1. Lakeside Lightning (1st place, 20-2 record) - It was always going to be tough without Ben Beran and Brad Jackson, but the Lightning overcame those absences to beat Rockingham and Kalamunda. Lakeside remains the clear favourite.

2. Wanneroo Wolves (2nd, 17-5) - Had few difficulties in Kalgoorlie as they comfortably beat the Giants to extend their winning streak to six games. Wanneroo is clearly Lakeside's biggest challenger.

3. Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks (3rd, 14-7) - Recovered from last week's shock loss to Stirling with a big victory against the Suns, which was a big step towards securing a top four spot.

4. Cockburn Cougars (4th, 14-8) - The Cougars have lost five of their past eight games, a far cry from a streak where they won 11 of their first 14. Have the potential to be better, but it's looking increasingly unlikely that they can win the title.

5. Australian Central East Perth Eagles (7th, 11-10) - East Perth's tremendous form came to a surprising end in Geraldton, but their results since the addition of Drew Williamson still suggest they can do some damage in the playoffs.

6. Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers (5th, 13-9) - After two shocking losses in as many weeks, Willetton really needed to bounce back and make a statement against the Cougars, which it was able to do. Nevertheless, after 60-point losses to Lakeside and Wanneroo, it's hard to see them defending their championship.

7. Perth Redbacks (8th, 11-11) - Were disappointing to say the least through the middle of the season, but have won three of their past four and should be favourites to get the final spot in the top eight. With their talent, they could do some damage in the finals.

8. ATD Stirling Senators (6th, 12-10) - The Senators would have been terrified when they were down late in the game against the Slammers, but they came back to win and it was one they really needed. One win from their last four should guarantee a playoff spot, with Saturday's game against Kalamunda the most likely victory.

9. SKILLED Goldfields Giants (9th, 10-12) - Must win two of their last four to have any chance of making the eight. While it's not impossible, their record in Perth, where two of the four games are, doesn't inspire confidence, and the Cougars in Kalgoorlie this weekend will be tricky.

10. Kalamunda Eastern Suns (10th, 9-12) - It's hard to see Kalamunda bouncing back from its two losses last round to make the finals. To have any hope, they'll have to beat Mandurah and Stirling this weekend.

11. Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers (11th, 8-14) - Caused a shock with a home win against East Perth over the weekend, but it's too little, too late for the Buccs. Their mathematical playoff hopes will be over if they lose, as expected, to Lakeside on Saturday.

12. Mandurah Magic (12th, 7-14) - Were tipped by many to cause a few upsets in the final weeks of the season but it hasn't happened, with their only win from their past five games coming against the Slammers.

13. Rockingham Flames (13th, 6-16) - It's staggering to think the Flames have won just two of their past 17 games. The season started promisingly, but it has all come crashing down for Rockingham.

14. Southwest Slammers (14th, 0-22) - The Slammers were gallant against Stirling and nearly caused a massive upset, but fell just short. It's unlikely they'll be able to break the doughnut now.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Mick Cronin

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