Reigning NBL1 West champions the Geraldton Buccaneers’ quest for back-to-back titles ramps up as they prepare for the first round of finals on Saturday. The Buccs put together one of the most dominant regular seasons in recent years, becoming the first team in the league to win 20 games since they introduced a 22-game season. Geraldton are looking to become the first club to win two consecutive titles since the Goldfields Giants did it in 2007-08.
Standing in their way this week is Mandurah Magic in the first play-offs round. Some teams might have cruised through the end of the regular season, but Dayle Joseph’s players have been locked in and are itching for finals to get under way. “We’ve been pretty motivated the whole way through .
. . a very competitive bunch, don’t like losing a free throw contest at training let alone losing or being pushed in a game,” Joseph said.
“It’ll be no different this week, play well and get a win this week, we’re straight through to a preliminary final.” With how dominant the side was this season; Joseph felt they went above and beyond what was expected, especially dealing with injuries and a changing lineup early on. “We probably exceeded expectations .
.. we thought it might take a bit of time to blend together,” he said.
“We felt if we could be midfield, top eight, around that fourth or fifth spot then we might be able to make playoffs and cause of bit trouble. “To be 20 and two, real credit to the group themselve.