Undefeated Geraldton Buccaneers return home for round four clash against the Cockburn Cougars

The Geraldton Buccaneers will play their first home game of the NBL1 West 2022 season on Saturday night as they face the Cockburn Cougars in a top of the ladder clash.

For recent imports, such as Cameron Coleman, Malik Meunier, Fletcher Klasztorny and Ryan Blanchett, it will be their first game playing in front of their home fans at Activewest Stadium.

The Buccs sit in first place with a points percentage of 136 — 9 per cent more than their closest rivals, the Cougars.

Both sides go into the match undefeated, with 4-0 records.

Buccs coach Dayle Joseph said he was looking forward to playing the full strength Cougars.

“We’ve played some teams that have been undermanned, had some COVID issues and injury issues in the last few weeks,” he said.

“They’ve got a couple of awesome players on their squad and they’ll have some challenges for us.”

Joseph highlighted the challenges posed by the Cougars’ import, a 218cm guard.

“They also have an awesome three point shooter as their import as well,” he said.

“The Cougars are also undefeated so it’ll be a good match-up for us and a really good test at home.”

Joseph said the chemistry in the team was building, but there was still work to be done.

“I think the feeling amongst the team is that the trust is growing and I think they’re realising, we’ve got a pretty good bunch of guys that have come together to make a good team,” he said.

“Our focus will be on trying to mingle all that together and get the best out of everybody and understand everybody’s strengths.”

Joseph said the first few weeks of the season had acted like a mini preseason for the side.

“Now to play five games at home in front of our home crowd and try and perform at our best from here on in will be a bit of a challenge,” he said.