ABL Semi-Final Previews

Sturt vs Forestville - Semi-Final Men

This result will determine on whether the Sabres suit Austin Smylie and Oscar Forman BUT the Eagles did defeat a fully strengthen Sabres outfit a few weeks back so it should be a non-issue for Forestville.

The match-up of Scott Arnold vs Darren Ng will go a long way into decidiing a winner in this one. But no Forman and/or Smylie will increase the importance of Jason Dix for the Eagles.

Buoyed by a great win last week against the Mavericks, Forestville will be the first men's side into the Central ABL decider.

Tip: FORESTVILLE by 9pts

Eastern vs Norwood - Semi-Final Men

The Flames have proven over the last fortnight that they have peaked at exactly the right time of year. Overcoming injuries to star players while also getting a lift from role players is a great mixture for playoff success.

Eastern however have limped into the finals and without the non-qualified Jacob Holmes and an injured Ben Madgen, Norwood should be too strong and spoil the Mount Barker party, however, Eastern have never lost a home final.

Brad Hill will have to put up "2004 Holmes" like numbers and great great support from Brad Bungey, Ben Trebilcock and Stephen Williams for the Mavericks to have any chance.

Tip: Norwood by 12pts

North Adelaide vs Southern Tigers - Elimination Semi-Final Women

After dropping their home game against Forestville last week, the Rockets will not want to go out in straight sets, and lose both at home.

Southern, the in form team of the competition, will go into the game confident after taking care of business at Hillcrest the last time they visited this season.

The fitness of Colleen Kaesler will be a key indgredient to Tigers success but the injection of Leah Cannon has given the Tigers a much needed spark.

Stopping "twin towers" Tracey Beatty and Nerrida Cooper will be the plan for North. Something that the Bearcats failed to achieve last weekend.

North need to shoot well to win the game and if SOuthern improve on last weekend's performance, then it won't matter who they're playing.

Tip: Southern by 15pts

Sturt vs Forestville - Double Chance Semi-Final Women

A stirring road victory against North last week has again proven that Forestville women know how to win big finals.

Expect Dee Ranford, Narelle Lindsay, Rebecca Duke and Kylie Newbold to bring their A-game to the Dome to tackle a talented yet beatable Sturt team.

The Bowley trio will feature big time in the proceedings but need to fire for Sturt to win.

The loser of this one will probably (I predict) run into a hot Southen Tigers team, and with the form they are showing, will be a tough ask.

Tip: Sturt by 5pts