Week Six Men's Power Rankings
Six weeks into the season, SBL.asn.au writer Jacob Kagi evaluates where each team is at, including looking at the teams most likely to rise from a slow start or drop down the ladder in the coming weeks.
1. Lakeside Lightning (2nd place, 6-1 record) - Despite the prolonged absence of star forward Ben Beran, the Lightning have won three straight since losing to Willetton. Will be difficult to beat when at full-strength, but face a tough test this weekend against Cockburn.
2. Cockburn Cougars (1st, 7-1) - Easily the surprise packets of the season, the Cougars bounced back with an important 10-point win over Perth. Will strengthen their title credentials further with victory against Lakeside.
3. SKILLED Goldfields Giants (4th, 5-3) - The Giants are on a roll, having won five of their last six, including wins over top eight sides Rockingham and Perth last weekend. Should consolidate their top four spot with a win over the Slammers on Saturday.
4. Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers (8th, 4-4) - Have recovered from a slow start to win three of their last four and appear to be back on track. When Matt Knight and Cam Tovey return the Tigers should be among the elite teams.
5. Wanneroo Wolves (3rd, 6-3) - Suffered a blow with a tough loss to Willetton last round, but have a good chance to bounce back when they host the Senators on Saturday.
6. Perth Redbacks (5th, 5-4) - Have lost three of their last four games and appear to be taking time to gel, but should still be considered a legitimate title contender with Jesse Wagstaff expected to return in the next few weeks.
7. Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers (9th, 4-4) - Geraldton have finally found some form with three straight wins and appear to be finally gelling. Can send a real statement to the league with victory over Perry Lakes on Saturday.
8. Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks (7th, 4-4) - Another side searching for consistency, as shown by the way they backed up their win over Cockburn with a loss to East Perth. Have the potential to beat anyone on their day though.
9. Rockingham Flames (6th, 4-3) - Have fallen back to earth with defeats in three of their previous four games but have a golden chance to get back into form when they face local rivals Mandurah on Friday.
10. Australian Central East Perth Eagles (10th, 4-5) - Have been inconsistent but showed what they're capable of with their impressive victory over the Hawks last round.
11. ATD Stirling Senators (11th, 3-4) - The Senators provided a tough challenge to Lakeside on the weekend and had won three of their previous four before then. Could shoot right up in the rankings if Lee Roberts' hot form continues.
12. Mandurah Magic (12th, 2-6) - With Taylor Mullenax's late arrival and Casey Crevelone's injury, Mandurah hasn't been at full strength all season and has struggled as a result. Must improve immediately to keep their finals hopes alive.
13. Kalamunda Eastern Suns (13th, 2-6) - The Suns have lost five straight and will have to turn it around quickly to maintain any hope of making the top eight.
14. Southwest Slammers (14th, 0-8) - It appears likely to be another long season for the Slammers but have come close in a few of their recent matches and should break through for a win soon.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Grant Lauterbach
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.