FINAL SCORE
Geraldton Buccaneers (94) v South West Slammers (62)
GAME REVIEW
The Geraldton Buccaneers are looking for a bounce back season in 2022 and they signalled those intentions with a first up impressive road win over the South West Slammers on Saturday night. The Buccs broke through to win a long sought after championship in 2019 but the last two years have been challenging with them decimated both by injuries and the troubles that the COVID global pandemic have caused. However, Geraldton has had a strong looking off-season not only retaining inspirational captain Mat Wundenberg and welcoming back Grand Final MVP Liam Hunt from what appeared a career-ending injury, but they’ve recruited well. The Buccs have welcomed former Mandurah Magic import Shaun Stewart along with new import Cameron Coleman and bringing in former Kalamunda forward Ryan Blanchett. They have retained the services of Mathiang Muo as well so there is plenty there for championship winning coach Dayle Joseph to work with, and they put it on show to open the season against the Slammers at Eaton Recreation Centre on Saturday night. The Slammers will be trying to find their feet throughout this season under the coaching of Shane Goff, but the Buccaneers made the trip south to make the statement on Saturday night and they did that from the outset. Geraldton put up 25 points in the opening quarter and led by as much as 19 in the first half on the way to leading 49-32 by half-time. The Buccs continued on with the job in the second half with another 45 points to 30 from the Slammers to end up winning by 32 to open their road double to start the 2022 season. Aside from only shooting the three ball at 4/26, there was a lot to like about what Geraldton did with 58 rebounds to 34 and despite going at 15 per cent from deep, overall they shot 49 per cent from the field. Cameron Coleman made a significant impact first up for the Buccaneers with 28 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals on 13/19 shooting from the field and 2/4 from downtown. Shaun Stewart also finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and four assists, Mathiang Muo 11 points and six rebounds, Fletcher Klasztorny nine points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals, and Malik Meunier nine points, three boards and three assists. Brody England will be looking to take the next step with his game this season for the Slammers and started well on Saturday night with 18 points, three rebounds and two steals. Cody Hill also had 11 points and two steals, Tanner Vogel 10 points and two steals, Caleb Van De Griend nine points and 13 rebounds, and Lochlann Simpson seven points and eight boards.
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