TOPIC:

Couple weeks off for me now back at it for the last 2 rounds of the regular season. The 5 looks mostly set, one team does have a sniff but its going to be mighty tough. Top spot is settled for most people I think but positions 2 thru 5 are not exactly done and dusted yet

HAMERSLEY 9th v MELVILLE 4th

Hamersley showed much more last week than they have all year. In the process they put a massive dent in one club's finals aspirations. The Rams scored a tight win over a side above them which guarantees them finals action. They will take care of business here and i think with other potential results among the teams above them, they are going to storm into the top 3 by seasons end. Melville 6 goals.

BULLCREEK 3rd v THORNLIE 2nd

Bullcreek need this one to try lock down the double chance. Couldn't ask for a tougher run home though having to face the top 2 sides. Thornlie have had a tough last 2 weeks, losing to Ridge and only just getting over Gossies. Up until now they've been fairly solid and Im expecting they've had a big week on the track and will get the chocolates this week and leave the Creek vulnerable to the Rams. Thornlie 3 goals.

CARLISLE 6th v WARNBRO 8th

Carlisle would be and should be fuming. They dropped the one game last week they could ill afford to. From here they need some luck and to be perfect. It starts this week by beating the swans handsomely which i think they will. I feel Warnbro will already be looking towards next week to try finish their season on a high. Carlisle 8 goals.

GOSNELLS 5th v BASSENDEAN 1st

Gosnells can seal their finals action if they beat the top side this week. But if Im Basso this is the perfect warm up over the next two weeks on their charge to the flag and B grade. Cant see them going lightly on saturday, Gossies will try but ultimately they just dont have the polish to get over the line. Bassendean 5 goals.

OCEAN RIDGE 7th v KENWICK 10th

Definately a bit of a what if season for the Ridge. They lost a few close ones early which if they went the other way could easily see them fighting for the 5. Two weeks left for them which are both very winnable and see them finish on a high and prep for a full on attack at C1 next year. Ridge 12 goals.

Thanks to OSW for kicking off the discussion this week.

A fine weekend beckons - let's see how it pans out.

Great result for Hammersley last week, having struggled all season. Can't see them repeating the performance over Melville though.

Bullcreek and Thornlie play MOTR this week - again, one of two probably cracker games. Expect Thornlie to get up, but probably fairly narrowly.

Carlisle's season all but ended last week, though they should get up over Warnbro. They really need the Gods with them to see finals this year.

Gosnells gave Thornlie too much of a start last week, but it was probably inaccuracy that cost them the game. Can't afford a repeat this week to have any chance of a home final in Round 1 of finals. Should be close and could go either way. Gosnells - just.

Ocean Ridge should continue Kenwick's misery this week.

Reserves should again be interesting, with top spot still open to 4 teams and 5th spot still in doubt.

Round 17 is here, and finally the sun has come out. We have another great round of fixtures, and maybe there will be another upset or two?

Hammersley host Melville. Hammersley got a good win against the odds last week, but I'm not sure I can see them repeating that result. Melville will want to continue on the winners list and try to claim the double chance. I think they will get a step closer this week and win by 27 points.

Bullcreek host Thornlie in what should be a cracking game. The first encounter was a close result and I don't expect this week to be any different. Bullcreek will be keen to win to stay in the hunt for the double chance, and Thornlie will be keen to sow up second spot. I think Thornlie will prevail in a very tight encounter and win by 3 points.

Carlisle will look to get another win against Warnbro. Both sides have battled well this year with depth clearly their issue. It is something both clubs will try to address in the off season so they can stay competitive in C1. Carlisle by 33 points

Ridge at home against Kenwick, they will win that by 77 points. Kenwick are counting down the days until they go to C2 and regroup.

Gosnells v Bassendean should be the other good game for this round. Gosnells seem to start their games slowly, and then come home with the wet sail. I hear they had chances last week against Thornlie but just could not take them when they presented. Bassendean continue to take all before them, they are rolling along and have sewed up top spot. I expect them to throw everything at Gosnells this week and win by 22 points.

Good luck to everyone, there is still a lot at stake, top spot may be tied up but every other spot in the five is up for grabs. Relegation is sorted so that allows the bottom placed clubs to play with freedom.

May you kick the ball straight, and get cold frothies afterwards.