SYDNEY SWIFTS v QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS
Queensland hold the dubious honor of being the hottest favorite in CBT punting history to be rolled (at $1.03, if you don't mind - couldn't BELIEVE the price at the time either!), and meeting the Swifts this week will be no easy task either. Having said that, the Swifts have their own distraction this week, with 3 national players opting to stay overseas to see the sights rather, than returning immediately from national duty. Suspect the reduced firepower, and anger at the lack of respect shown to the Firebirds in this tactic, may result in the massive upset. Have a good look at the odds on this one when released: Firebirds may be as long as $6.00. It is worth a look at, for both the straight out and the points in.
TIP: FIREBIRDS 2-3 goals
HUNTER JAEGERS v CANBERRA DARTERS
The hottest team in (no, I won't go on with it...regular readers know this part with Hunter for me
) meeting the youthful Darters, the latter fresh from a spanking at the hands of the Phoenix. Hunter thumped usual league benchmark, Sydney last start, and look to be thriving at the hands of coach Jon Fletcher. A lot to like about the Jaegers early on-court ( ) and all jokes aside, the early surprise packets. They should pack too many guns for the Darters, who will have a real dip but come up short.
TIP: HUNTER 6-8 goals
PERTH ORIOLES v ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS
Perth stunned the Firebirds last week wheh they made the long road trip and knocked them off, in a huge boost for the young Westerners. The T-Birds, however, make a stronger challenge. The loss of Kirby Mutton for the season is a massive blow, and they will really need a lift from the likes of Amanda Martin to cover this. The Beatons offer real depth also, and the return from national duty of the VonBertouch sisters will be a huge boost. The T-Birds to click into top gear.
TIP: ADELAIDE 10-12 goals
MELBOURNE KESTRELS v HUNTER JAEGERS
Yes, this is correct, Hunter backing up two days later. Melbourne have been much better these last two weeks, and Julie Prendergast's (not to be confused with Ian Prendergast, although at times this can be understood
) return has been a huge boost also. Their attacking style should be enough to shut the Jaegers down after a hard match two days prior. Melbourne to build the advantage.
TIP: MELBOURNE 4-6 goals
MELBOURNE PHOENIX v SYDNEY SWIFTS
The two traditional rivals slug it out in a real battle for the purists; if you can get it on TV (Fox?) anywhere, it will be well worth it. The Swifts have been sat down properly the last two weeks, and of all teams to meet in this form vein, Melbourne at home would have been among the last options. Having said that, there is something nagging at me to take the Swifts, also assuming my first prediction two days earlier spurs them into action. It should be a classic.
TIP: SYDNEY 2-3
