NBL1 West 2022: Unique perspective on road-trip losses for Slammers men’s coach Shane Goff

Before last weekend’s road trip in Esperance, South West Slammers men’s coach Shane Goff was in good spirits, believing the stint away would be a great bonding experience for his team. However, on the eve of the game, Goff was severely hurt after falling while out on a walk. Aside from his wounds requiring stitches, the Slammers coach has been battling concussion-based symptoms since Friday night. Although not able to coach during the weekend, Goff was still able to show the team his support. “I would like to thank the Esperance Basketball Association, St John paramedics and all of the emergency department staff who were able to help me,” he said. “Their support and care for me was excellent and really appreciated. “It wasn’t an ideal road trip for myself, but the guys performed fantastically well. They gave it a red-hot go against a Goldfields team who are capable of going deep into the finals. “I was so heartbroken we lost the first game (105-104 on Saturday night) by one-point, but the Giants had to play their best to beat us.” Goff will not coach against the Mandurah Magic on Friday night at the Eaton Recreation Centre, with his assistants taking care of the program while he continues his steady recovery. “I don’t know where I will be at,” he said. “The way I am feeling at the moment, I am taking every day as it comes. Mandurah are very similar outfit to the Giants, which I believe means we can match up well against them. “We know they will be looking at this game to springboard them into the playoffs, given there are not too many weeks left. However, we will give them something to think about, that’s for sure.” Scouting report (Magic) League position: 7th. Last round: defeated Willetton Tigers 88-67; top performer (v Tigers) — Ray Turner (30 points — 10/18 field goal attempts, 0/0 three-point attempts, 10/11 free throw attempts, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals)