Geraldton Buccaneers gear up for their shot at glory in 2025 NBL1 West grand final against Warwick Senators

The Geraldton Buccaneers are one more win away from securing their fourth championship this Saturday night when they face off against the Warwick Senators in what promises to be a thrilling 2025 NBL1 West grand final. After a strong 99-80 win on the road in the preliminary final against the Willetton Tigers, the Buccs are now preparing to travel down to Perth again for one last effort as the Senators await them at RAC Arena. It will be their third game in nine days, a stretch which started with their Friday night semifinal win at home against the Goldfields Giants. The Buccs have the opportunity to bring home their fourth championship in what will be the first time that the Buccs have played at RAC Arena. For the fourth time in 2025, the Buccs will face the Senators in what promises to be a heated contest as the Buccs look to bring home a new championship flag to hang in the rafters of Activewest Stadium alongside flags from 2000, 2019 and 2023. Last time the two teams met, Warwick scored a big win on the road in the qualifying final earlier this month. Buccs coach Dayle Joseph said that loss reminded the players of the opportunity they missed the season before, when the Tigers vanquished them in the preliminary final. “It was in the back of their minds, the missed opportunity last season,” Joseph said. “They are really driven guys and I know they are up for the challenge and that showed in the last couple of games. “It doesn’t matter how many games you win or lose in the season, it comes down to the finals and the last games that define you as a team. “And I know they are up for the challenge ahead.” That challenge ahead is a team in the Senators that have flexed their muscles all season, led by their star signing and Perth Wildcat Elijah Pepper. Pepper was instrumental in beating the Buccs last time, finishing the qualifying final with 32 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists. With a talented line-up, the Senators will be confident going into the weekend’s big dance, having downed minor premiers by two points in a preliminary-final thriller. However, the Buccs have got the better of the Senators two out of the three times they have faced each other this year. Sunday’s preliminary final win against Willetton was a great show for the fans of what is to come with four Buccs stars in Akeem Springs, Johny Narkle, Josh Keyes and Liam Hunt scoring double-doubles. Entering grand final week, Joseph said the week leading up to the big dance has been business as usual apart from some extra support from the fans. “We try keep the week as normal as possible,” Joseph said. “So obviously, there’s a little bit of hype around and lots of people saying congratulations, which is fantastic, and a bit extra following. “Thursday is all about getting a bit of a scout on the Senators and a light session before we head off Friday. “For a lot of these guys its their first time experiencing the finals atmosphere of the NBL1, so its exciting for everyone involved.” One first-year Bucc who is experiencing the hype of a grand final week for the first time is American import Springs who said the support behind the squad has been incredible. “The fans have been awesome, they just get behind us and really provide a difference on the court,” Springs said. “Hearing them but also, at the Willetton game in Perth looking up and seeing them in full force was so good to see. “This week has been great everyone is in good spirits and we are ready to go and really looking forward to the challenge ahead.” Joseph said the engagement with the fans was a great chance to show the players how much this meant to the people of Geraldton. “It’s overwhelming the support we have got and continue to get from the fans,” Joseph said. “One of the young fellas in the crowd ran on to the court after the Giants game on Friday night and gave me a hug and it just made me realise how much it means for the fans. “You know we played Friday in front of a packed home crowd and then Sunday in Perth, I look up during our time-outs and see a packed Geraldton crowd at the Willetton game, it’s just unreal. “We are really just enjoying the week and the support that comes with it. “We are ready, now its just time to execute with the talent we have.” Grand final tip-off is at 7pm at RAC Arena. The game is being shown on Kayo.