

He guided them out of a mid-season form slump and backed the club's decision to play with just two imports instead of three.

"We didn't get the results straight away and at that stage there was a lot of speculation, a lot of doubt and outside noise," he said.

"There was never any inside noise. It was more so 'hey guys, let's put this on the table now that we're staying with two imports and we don't care the consequences'.

"We battled through injuries as well. I think we had 18 games or something close to it where we had a player out and most of the time they were starters, so just to go through that adversity really galvanised us together.

"In the last month the belief was just there. We had the knowing feeling in the locker room that we were going to win the championship."

Gleeson said the enormity of his achievement, winning four championships in six seasons at the club, was still sinking in.

"I will get some clarity in the next couple of days of where it ranks," he said.

"The first one is always special...and this is a team that has fought through adversity through our injuries and only having two imports in the league (which is not done).

"The chemistry and coming together at the right time of the year is something I'll remember."

Gleeson said the playing group brought out the best in him as a coach.

"They let me coach them. There's no individual egos, it's a team ego," he said.

"Sometimes I'm hard on them and sometimes I'm a little bit softer and gentler but they're willing to learn and willing to believe in what we're doing."

Gleeson is yet to sign a new contract and is unsure of his future at the club. 

"The board said straight after the season, so we'll find out shortly," he said. 

"I've always said I want to stay here and if it works out, it works out and if it doesn't, it doesn't but we'll work that out in the next couple of days."

But for now it's time for celebrations and maybe a shave after the Wildcats decided to put away the razors for the entirity of the final series.

Gleeson's wife Dawn was courtside at Melbourne Arena to celebrate with her "four-time championship-winning werewolf husband".

"I wasn't quite sure if it was a bit too soon to bring a razor down on the court with me - I have one in my purse ready to go," she joked with Fox Sports post game.

"It's all worth it - I'll go home with this werewolf. I am just so proud. This team has so much heart and this year has gone through so much adversity and it's just the sweetest win yet."

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