Hope followers jumped on last week, with the selections giving 3 from 4 and a strong lead in to the other game, with a bet at the points on the Darters that would have got up. This week's round looks intriguing:
QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS v PERTH ORIOLES
The winless Orioles take the longest road trip in the CBT when they head north to meet surprise packets, the Firebirds. After their deflating loss to the AIS Darters last week, Perth face an uphill battle in this one. QLD look to have far too much power in the goal circle, even allowing for another quiet one from Dziwoki. Firebirds by plenty.
QLD: 11-13
HUNTER JAEGERS v SYDNEY SWIFTS
The league's hottest team (http://www.netball.asn.au/_uploads/res/31_1849.jpg) take on the Swifts at home, brimming with confidence they can push the benchmark team, who suffered a shock loss to the Kestrels last week. Sydney will still be missing plenty on national duty, which will give the Jaegers a real look in for this encounter. If having a punt, look very carefully at the points spread on this - there should be value to be found. We'll take Sydney in a nailbiter, but the Jaegers are not to be discounted at all.
SYD: 2-4
MELBOURNE PHOENIX v CANBERRA DARTERS
Some thought the Darters would go through the season winless, which was blown out of the water last week with an inspirational victory over in Perth. Even allowing for some absences on national duty for Melbourne, however, Canberra are facing a different kettle of fish here, especially with the Phoenix at home in their cauldron, which brings down much better teams than this. Phoenix to record a big one.
MELB 10-12
MELBOURNE KESTRELS v ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS
The T-Birds hit the road to face a fired Kestrels, who brought down Sydney for the first time in 20 months last week. They took advantage of so many holes in the Swifts lineup through the nationals, but still put them away well. The T-Birds will have a tough one here - Kirby Mutton's loss is massive, and coach Tania Obst will be stroking the rosary beads waiting for her return. Still plenty of class around the court for Adelaide, but so many youngsters makes their task a little tougher. Kestrels to prevail and move into the top 4.
MELB 5-7
Good luck punters. Again - have a very close look at points spreads on these games. The TAB are taking their time to get things completely right and there are dollars to be made with some study.