Geelong vs Bendigo
This is the game of the week, between the ladder-leaders of each respective conference and a vital game for both teams for various reasons. With a successful 2-0 weekend in Round 17, the Braves have opened up a two-game buffer over Hobart. The Braves, however, have a tough road home, so a victory this weekend is vital to consolidating first position. Geelong, on the other hand, cannot lose first place, but are coming off another loss and coach Mark Leader will
be keen to guide his team back into the winners' circle. This is the first meeting between the two teams and both will be keen to secure the win and the psychological edge for the second clash in Round 21.

Mt Gambier vs Frankston
Frankston have a great 14-7 head to head record against the Pioneers and currently hold a three-game winning streak against them. The Blues are currently in a do-or-die tussle with the Spartans and the Gunners for the number two seed in the East men's conference, and a victory on the road this weekend is vital to their regular season record. The battle in the paint between Pioneer Ryan Blankson (22.4ppg, 13.5rpg) and Blue David Gruber (25.7ppg, 12.8rpg, 2.5bpg) will be a great match-up, and likely impact on the game's overall outcome.

Australian Institute vs Knox
Australian Emus coaches Marty Clarke and Damian Cotter will go head-to-head this week before the team ventures overseas for their World Championships campaign. The AIS big three (Mills, Ogilvy, Dowdell) did not play last week as they are resting for their upcoming Australian commitments, but will likely play this weekend and be keen to put a stop to the team's seven-game losing streak. Knox defeated an under-strength AIS 101-73 in Round 8 and need to record at least one victory in the nation's capital to remain in finals contention.

Southern Districts vs Kilsyth
The Spartans dropped to fourth position after a disappointing 0-2 weekend in Tasmania, but with head coach Bruce Palmer returning to the team this week, the Spartans will be keen to record the victory and put pressure back on the higher placed teams for the all-important number two seed in the finals. The Spartans will go into the contest confident, having defeated Kilsyth 114-100 in Round 4 this year.

Albury/Wodonga vs Ballarat
Ballarat holds a 20-6 head to head advantage against the Bandits, but will go into this week's contest as the underdogs, partly due to their 4-17 regular season record. Miner Brett
Goodgame was outstanding last weekend and was unlucky not to receive a Player of the Week mention. His battle in the back court with Bandit Nick Payne is sure to entertain the crowd. Miners veterans Eric Hayes or Ricky Daniels will likely get the task of containing Bandits MVP candidate Brad Sheridan (21.2ppg, 10.1rpg, 2.7bpg), as his productivity will impact greatly on the Bandits' victory chances.

Canberra vs Knox
Canberra defeated Knox easily 110-70 in Round 13 with Anthony Petrie (26.9ppg, 12.9rpg) and the underrated Zlatko Todorovski (15.8ppg, 2.7apg) doing the major damage. A tougher defensive job by the Raiders will be required if they wish to defeat the Gunners this weekend.
Knox import John Bryant (14.7ppg, 11.6rpg) has been a solid presence in the paint in recent weeks and his productivity this week could be the difference in the game as he was injured in the team’s previous meeting this season.

Nunawading vs Albury/Wodonga
Although both teams are unable to make finals this year, the game will be played at a fierce and frantic pace. Nunawading scored a 106-96 victory in Round 3 in Albury/Wodonga, and the Bandits will be seeking revenge this weekend as a win will likely see the Bandits and Spectres change places on the East men's ladder. The Bandits, however, have not had great success at Nunawading Stadium with a disappointing 2-12 record.

SEABL WOMEN

Southern Districts vs Kilsyth
With two victories against Southern Districts already this year, the Lady Cobras will be highly confident of recording another win this weekend. After two losses to Bendigo and Ballarat last weekend, Kilsyth's grip on fourth position has loosened, and coach Jason Knight will be eager for a return to the winners' circle this week. WNBL Lynx coach Paul O’Brien will be eager for reports on this game as his two new prize off-season recruits Sarah Parsons (Kilsyth) and Holly Smith (Southern Districts) battle in the paint against each other.

Albury/Wodonga vs Ballarat
Albury/Wodonga recorded a surprising 100-95 victory against Ballarat in Round 15, thanks largely to 46pts from Jessica Bibby. The Lady Bandits will go into this week's game full of confidence, having proved to themselves already this year they can defeat the ladder
leaders. Ballarat are 2-3 in their past five games and a losing record is not what coach Kym Cassells will be looking for leading into the finals. Another loss this week and their stranglehold on first position is in danger.

Knox vs Bendigo
Bendigo hold a 19-18 head to head record against Knox, thanks to a 80-54 victory last weekend, and have recorded some good victories at “The Shoe” in recent years. Both teams are fighting for the number two spot on the ladder and a second chance in the finals and this game is vital as
head to head results between the two teams could determine their overall finals placings. Bendigo currently hold an 11pt edge, meaning Knox have to win by 12pts to gain the advantage. Grima and Randall were contained superbly last week and another solid effort from Lady Braves frontcourt (Richards, Walker, Gilmore and Fletcher) will be needed.

Nunawading vs Albury/Wodonga
Fresh after a victory against ladder-leaders Ballarat, the Spectres' late season surge for a finals position is still on track. Nunawading MVP candidate Caitlin Cunningham (18.6ppg, 8.9rpg) was sensational last week and her efforts will need to be contained by the Lady Bandits this weekend. The Spectres need to win all remaining games to have any hope of securing a finals position, making every game very important. Confidence will be high in the Spectres' camp, having defeated Albury/Wodonga 90-74 in Round 3 and 77-67 in Round 8.