The Geraldton Buccaneers end-of-year awards as picked by the Geraldton Guardian

MOST VALUABLE PLAYERNik DeSantis

DeSantis was recruited as an experienced player with winning experience, and he certainly lived up to the mantle.

The 25-year-old was more than handy throughout the season, and excelled while Johny Narkle was out injured.

He averaged 22.7 points and 5.7 assists per game during that stretch, playing more than 34 minutes per match. Across the season, he averaged 19.7 points, 5.33 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game.

MVP RUNNER-UPJohny Narkle

It’s crazy to think what Narkle could have produced had he been available for all 24 games this year.

The 23-year-old missed 10 games this year with a broken bone in his arm, but was on song upon returning to the court in June.

He averaged 23 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and shot at more than 50 per cent from the field from 14 games.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEARJosh Keyes

In a system that put team over individual success, Keyes was the benchmark in helping achieve this.

He was on court for more than 30 minutes per night on average, playing an important role on transition.

The 29-year-old had 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and a block per game, while also chipping in on offence with 14.9 points per game.

SIXTH MAN OF THE YEARBob Griechen

The depth of the Buccs squad meant good players spent more time on the bench.

However, Griechen was one to take the opportunity with both hands, impressing when he got playing time.

The 18-year-old played more than 30 minutes on just three occasions, but still had an impact with an average of 7.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and just under a steal per game.

BEST WINApril 27 vs Goldfields Giants at Activewest Stadium

There were a number of contenders for best win, including the 31-point thrashing of Perth in the final round, and the win against Mandurah to see the side to the preliminary final.

However, the Buccs’ fifth game of the season topped the list, winning an overtime thriller against the Giants.

Without star Johny Narkle, skipper Aaron Ralph stood up to help his side turn a five-point deficit at three-quarter-time into a two-point win in overtime.

BEST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE Aaron Ralph v Goldfields Giants

The Buccs captain wound back the clock against the Giants, putting in a vintage performance to help his side claim victory.

Geraldton were down heading into the final term, but a couple of clutch three-pointers late from Ralph, including a buzzer-beater, helped the side level the scores to send the game to overtime. The 35-year-old was amongst the action again in overtime, securing another three to help the side win 96-94.

Ralph had 30 points, five rebounds, and eight three pointers during the match.

BEST MOMENTMat Wundenberg celebrates game 500

It was the opening clash of the year where Geraldton packed a sold out Activewest Stadium to celebrate one of its champions.

Veteran Mat Wundenberg, 41, became just the third player in league history to reach 500 games, and the first to do it for one club.

The Buccs also unveiled their 2023 championship banner on the same night.