1. Lakeside Lightning (first place, 4-0 record) - Lakeside are about to enter their most difficult stretch of the season, with the bulk of their next 10 games tough on paper. Still, you'd have to back the Lightning to win the bulk of them given how convincing they've been so far.

2. Australian Belt Scrapers Wanneroo Wolves (third, 4-1) - Losing to Willetton isn't reason to panic, but it is a bit of a concern. They were without Matacz and Hire which was likely the explanation, but they'll be hoping the below-par effort had nothing to do with Ben Ettridge's absence since he'll miss the pointy end of the season.

3. Perth Redbacks (second, 4-1) - The Redbacks continue to impress and much of it is due to Michael Vigor's huge improvement. The big man is averaging 24 and 10 to help put Perth on course for the top four.

4. Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers (sixth, 2-2) - It's hard to fault a weekend that saw them beat the defending champions, but a home loss to Perry Lakes shouldn't be happening. But if the Tigers beat Cockburn they could get on a roll with a friendly upcoming run.

5. Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks (fourth, 3-1) - Perry Lakes have flown under the radar a little bit, but given their only loss so far is against Perth they've been impressive. After hosting Wanneroo they face Lakeside and Geraldton away though, so they could be about to slide.

6. Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers (seventh, 2-2) - The Buccs need to make Active West Stadium a fortress to contend for the title, but a narrow loss to Lakeside without an import is hardly a disgrace. Should win their next three against the Giants, Eagles and Flames.

7. Cockburn Cougars (eighth, 2-2) - Given they're still short an import, Cockburn have been quite impressive so far. Willetton this week will be a major test, but don't be surprised if the Cougars score an upset.

8. Mandurah Magic (ninth, 2-2) - The Magic fought hard but fell short against Perth but they're still showing some good signs. Their next two are against the Slammers and Flames and they have to take advantage if they want to play finals.

9. John Hughes Stirling Senators (fifth, 3-2) - Stirling always should've beaten East Perth and South West, but the way they did it was impressive. Now it's time for them to stand up against the top teams, with a brutal next three against Lakeside, Wanneroo and Perth.

10. Silver Lake Resources Goldfields Giants (11th, 1-3) - The Giants need to pull something out ASAP or they're going to be in a hole almost impossible to recover from. In their next three games they face Geraldton and Lakeside away and host Willetton. They're likely to be 1-6 and it's going to be very hard to make the playoffs from there.

11. Kalamunda Eastern Suns (12th, 1-3) - The Suns were desperate for a win in Kalgoorlie and they delivered with a thrilling four point triumph. With their next four games against the Eagles, Slammers, Magic and Senators, Kalamunda could get on a roll.

12. People's Choice East Perth Eagles (13th, 0-4) - If the Eagles are going to win a game before their round eight clash against Rockingham, it probably has to be this week against Kalamunda. It could get pretty ugly for Adam Forde's side if they lose.

13. Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers (10th, 1-2) - Just when you think the Slammers could be on the right track, they get annihilated by 37 points at home by Stirling. Given their other home game was a 38 point loss, it's a big concern. At least they won't go winless this year.

14. Rockingham Flames (14th, 0-4) - Only one of the Flames' four losses has been by less than 14 points, which was still a comfortable nine point triumph for Goldfields. Highly unlikely to win any of their next three, which come against Willetton, Mandurah and Geraldton.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)

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