Hobart vs AIS
With the Emus players still on tour in France, a lot will be expected of AIS youngsters Zac Carter, Kyle Armour and Mitchell Young this weekend. The AIS team travelling this week has an averageage of 16.7, with Carter the oldestplayer at 18 years of age. Hobart has major injury worries with sharpshooter Anthony Stewart nursing a calf injury and Ray Browning also on the injury list.

Southern Districts vs Geelong
Match of the round, with the two best teams in the league this year doing battle. Supercats defeated Spartans 117-90 in Round 1 this year, but the Southern Districts team has changed for the better since this game. Australian Boomer Sam Mackinnon is due to depart for NBA camp, but may be deferring his trip, which will make him available for this clash. His presence will be a major factor in the game's outcome. Bruce Palmer is a talented coach and he will need to organise a game plan to defeat the Geelong zone if he is going to put an end to the Supercats' undefeated streak.

NW Tasmania vs AIS
After a disappointing 0-2 weekend on the mainland, NW Tasmania coach Mark Radford will be keen to guide his team back into the winners' circle. Thunder Import Troy deVries (30.1ppg, 2.7apg, 1.9spg) was in sensational form lastweek with two 40+ games and will need to be contained thisweek if the AIS are to record the victory.

Frankston vs Canberra
Another quality match-up with the third and fourth best teams in the league, both with an 11-7 season record, striving for a victory. Canberra currently hold the lead with a 101-94 victory, therefore Frankston need to win by eight points or more to grab the elusive head to head advantage should the teams be tied at the end of the regular season.

Knox vs Ballarat
Knox Raiders hold a two-game winning streak against Ballarat including last year’s memorable one-point elimination final victory. Knox is in a major slump with sixconsecutive losses and receiving minimal contributions from import John Bryant. His late arrival and inability to perform
at this level consistently have affected the Raiders' success this year. Although sitting on the bottom of the ladder both teams still have a slim chance of making the finals and a victory this week could be the medicine they need to make a late surge for Championship glory.

Albury/Wodonga vs Mt Gambier
Pioneers coach Jason Sedlock will be keen for another solid performance from imports Lewis and Blankson along with Round 14 Player of the Week Jon Shepherd. Mt Gambier have a poor 1-7 road record this year and have struggled against Albury at home in recent years, having not
secured a win since 2003. The Bandits, on the other hand, need a victory to remain in finals contention as another loss will damage their season goals.

Bendigo vs Canberra
Although sitting on top of the South men's ladder with a three-game advantage, Bendigo will be keen to record their fourth consecutive victory over the Gunners at Schweppes Stadium this week. Cross conference games are highly important, but the Braves are 4-5 against East teams this year and coach Wayne Larkins will be keen to improve thatrecord this week. Gunner Anthony Petrie will likely match-up on 2006 West Sydney Razorback Cameron Rigby, which
is sure to be an interesting battle.

SEABL WOMEN: ROUND 15

Knox vs Southern Districts
Fresh after a confidence-boosting three-point victory against ladder-leaders Ballarat, Knox will be keen to continue their winning streak against the struggling Lady Spartans. Southern Districts recorded a surprising 70-55 victory in Round 1 against Knox, but the Raiders have since added the Opals Twin Towers and will go into this week's contest as firm favourites to secure the win.

Albury/Wodonga vs Ballarat
Lady Miners coach Kym Cassells will be keen to guide her team back into form after losing to Knox last round. With only eight games remaining until finals, Ballarat hope to kickstart their finals preparations with another undefeated streak of games, starting with a win against the Lady Bandits this week. Ballarat defensive specialist Kellie Abrams will get the task of limiting the offensive opportunities of her WNBL Capitals teammate Jessica Bibby. Jess's scoring production is vital to the Lady Bandits, and she along with Hurst, Sinclair and Plunkett will need to be at their best to defeat the Lady Miners.

NW Tasmania vs Launceston
Thunder coach Craig Johnson has had two chances already, and been unsuccessful, but will be hoping it's third time lucky this week in the state rivalry match-up. Launceston athletic star Cassie Jordan is playing quality basketball at the moment and is a key ingredient in the Tornadoes' recent 4-1 streak. Another loss this week to the Lady Thunder will likely put an end to any chances of a finals position.

Bendigo vs Albury/Wodonga
Currently tied for second position with Knox, every game for the remainder of the season is highly important for the Lady Braves. Bendigo can't afford to ease up against lower-ranked opponents and, despite sitting in eighth position, Albury/Wodonga are capable of defeating the Lady Braves as they proved in week one with an 85-77 victory. Nat Hurst showcased a Player of the Week performance in Round 14 and her battle in the back court with Australian Opal Kristi Harrower will be a highlight.

Frankston vs Southern Districts
A battle between the two bottom teams of the competition, but it's sure to be an entertaining affair. Lady Spartans have recorded two victories already this season, 57-52 in Round 1 and 65-59 in Round 7. New Perth Lynx recruit Holly Smith has been a consistent performer in both games and will be a player the Lady Blues need to pay great attention to at the defensive end.