Hobart vs Mt Gambier
Fresh after a bye last week, Hobart will be keen to record the victory this week, and coach Mark Chivers will be hoping to have a full squad, after struggling with injuries in recent weeks. Pioneers will also be hoping for a speedy recovery for import Chris Lewis (14.7ppg, 7.4rpg) as he has had to sit out the past two weeks due to an infected elbow, sustained in a clash with Supercats Jamal Brown in Round 16. Mt Gambier, however, has not had great success in Hobart, winning only three games in 14 attempts and currentlyon a three-game losing streak at Aurora Stadium.

Bendigo vs Kilsyth
With a sensational two-point victory over league leaders Geelong last week, Bendigo have all but sealed first position and home court advantage in the South Men. Coach Wayne Larkins, however, will not be resting any players in the lead-up to the finals as a winning record is vital for the team's confidence. Braves Hill (26.2ppg, 7.1rpg, 5.1apg) and Rigby (19.6ppg, 7.6rpg) are causing havoc at the offensive end and troubling opposition teams.

Knox vs Geelong
Supercats have an 8-4 head to head record against Knox, and have had good success at Knox Converse Stadium, winning three of five matches. Scoring was a major concern for the Raiders last week in the nation's capital, and replacement coach Graham Longstaff will be keen for an improved performance from imports Massingale and Bryant. Raiders' regular coach Damian Cotter is an assistant withthe Australian Emus and has departed for the World Championships in Serbia.

NW Tasmania vs Mt Gambier
Both teams put on a scoring display last time the two teams met in Round 14, with the Pioneers recording a 131-115 victory. Mt Gambier point guard Jon Shepherd received Player of the Week honours for his efforts in this game with 35pts, 8rebs and 4ass. Pioneers defensive stopper Chris Mason will have his hands full trying to contain league leading scorer Troy de Vries (31.4ppg, 5.0rpg), as he scorched the Pioneers for 41pts in their Round 14 clash and also connected on nine three-pointers.

Ballarat vs Albury/Wodonga
Thanks to a last second shot from captain-coach Matt Shanahan, the Miners recorded a 105-104 victory last weekend. However, Bandits coach Jim Wilson will be thinking otherwise this week, and hoping to have full control of the game and record a comfortable victory. Bandit Nick Payne (24.0ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.7apg) is having another stellar season and will be worthy of another All-SEABL team selection this year. His battle in the backcourt with Shanahan is sure to entertain the large Minerdome crowd.

Kilsyth vs Geelong
After starting the season with a 17-game winning streak, the Supercats are currently on a two-game losing streak and with a 2-3 record in the last five games, the once unstoppable and high-scoring Supercats are in a small form slump. In their past two contests, Geelong has struggled at the offensive end scoring 86pts, well below their season average of 118. If Kilsyth had any chance of securing a victory over Geelong, now is probably the best chance any team has, as they are currently at their most vulnerable.

Nunawading vs Frankston
Frankston are battling hard with Canberra and Southern Districts for the important second place on the East Men's ladder, meaning every game is vitally important. The Blues have recorded three straight victories, and coach Bill Runchey won't be happy with a loss to a team not in finals contention. Spectres youngster Jesse Caspersz has stepped up his contributions due to the loss of McDonald, playing the entire 48mins and recording a season-high 22pts, 5rebs and 8ass last week against Albury/Wodonga. He will be tested against the talented Blues back court of Harms and Strzbonski.

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Launceston vs Frankston
Despite not being able to make finals, Launceston will be determined to record a victory. Imports Hays and Pardon have been major contributors all season, and coach Tim Hays will be looking for another repeat performance. Launceston have recorded two victories already this season, but both games have been within 10pts. It is the last road trip for the Lady Blues and coach Mark Ridgway will be keen to finish on a positive note.

Ballarat vs Albury/Wodonga
Ballarat sought revenge on the Lady Bandits last week after losing in Round 15, and returned home with a 29pt victory. Victory this week will confirm the minor premiership to the Lady Miners as they will be able to consolidate first position with two weeks remaining. League leading scorer Jess Bibby (25.3) will be a major factor in the game for the Lady Bandits, and has already proven against Ballarat this year that if left open she will punish her opposition with a 40+ point game.

Bendigo vs Kilsyth
Kilsyth currently hold on to the fourth and last finals position and have a one-game advantage over fifth-placed Nunawading. Kilsyth have lost the two previous matches against Bendigo this season, and with the likelihood of playing them in finals, a victory this week will boost the team's confidence.

NW Tasmania vs Frankston
Frankston will be without all time league scorer and rebounder Julie Ofsoski this weekend, and may struggle to contain the Lady Thunder twin towers of Zoe Carr (15.7ppg, 9.8rpg) and Jasmine Finnigan (13.6ppg, 9.9rpg). NW Tasmania currently holds a four-game winning streak against Frankston including two easy victories in Round 7 and 12 this year. A lot will be expected of Lady Blues' inexperienced frontcourt duo of Murphy and Krolke.

Nunawading vs Knox
A victory is required by both teams for various reasons, and fans can expect a high-scoring and close game. Nunawading need a victory to stay in finals contention, and Knox need the win to put a halt to their current two game losing streak, and hold on to third place and a first week home final. Grima and Randall have been disappointing at the offensive end in recent weeks and will be keen for an improved performance before they depart for China with the Australian Opals.

Kilsyth vs Knox
The winner of this contest will likely finish the season in third place and host the 3v4 semi-final playoff in three weeks. Results so far this year have gone to the visiting team, and as both teams have tough contests the previous night, fitness and bench depth will play a crucial role in the game's outcome. Australian Opal Hollie Grima recorded 22pts and19rebs in the last contest in Round 9 and a better defensive contribution from Lady Cobra Abby Schrader will be required if the Lady Cobras are to clinch the victory.