After a disappointing 0-2 weekend on the mainland, Hobart Chargers get a chance to return to the winners circle at home this week. Hobart and Kilsyth are fitting for fourth position on the South men ladder and a victory this week against bottom placed Mt Gambier should increase the Chargers chances of claiming the position. Mt Gambier were successful 102-95 in round eleven, but have a terrible 3-10 record in Hobart and have struggled on the road this season.

“St Laurence” Geelong Supercats vs Australian Institute of Sport

Geelong are in a massive form slump at present, losing their past five games and dropping to second position on the East men ladder after looking invincible earlier this season. Another concern for Coach Mark Leader is the Supercats disappointing record against this week’s opponent Australian Institute of Sport. The AIS have a 5-3 record at the Arena, and have been successful in their past three visits. It is still unknown if Mills and Jawaii will travel this week due to Australian Boomers commitments. However the AIS have shown in recent weeks they have the depth and talent without the two major players and will look to record their ninth consecutive win this week and hopefully another further mover up the ladder.

Knox Ford Raiders vs Nunawading Spectres

Knox Raiders coach Damian Cotter has his team playing exceptional basketball at present, recording four consecutive victories over quality opponents, and are the inform team of the competition. The impressive guard rotation of Siegle (16.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.9apg), Leonard and import Massingale (24.6ppg, 8.1rpg), have been troubling many opponents, and the three will look to play another crucial role in this weeks match with local rivals Nunawading. Knox recorded a 90-80 victory in round seven, and has defeated Nunawading on five consecutive occasions since April 2004

“Patrick” NW Tasmania Thunder vs Mt Gambier “Carter Holt Harvey” Pioneers

Having defeated Mt Gambier on the road already this season in round seven (100-98), confidence will be high in the Thunder camp. After a promising start to the season, NW Tasmania have tumbled, losing nine consecutive matches and unless they record a victory this week could fall out of finals contention. Allen and Ben Armstrong did not travel to Canberra last weekend, limiting the Thunders offensive power. Coach Mark Radford will be hoping to have them back in uniform this week as they are two quality players and crucial to the Thunder’s success.

Mildura “QantasLink” Mavericks vs Canberra “Club Lime” Gunners

After moving into first position on the East men ladder, Canberra has a tough road trip in Victoria and need victories to keep a stranglehold on their position. Mildura ended their 13 game losing streak last week with a victory over Hobart, and with import Chaz Briggs (21.9ppg, 14.2rpg, 2.8bpg) in fantastic form will look to record their fourth win of the season. Briggs battle in the paint with Gunners triple towers (Keys, Denman, Petrie) will be a classic duel.

Albury/Wodonga “Bendigo Bank” Bandits vs Club Kilsyth Cobras

Both teams are on the brink of their respective conference top four, making a victory this week vital for both teams. Cobras import Brad Bridgewater (16.9ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.1bpg) has been improving week by week after a horror start to his SEABL career. His main objective this week will be to limit the offensive power of Bandits Jeff Dowdell (25.6ppg, 8.9rpg). Jeff has scored 30+ pts in five of the Bandits last seven games and is giving opposition coaches headaches with his all court game.

Bendigo “Hume & Iser” Braves vs Ballarat “Telstra CountryWide/Telstra Shop” Miners

Country Victoria heavy weights battle for the first time this season in the leagues Match of the round. Top of the table clash will see the winner of the match getting a firm grip of the ladder lead as both teams currently have a 15-4 season record. Player match ups will play an important part in the coaches’ game plans, as both teams play a different style of game. The combination of Novak and Rice (21.9ppg, 10.0rpg) may trouble the undersized Miners line-up, but this could also give the Braves a few matchup problems as one of them must contain the athletic Larmand (24.9ppg, 6.5rpg) or Hayes at the defensive end.

Frankston “Cambur” Blues vs Canberra “Club Lime” Gunners

This match-up could also tender for match of the round, as a lot is at stake in this contest. Frankston have been the quiet achievers all season, and sit comfortably in third position, but a victory this weekend against the ladder leaders Canberra, could see them elevate into first position. Thanks to the efforts of imports Gruber (23.9ppg, 12.8rpg) and Gilbert (25.7ppg, 8.4rpg) Frankston defeated Canberra 114-109 in round seven and they will again be major contributors for their team this week.

Nunawading Spectres vs Australian Institute of Sport

Since recording an 81-93 loss at home to Nunawading in round five, the AIS have recorded a 10-3 record and looking to advance further up the ladder with a strong performance on the road this weekend. Nunawading on the other hand have recorded a 5-6 record and dropping out of finals contention. They currently sit five games behind fourth placed AIS and a loss this week will virtually put an end to their finals aspirations. Spectres veteran David Biwer should be back from the USAfor this weekend, but it is unknown if Hoare will continue to play. His height and athleticism would be an asset against the AIS youngsters.