'Our fans deserve a team that fights': Norton

The city of Brisbane has produced plenty of champions in recent years.

From the Lions’ back-to-back AFL crowns to the Broncos’ 2025 NRL Premiership, the city has become accustomed to winning.

Unfortunately, that success hasn’t been tapped into by the Bullets yet, who are currently 5-14 on the ladder following seven straight losses.

That poor showing to date saw the three-time champions part ways with coach Stu Lash, with assistant Darryl McDonald appointed as interim head coach.

That change makes McDonald the eighth coach to man the sidelines since Andrej Lemanis’ exit in 2021.

Speaking after their most recent defeat to South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena, captain Mitch Norton admits his team are determined to turn it around for the city.

“[The frustration] has been real. Our fans deserve to see a team that’s out there fighting for them, especially on the home floor, which we haven’t really protected at all,” Norton said to CODE Sports.

“We’re in a city that has won a lot in different codes, and we want a slice of that.

“We know how good Brisbane is when their teams are winning and, for me, it’s only a matter of time that we get that feeling, because we know the fans are going to come thick and fast when we start producing the goods.”

That shift to McDonald is the latest of move in a season of change for the Bullets, which has included Javon Freeman-Liberty departing the club and returning, Brisbane parting ways with former MVP Jaylen Adams and a host of injuries, including Casey Prather, Lamar Patterson and Dakota Mathias.

“The weird thing is, we’re accustomed to change,” Norton said in Saturday’s post-game press conference.

“The biggest thing is, when you’re going through a really tough period ‘why do you play basketball?’.

“Is it the love of the game? Is it for your family? Whatever it is you need to come back to that and play for your brother next to you.

“Day in, day out, what do we stand by? Are we about each other? Are we selfish at times?”

The Bullets, who are 1-7 at home in NBL26, will look to return to the winner’s circle on Monday night when they host New Zealand from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.

Read the full story here >> Bullets captain Mitch Norton opens up on coaching debacle, fan frustration