SEABL MID WEEK PREVIEWS WOMEN ROUND 19
SEABL WOMEN GAME OF THE WEEK
KNOX v GEELONG
Saturday 4th August 6:00pm @ State Sports Centre
Knox has been the dominant force all season, and are currently on an eleven game winning streak. Coach Cheryl Chambers has led the team superbly and blended a team of quality veterans, experienced role players and promising youngsters into a goliath. However, Geelong has been something of a bogey team for Knox. Of the Raiders four defeats in the last two years, two have been at the hands of the Supercats, and that includes the Raiders only loss this year.
So why are Geelong able to disrupt the championship favourites? Firstly, because they are also a team of quality veterans, experienced role players and promising youngsters, the Supercats match up very well with Knox. Geelong also has star power like the Raiders. Deanna Smith will possibly return to the line-up this week after missing the past two weeks to injury, and she recorded 25 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals in their round 9 encounter this year. The Supercats frontcourt of Abby Schrader and Candice Rogers can also match it with the Raiders bigs of Emily Fryters and Amy Denson, although Rogers is under an injury cloud and is only a small chance of playing this week.
Even though Knox have sewn up the South Conference and sealed the Minor Premiership, Geelong are still fighting Dandenong for first place in the East Conference and home court advantage in the finals. With each of the Supercats remaining three games being crucial to their playoff aspirations, Knox can expect another tough clash against Geelong this weekend.
Prediction: Knox by 3.
HOBART v FRANKSTON
Friday 3rd August 6:00pm
Hobart is a team high on confidence, and playing quality basketball. All players are fit and healthy, and a victory against Frankston may just seal their spot in the playoffs. This is also their last regular season game and possibly last home game, so coach Dan Krebs will be hoping to secure the win and thank the fans for their support this year.
CANBERRA v KILSYTH
Saturday 4th August 5:30pm
Behind two quality victories last weekend, Kilsyth have found their groove once again. Hayley Moffatt was outstanding last week, and although the Capitals Academy is tougher at home, will look to carry her team to another win this week.
ALBURY/WODONGA v BRISBANE
Saturday 4th August 6:00pm
Albury/Wodonga produced a disappointing performance in Brisbane when these teams last met, so Coach Tammy Goyne will be keen for a better effort in the return fixture. Its also the Lady Bandits last home game, and a final chance to win in front of their fans.
BENDIGO v SANDRINGHAM
Saturday 4th August 6:00pm
Having lost to the Braves in round 15, the Sabres will be keen to record a win this week and gain a mental edge heading into their potential semi final showdown. Sabres guard Michaela Cocks was away on New Zealand commitments when they last played so her addition this week should give the Sabres the extra offensive production they need to win this game.
NUNAWADING v BALLARAT
Saturday 4th August 6:30pm
Nunawading have been struck with the injury curse, as three players will be out of action this weekend. This will come as welcome news to the Rush who must win all remaining games to make the playoffs this year.
LAUNCESTON v FRANKSTON
Saturday 4th August 7:30pm
Both teams are well out of playoff contention, but after a trying season that almost never got off the ground, the Tornadoes will be desperate to win at home in their final game of the season.
BALLARAT v KNOX
Sunday 5th August 12:00pm
Both teams come into the match after tough games the night before, and will look to their benches for an edge to guide them to victory. But having beaten the Rush by 30 points in round 14, the Raiders will be confident of another win this week.
GEELONG v DANDENONG
Sunday 5th August 12:00pm
After a challenging game against Knox the previous night, this encounter will be a true test of the Supercats championship credentials. Additionally, should these teams finish the season level on wins, Geelong will also need to overcome an 8-point head-to-head differential to take top spot from the defending champions.
SANDRINGHAM v BRISBANE
Sunday 5th August 12:30pm
Depending on results the previous night, this game could determine the fourth placed team in the East Conference. Brisbane needs to win all three remaining games, and hope Sandringham loses all three of their remaining games. So if the Sabres win, they guarantee themselves a playoff spot.
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