South West Slammers to celebrate 30th anniversary of first championship against Goldfields Giants on Saturday

South West Slammers will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the club’s first championship in the State Basketball League when they take on Goldfields Giants at Eaton Recreation Centre on Saturday. Then known as the Bunbury City Slammers, the side claimed the title by overcoming the Giants in what turned out to be the competition’s only grand final played under the format of a three-game series, though the third game was not required after they won their two contests at Perth’s Challenge Stadium. The breakthrough success laid the groundwork for a dynasty in the latter part of the decade which also saw the team win four championships inside a five-season span. Aaron Edwards, the club’s all-time games played record holder and a member of the 1995 side, said he held the fondest of memories from the season. “I just remember that we were such a young group,” he said. “We were all good mates, we’d known each other for a while in our different age groups, but there was a bunch of us around our same age. “I just remember having a bunch of fun along the way . . . it was just such a blast. “We all had great work ethic, we all challenged and respected each other, we trained harder than we played, we had great leaders and coaches that guided us, challenged us in the right way.” The Slammers started the season with only six wins from their first 13 games but stormed home by winning 12 of their final 13 to finish the regular season in fifth, before progressing past Wanneroo Wolves in the quarterfinals and Perth Redbacks in the semifinals. Jason Chalk — a player with the club at the time and current coach of their men’s side — said the side “hung their hat” on being comprised entirely of players from the South West region, apart from American imports James Fitch and Steve Branch. “One of the big things that changed for us was . . . Steve Branch, he probably wasn’t doing what we expected, but Fitchy had to go back to the States for a funeral. From that moment, Branchy put us on his shoulders and he didn’t look back,” he said. Edwards said he was looking forward to the chance to reunite with his old friends, some of whom he has not seen in several years. “When we get together, it’s just amazing,” he said. “We’ve been in each other’s lives in all different aspects for so long. “To have a laugh, share some memories, tell some lies and have a beer, that’s the best part.” As well as an NBL1 clash which tips off at 6pm and the club’s West Australian Basketball League division one men’s side playing at 4pm, some of the club’s past players will take to the court for a game from 2.30pm. The club’s women’s side have a bye.