South West Slammers gear up for new era in 2022 as NBL1 West fixtures released

The 2022 NBL1 West fixtures were confirmed on Friday, with the South West Slammers men’s team opening their campaign at home to the Geraldton Buccaneers on April 9 (a Saturday night) at the Eaton Recreation Centre. In a massive plus, Shane Goff’s side have been spared a lengthy 591km road trip for a return bout with the Buccs in Geraldton this year. Peter Nalder, who is also in his first season as a Slammers head coach, will begin life with the women’s program a day later when they travel to Belmont Oasis to face the Perth Redbacks. The Slammers will likely square off against several familiar faces in this clash, including former women’s MVP Makailah Dyer. Slammers NBL1 West director Julieann Bissaker was relieved the 2022 pathway had been confirmed, as both programs continue with pre-season training. “When you see where the fixtures are and who you are up against, you have a bit more direction for the start of the season,” she said. “Again, we have relatively young sides this season — so a lot of focus for each program will be on what we need to do as a team in order to move forward.” Most of Slammers’ home games will again be held on a Saturday night, which is welcome news for players and coaches with heavy study and work commitments. “Fridays are tough, as a lot of players have to knock off work early,” Bissaker said. “And considering it is a semi-professional league, they do not really get paid, so it is a big ask and commitment for players and their employers I guess.” Below is a brief snapshot of what the Slammers will contend with in 2022: The good: Aside from the men’s team being spared an away trip to Geraldton, the Slammers will enjoy five consecutive home games at the Eaton Recreation Centre between May 28 and July 1. The bad: The Slammers men’s team face the Mandurah Magic, a genuine title contender, twice in the last five games of the season, along with a tricky away assignment against the Lakeside Lightning. Nalder’s side have a brutal start to the year, squaring off against the Redbacks, Rockingham Flames and Willetton Tigers.