A very important weekend awaits the Frankston Lady Blues, as two victories this weekend will keep the pressure for a possible finals berth, but a loss could be damaging for their end of season hopes. Frankston have been undefeated against Launceston since August 2002, including two victories already this year, 72-64 in round four and 77-68 in round seven. Lady Blues coach Mark Ridgway has made major changes to his line-up for the better since their round seven clash and should continue their winning record against Launceston this week.

Bendigo "IGA" Lady Braves vs Ballarat "Community Health" Lady Miners

These two teams have not played each other yet this season, and play the first of three encounters over the next six weeks. Ballarat will be without Australian Opal Deanna Smith, but have the depth to be competitive. Lady Miners dropped out of the conference top four for the first time in three years last week after a loss to ladder leaders Knox, another loss this week will be dangerous for their back to back championship aspirations. Kristi Harrower should be available for Bendigo this week, and her battle in the back court with Lady Miners Andrea McMahon will be a fantastic duel.

Knox Ford Raiders vs Nunawading Spectres

Bench depth will be a crucial aspect in this game as both teams have lost key personnel due to the Australian Opals tour of China. Knox will be without Grima and Hibbert, and Spectres will miss Randall and Macleod. Head to head is tied at one a piece this year with the home team recording the victory in both games. A lot will be expected of Spectres O'Hea (16.2ppg, 6.9rpg, 4.1apg) and Oliver this week, as they will need to be at their ultimate best to contain the Raiders. Chelsea Laing will be celebrating her 300 game milestone in front of home court fans, and will be keen to guide her team to victory with a solid performance.

NW Tasmania "McDonalds" Thunder vs Frankston "Aspect Packaging" Lady Blues

This match could play a major part in determining the teams' final position as Frankston currently sit two games clear of NW Tasmania but head to head is tied at 1-1. Should NW Tasmania win the battle this week and both teams finish on same record at the end of the year, the Thunder will have the advantage. Thunder imports Gahan (19.0ppg, 12.8rpg) and Pardon (17.5ppg, 3.2apg) are in scintillating form and will need to be contained by the Lady Blues. Gahan currently leads the league in rebounds, and has been a force on the glass in recent weeks with three 14+ rebound games in her past three games.

Albury/Wodonga "Telstra CountryWide" Lady Bandits vs Club Kilsyth Lady Cobras

The Lady Bandits have bad memories of their round seven clash with Kilsyth, losing by 80 points. Home court advantage and an improved work ethic should make this game a lot more closer, and Lady Bandits coach Mick Hickey will be keen to guide his team to a better result this week. Harrington (13.3ppg, 3.6rpg), Plunkett (13.5ppg, 9.2rpg) and Johnstone have been consistent performers all season for Albury/Wodonga, but they will need to be impressive at the defensive end to withstand the Cobras bite.