Geraldton Buccaneers await their challenger for sold-out preliminary final

The Geraldton Buccaneers are preparing for the chance at ultimate glory as they await their preliminary final on Sunday.

Tickets were already sold out by Sunday evening as another huge crowd is expected to cheer on the Buccs after their hostile reception of the Cougars last week.

Their opponents will not be known until Friday night when the winner of the Joondalup Wolves or Goldfields Giants will have to make a quick turnaround trip up to Geraldton for Sunday.

The Buccs would love to see the Giants get up, setting up an all-country preliminary final after their heart-stopping win over Mandurah last weekend.

But the Wolves who faded in the second half of their clash against the Rockingham Flames look like the stronger squad on paper and will be desperate to avoid a straight set’s exit from finals.

Buccs coach Dayle Joseph said not knowing who their opponents will be does create a bit of a challenge in preparation.

“We would like to have insight into the opposition, we’ll probably get access to the stadium Saturday to prepare but obviously we’ve got to be flexible in our plans for any opposition,” he said.

“You’d love to be able to press the repeat button on our performance from last weekend but the boys are focused on the task at hand.

“A loss this weekend would be pretty disappointing given the how hard we’ve worked this season and that expectation of success is keeping the group focused.”

Despite not knowing who they will play they will have the advantage of being at home and not having to play two finals in the space of three days.

“Deep down I think there is a little bit of an advantage and it’s the benefit of finishing top of the ladder,” Joseph said.

“I know the crowd will be a boost again, I have to admit I don’t hear them much while I’m focused on the game but I know it helps the guys and adds to the professionalism of the league.”

If they do manage to play like they did last weekend expect the roof to lift off at the sound of the final buzzer.

The Geraldton Buccaneers will tip off at 2pm with streaming available via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.