History for siac

theprof

newzealandpower

If there is nothing left to play for - I would actually like to see some fringe players being given a bit of a run over the next few games - so they can be tested at this level and, who knows, maybe a gem or two can be unearthed a-la Callan Elliot...

there's always something to play for, even with just a mathematical chance of making the 6 we have to keep playing and fielding our strongest team each week.

We are only 1 win out of the 6, currently on 26 points after 20 matches. 5th Macarthur are on 29, after 20 games. 2nd and 3rd are on 32 and 31 poiunts after 20. all we need is a couple of wins and they lose (like CCM are doing) and we could well be sitting 4th. Perth's 3 make up games are going to be in quick succession, so really tough on them, same with Brisbane. It's all on to finish in the 6 - we can't just give up with so many games to go.

Realistically I reckon the odds of us making the top 6 are slim, maybe 1 in 5. Looking at the remaining fixtures for all the contenders I'd say MC and Sydney both have too much class not to be there which leaves four spots.

You might think CCM are vulnerable given their recent form but with 32 points and the Jets still to play twice they would have to choke massively not to make it. Adelaide have looked consistently good enough to make me think that 3 wins from their last 7 games will put them over the line.

MacArthur are the frustrating one. They are dull but effective, as we saw when they beat us. They've got MV twice and what will be a very tired Perth team. Those and another decent result would be enough. WSW had a good derby win but they've got quite a tough run in and I doubt they'll have the consistency to make it. There's one we can catch anyway

WU have got games in hand but compressed into a short space of time, and they are so heavily reliant on Diamanti that if he runs into fitness issues they may struggle. Roar also have a big backlog of games but they are a really impressive unit. Can't see them missing out.

As far as our hopes go we almost need 5 wins from our last 6 games, although who knows maybe we could sneak in with 39 points depending on other results. My hope is that at the very least we can get enough points before the WSW home game to make it meaningful for the players and a big home crowd. I could actually see us winning our last three games and bagging a playoff spot on the last day of the season!