With only two rounds before the playoffs all the teams still have a shot to make it through. Who will be able to snatch the opportunities that present themselves and who will be left wondering what could’ve been….
Melbourne Maelstrom (1st, 3-0)
Three wins is probably enough to qualify for the finals but one more from their last two games would make it a sure thing. No doubt the Maelstrom have their eyes on finishing top and the free path straight to the $1,000 Grand Final match. While their first two rounds weren’t all that convincing, Melbourne flexed their muscle against the Revenge in Round 3 to solidify their standing as the team to beat. Their biggest test will come this weekend against a Brisbane team that is currently booming and looks to be the main threat for the regular season crown.
Remaining Fixture:
- Round 4: Brisbane Boom – Sunday 5th July 1pm AEST
- Round 5: Perth Fury – Sunday 12th July 11am AEST
Brisbane Boom (2nd, 2-1)
After faltering in Round 1 against Adelaide, the Boom have looked unstoppable, winning 17 of a possible 18 games over the next two weeks. The run home for Brisbane looks a bit more challenging though with the Boom taking on the two other top three teams in Melbourne and Sydney in the last two rounds. Wins in those two games could see Brisbane leapfrog the Maelstrom for top place in the standings.
Remaining Fixture:
- Round 4: Melbourne Maelstrom – Sunday 5th July 1pm AEST
- Round 5: Sydney Endeavour – Sunday 12th July 1pm AEST
Sydney Endeavour (3rd, 2-1)
Sydney could have been the team we were all talking about if they had managed to grab a win over Melbourne in week 1. Equally they were probably lucky to escape with a win against Adelaide in week 2 so 2-1 might be a fair representation of how this team is performing. Will be hoping that the teams above them fall over to give them a chance at the free pass through to the Grand Final, their match with the Brisbane Boom in round 5 shaping to be a crucial one.
Remaining Fixture:
- Round 4: New Zealand Rush – Sunday 5th July 11am AEST
- Round 5: Brisbane Boom – Sunday 12th July 1pm AEST
Adelaide Revenge (4th, 1-2)
More than capable of making the finals from this position with their two remaining matches coming against teams below them in the current standings while the top three teams will be taking wins off each other. Adelaide are also in touching distance when it comes to sets and games won which will make the tiebreaker situation interesting come season’s end. Perth and New Zealand are no easy beats however so Adelaide can’t put a foot wrong or their season will be over.
Remaining Fixture:
- Round 4: Perth Fury – Saturday 4th July 6pm AEST
- Round 5: New Zealand Rush – Saturday 11th July 6pm AEST
Perth Fury (5th, 1-2)
After a couple of rough weeks for the Fury they will need to regroup quickly as their finals campaign starts now with what are looking like must win games against Adelaide and Melbourne. They will also want to ensure they pick up as many game and set wins as possible to bridge the gap in the tiebreakers. Their unconventional comps and map banning and picking may be the key to unlock their path to playoff action.
Remaining Fixture:
- Round 4: Adelaide Revenge – Saturday 4th July 6pm AEST
- Round 5: Melbourne Maelstrom – Sunday 12th July 11am AEST
New Zealand Rush (6th, 0-3)
If they have crunched the numbers, which we know ThePurpleNess1 has (thanks ATAR Support!), then the Rush will realise they are still a mathematical chance of playing finals this season. While they ran into a red hot Brisbane Boom team on the weekend, don’t forget that this team won more games than league leaders Melbourne in their match up and went toe to toe with Perth in Round 1. They need a lot of results to fall their way but the Rush are no easy beats and could spoil the finals ambitions of their upcoming opponents. The comeback of a lifetime starts this Sunday against Sydney.
Remaining Fixture:
- Round 4: Sydney Endeavour – Sunday 5th July 11am AEST
- Round 5: Adelaide Revenge – Saturday 11th July 6pm AEST