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NBL1 West 2022: South West Slammers gear up for final home game of 2022 season

Headshot of Justin Fris
Justin FrisSouth Western Times
Slammers import Buay Tuach guards Cockburn Cougars’ Seva Chan last Saturday night.
Camera IconSlammers import Buay Tuach guards Cockburn Cougars’ Seva Chan last Saturday night. Credit: Michael Farnell/Sports Imagery/Sports Imagery

South West Slammers men’s coach Shane Goff is confident his side can end their 2022 home campaign with victory over the East Perth Eagles on Saturday night.

The building is likely to be humming with former Slammers legends and basketball royalty, who will be in attendance for James Fitch’s singlet retirement ceremony.

“Every team is always dangerous if they are ‘on’ momentum-wise,” Goff said.

“We just need to stick to our guns and keep playing how we have been throughout most of our games. If we do that, anything is possible.

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“Last time we played the Eagles, we did not have Caleb Van De Griend or the 20 points and 10 rebounds per game that he is averaging at the moment.

“Buay (Tuach) was also coming back from injury. Having said this, they were not playing us at full-strength either. Saturday night will be a great opportunity for us to play to our best and trust the process.”

The Game AFL 2024

In a blow for the Slammers, UK import Raphell Thomas-Edwards will not suit up for the remaining two games, after suffering a serious eye injury against the Mandurah Magic last month.

“He copped a knock to the eye, which in turn resulted in a fractured eye socket,” Goff said.

“So he is done for the year which is unfortunate for both him and us because Raph was a piece of the jigsaw puzzle we could insert and make a difference against some of these teams.

“We will speak with Raph and his agent in coming months to see what his plans are for next year.”

Scouting report

(Eagles)

League position: 12th. Last round: lost to Perry Lakes Hawks 76-48; top performer (v Hawks) — Justin King (12 points — 6/10 field-goal attempts, 0/1 three-point attempts, 0/0 free-throw attempts, six rebounds, four assists, one steal)

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