 Bruton led all scorers in the NBL's first year, averaging over 33.2 points per game.Bruton later joined the Geelong Supercats in 1982 as a playing coach where he would win the NBL Coach of the Year in his first season.During his tenure with the Supercats, Bruton was also named to the All-NBL First Team in 1983 and 1984.