The post season is finally upon us and we are able to see the best sides battle it out to keep their season alive. Our Elimination Final has the debutants in Mount Gambier hosting West Adelaide in what is sure to be a classic. 

In their meetings for 2019, the Pioneers swept the Bearcats with 2 straight wins including a 3-point victory just over 1 month ago. Both of these outings have provided a different story including a vaillant comeback by West after being outscored 8-23 in the opening term of their 3-points loss in Round 16 and a tight scoring evening but an 8-point victory due to a poorer final quarter. 

All-Star 5 members Frost and Roberts handled much of the scoring load in the 3-point decider by dropping 20 and 26-points respectively. Although Jasmin Fejo from West (the only non-import player in the AS-5) dropped 20 of her own and led her side in the recent thriller. Defensively, the Bearcats have been one of the top sides for 2019 and are notorious for picking the pockets of their opponents. The last time the two sides met, West Adelaide acquired 17-steals and forced an astounding 27-Pioneer Turnovers. This incredible number of turnovers resulted in 26-Bearcat points and definitely jeopardised their evening. Nonetheless, the Pioneers’ defence is up for the challenge with both Frost and Roberts finishing in the top 5 for total steals for 2019. West Adelaide, quite the consistent threat to the league, boasts a wide range of possible scoring options in the Fejo sisters as well as Langenbrinck, Spencer and others in both the starting and bench units. On the other end of the hardwood, the Pioneers have much to prove with their future in the balance. 

With an abundance of talent on show in this one, the Merv Harris Medallist (J. Fejo) and AS-5 members Frost and Roberts will each have their hands full with their stacked sides. 

Hang Time Prediction: West Adelaide