The Perth Wildcats completed their first full pre-season training on Monday and coach Rob Beveridge says the reigning champions are focusing on improving on their remarkable 2009/10 season.

"This year is about trying to get better than we were last year," Beveridge told Shayne Hope of the West Australian newspaper.

"We were the best team at the right time last season, but we know we've got a lot of deficiencies.

"We've lost a lot of experience with Martin Cattalini, Paul Rogers and Galen Young leaving.

"It's going to be a real challenge for us and for these younger guys here to step up as leaders.

"My expectation is that we have to compete in every single game and I think we are a better team than last year, so I think that makes it pretty exciting."

Ominously for their opposition, Beveridge says the Wildcats are better advanced in their pre-season preparations this year than they were last season.

"The guys are in the best physical shape I've seen them and most of them have been playing in the SBL," Beveridge said.

"Today's our first actual team practice and I know the guys are champing at the bit to get after it.

"Last year we didn't get our group together until two weeks before the season. In the pre-season we were 1-5, so it wasn't a real good start to the year.

"We're in great shape and looking forward to actually getting back on the floor as a team."

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