Smartt playing it cool on future roles with Giants after weekend defeat

Lennon Smartt has played down his role as the Goldfields Giants’ interim coach for a big chunk of the squad’s men’s NBL1 campaign, underpinned by a return to the playoffs for the first time in two years.

Smartt was thrust into the head coaching role in June when Matt Van Pelt took a second block of personal leave.

Fellow assistant coach Sharni Winter initially led the squad for six games, before Van Pelt’s return.

But it lasted just five games and Smartt stepped-up for the June 15 clash with Willetton.

Goldfields won five of their final eight games.

It included an elimination final victory against Warwick to launch the playoffs, but the squad bowed out of championship contention with last week’s semi-final defeat in Mandurah on short rest.

Giants’ management have yet to make an announcement on Van Pelt’s situation.

Smartt, however, said the American had put together an impressive group in his first season with the local club.

“Matt has been great for the program, who has brought in great recruits who are really great people,” Smartt said.

“Our two imports are fantastic and Matt’s the key — even though he wasn’t here for this (finals run), he put the systems in place that got us this far.

“For me personally, I’d be more than happy to be an assistant (in 2025) or be involved with the club in any way I can.

“Personally, I do enjoy that more — being an assistant.

“With Matt’s situation, we’re not 100 per cent sure how things will pan out over time.

“But that’s the key — working that out and going from there.”

The Giants were among four teams to compile 13-9 win-loss records during the qualifiers.

Mandurah, however, grabbed fourth spot and a double chance in the finals from the Giants, East Perth and Rockingham.

The grand final will be played on Saturday night at RAC Arena between Willetton and Mandurah.

Geraldton and Joondalup finished first and second, but were bundled out at the weekend after losing their respective preliminary finals against Willetton and Mandurah, 98-89 and 91-88.