THERE was no more fascinating team to follow in the Men's SBL in 2015 than the Goldfields Giants and now they are looking to back their feats up with another playoff appearance in 2016.

Having recorded just the 10 wins the previous two seasons combined to finish second last and last, the Giants again looked set to struggle in 2015 losing their opening eight games.

But things suddenly began to click and they would win their next four games, and end up winning 14 of their last 18 to finish with a 14-12 record and in seventh position.

That set up a quarter-final meeting with the Geraldton Buccaneers and the Giants beat them in two games to advance to the semi finals against the South West Slammers.

Despite the Slammers winning in two games, it had been a remarkable run by Goldfields and one that they will now be looking to build upon in 2016.

Jay Bowie was a big part of their efforts with 25.4 points and 8.0 rebounds a game last season but the Giants will be hoping replacement import Kenny Manigault can come close to matching that output. Bowie has joined the Willetton Tigers in 2016.

Mathiang Muo was also important adding 20.1 points a game and 7.4 rebounds but he has joined the Brisbane Spartans for 2016.

The loss of the experienced Shamus Ballantyne is significant as well while Sam Julitz has joined the Mandurah Magic.

But there are plenty of positives at the Giants coming into 2016 and none more so than the return of captain Lordan Franich. He required a knee reconstruction after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament just two games into 2015 but he is now back to lead his team.

Daniel Goodluck has joined from the North Adelaide Rockets and appears a quality young player while Ezra Nikora looks capable of having a significant impact after being the WABL D-League MVP winner.

The Giants lost all four of their matches at the SBL Blitz at Warwick Stadium against the Stirling Senators, Cockburn Cougars, Geraldton Buccaneers and Joondalup Wolves.

Goldfields begins their season at home to the Perry Lakes Hawks on Saturday March 19.

MEN'S ROSTER
Jacob Basten, Daniel Goodluck, Ezra Nikora, Miles Tierney, Lordan Franich, Daniel Forlano, Billy Hicks, Lachlan Crombie, Mike Exell, Jacob Holmen (restricted), Andrew Lydiat, Edin Zunic, Maui Dela Cruz, Jerome Reid, Kenny Manigault (restricted), Dion Gulley, Brock Gadd, Russell Hurst
Coach – Michael Haney

EXPERTS THOUGHTS
Championship winning coach – ADAM FORDE
PREDICTION – 10th
Kenny Manigault fresh from Pikeville and 'Double/Double' machine Jacob Holmen will look to carry the bulk of the workload with Mathiang Muo and Jay Bowie gone from the group. Unfortunately, I don’t see them getting on their run that they did in 2015. However, still one of the best home courts in the country, if they can take care of business and make it a fortress, they could easily find themselves in the eight.

SBL Slam Radio Host - MATT CECINS
PREDICTION – 10th
An amazing run in the second half of last season was largely down to the play of Muo and Bowie. Those two players have since departed, however the good news is the return of Jacob Holmen. He is such a dynamic player who can score and rebound the ball well. Hopefully a healthy return from Lordan Franich will feature in the Giants playoff push this season. How the Giants perform on the road will determine whether they can return to post season action in 2016.

ANONYMOUS
PREDICTION – 8th
The Giants had almost a fairytale run all the way to the semi finals in 2015 following a stunning second half of the season. But they have suffered some big losses from that team with Bowie, Muo and Ballantyne all moving on. They will hope Manigault can replicate the efforts of Bowie as an import while the return of captain Lordan Franich is significant. They should again be around the playoff mark.

Article by Chris Pike
Photo by Serene-Elise Photography