 His plan paid off when the Wildcats defeated Adelaide 2–1 in the semi-finals (both wins were on Adelaide's home court were the 36ers had only lost twice during the season).Perth were unable to overcome Bruton's old team Brisbane and went down 2–0 in the Grand Final series.Bruton played three seasons in Perth (two of which he shared playing and coaching duties), before becoming the head coach in 1990 in somewhat controversial circumstances.