Both teams recorded a loss last week and will be keen to register a win this week and improve their disappointing season record. Mt Gambier is struggling at the offensive end and need imports Blankson and Lewis to be more productive on offence to help lift the scoreboard total. Pioneers currently only average 84 points a game, the lowest of all SEABL teams.
Eric Hayes (Ball) - 23 points to 9000

Hobart vs Bendigo
Bendigo have not been successful against the Chargers in Hobart since April 2003, and coach Wayne Larkins will be hoping to end the losing streak this weekend. Hobart recorded a 118-101 victory in round one, thanks largely to the efforts of sharp shooter Anthony Stewart (26.5ppg, 7.1apg). Braves mid season recruit Mick Hill will get the defensive task of limiting Stewart’s offensive production.

Australian Institute of Sport vs Frankston
After a disappointing 0-2 weekend in Melbourne in round eight, AIS will be keen to return to the winners circle this weekend with a victory over the second placed Frankston Blues. The battle in the paint between Blues David Gruber (26.4ppg, 13.2rpg, 2.4bpg) and AIS youngster Andrew Ogilvy (17.8ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.6bpg) will have a major impact on the games final outcome.

Geelong vs Nunawading
Geelong continues to rack up the victories, and the team proved that a trip to the Apple Isle is not going to halter their undefeated season aspirations. Supercats bench players Myers (17.0ppg, 9.1rpg) and Cox (15.2ppg, 1.8apg) were the dominant players all weekend, and combined with fellow bench players average 46.6 of the teams 114 points per game this season. This is a big luxury for coach Mark Leader, as he can call on a number of players to keep the scoreboard ticking.

NW Tasmania vs Bendigo
Bendigo has a great record against NW Tasmania in Devonport, and currently holds a two game winning streak against the Thunder at home. NW Tasmania is the worst rebounding team in the league, with only 38 rebounds per game. However they are one of the best offensive teams as they average 102 points at the third best field goal percentage. A solid defensive game will be required by the Braves if they are to secure the win and remain in first place on the South Men ladder.

Southern Districts vs Ballarat
Along with Geelong, Southern Districts are the inform team of late with six successive victories. Spartans average winning margin at home is 26 so far this season, and smashed third placed Canberra by 36pts last weekend. Southern Districts are receiving valuable productivity from NBL players Gibson (19.4ppg, 4.8apg), Williamson and Vanderjagt (18.3ppg, 13.0rpg) each weekend, which is helping the Spartans record the victories. Ballarat will need to contain these three players to have any chance of securing a victory.

Kilsyth vs Knox
Situated just 12 km apart and representing the two biggest associations in Australia, this rivalry has grown into that of a Collingwood v Essendon AFL Anzac Day blockbuster. With a capacity crowd expected at the Snakepit for Saturday night’s games, both clubs will be looking for big things from their respective teams. Kilsyth recorded a 95-82 victory in round six but have been disappointing since, dropping their past three games. Knox on the other hand have added second import John Bryant, secured a 3-1 record and moved into second position since the disappointing loss.

Canberra vs Frankston
Gunners coach Frank Arsego will be seeking a victory this weekend against the higher placed Frankston, hoping to erase the memory of last weeks ugly loss to Southern Districts. Gunners Petrie (25.0ppg, 12.5rpg) was once again the lone ranger for Canberra, and will need more assistance from his team mates this week. Frankston hold a slim 17-16 career advantage over Canberra, but have only secured a win on five occasions when games are played in the ACT.
Michael Runchey (Frank) – 50th SEABL Game

Nunawading vs Kilsyth
Another high octane local rivalry game awaits Kilsyth on Sunday, and it will be a very physical and intense battle between the two teams. Both teams had great season starts but have struggled of late and a victory this weekend is what both coaches will be striving for to rectify their current form slump. Shane McDonald (20.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 7.2apg) is having a career best season and will be ken for another solid performance in his milestone game.
Shane McDonald (Nuna) – 50th SEABL Game