If there’s a mathematical chance of the Dolphins surviving then this is the game. 9th v 8th and both sides probably shouldn’t be in this position but after 15 games there’s really no hard luck stories any more. Since the Winter Olympics are on it would be timely to see Joondalup add another ’Olympic Ring’ to their season. That’s 3 ‘rings’ (0 pts) since R12. You could say they’re in complete free fall but that’s probably not so accurate as they’ve also lost 5 games 1-7 so they probably shouldn’t have their illustrious Olympic Ring already. This game is Mossies for the taking but I’d see a good old Kal Two Up as having 3 times the chance of Mossies away. Nevertheless Mossies win this & they are guaranteed safety, if they don’t, the door is ever so ajar for a Joondalup miracle.

The Cougars are struggling the last few rounds in getting a big Agg to guarantee safety or even Finals but at this stage finals is likely not an option which puts some pressure on this one. With 10pts from 4th, they likely can’t make Finals but 3 from 3 on the run to the finish might get them a look at 4th but it’s a challenge. The Eagles remain a conundrum as the previous champs struggle to string together solid form. With 3 home games in a row they were sure to jump up the ladder but they’ll need a little more in the tank to take the Cougars at home. 2 similar teams on paper so this should be a very tight contest with maybe the Cougars getting over the line with a blowout rink.

The Reds have a good chance here against the Saints who are fighting for mid table safety. Not a huge amount on this game as both sides have little aspiration of winning anything so it’s probably more about pride & finishing the season well. I still feel sorry for the Saints chosen to stack the from end of the season with home games but they’ve fought hard on the road since Christmas but not converting in the front half makes the back half nothing but pure survival which can be challenging in a good way but also tiring.

Are the Beach Boys in free fall or they popped the champers a few weeks too early, either way they dropped the last 2 games in a row & 1 of them they got touched up by The Bay. Should you count your chicken before hatching? If they drop this then it’s probably game on for the chasing pack. If the Pioneers can jump the sleepy Beach boys then it could make this interesting. A win for North Perth gives them a huge look at finals. That 4th spot can swing either way so there’s a lot on the table here for both sides.

3rd v 2nd with only 2pts between both sides this fixture is probably Game of the Round. Both can be home track bullies but the Kats have shown away form this season. The Bay have the incredible luxury of 3 home games in a row after a previous 2 dropped on the road. Going 3 from 3 heading into R17 will put them right in the hut & possible guarantee the double chance in 2nd. The Kats have the confidence & momentum to make this a hell of a tussle. Yes they dropped a Clanger in R11 to the Reds but since then they have been sensational home & away. The Bay probably face the most in form team in the divy at present & one of the few to recently beat the ladder leaders. Can’t see more than a bakers dozen in this one.