Magnificent 7: Who will blink first?

The finals race is down to seven clubs, with Round 16 pitting two games that are as enthralling as an old-fashioned country-western duel. The pressure is on for whoever blinks first, and severe ramifications for those who choose to bring a knife to a gunfight.

Last week it was written that if Manningham were to make the four they would be more than deserving. Nine goals in the first quarter in a shoot-out certainly stated their intentions of what the rest of their season can hold in store. An epic with Westbourne this week awaits, and looking at stats, there is next to nothing to separate the two sides. Average for; Westbourne 99 points v Manningham 98 points, and average against; Westbourne 78 points v Manningham 76 points makes this clash an absolute beauty. The Cobras were fantastic in their first meeting at Koonung Reserve, and were even better last week. Westbourne stormed home to run over Canterbury, and return home in a mini-final. In a complete flip of the coin, just for the home ground advantage, the Warriors to get the job done by less than 10 points.

Swinburne University got through their back to back fixtures with 9^th and 10^th unscathed and run into a red-hot Aquinas side who are facing elimination finals every week from now until the end of the season. The Bloods were comprehensive last week and with every week the pulse for finals life beats a little stronger. The Razorbacks have won four games on the bounce themselves, and a strong form line, albeit away from home, will put an end to the Aquinas season on Saturday.

Canterbury have an opportunity to get back on the winners list and should do so against Albert Park. A disappointing end to the game last week will be enough motivation for the Cobras to keep their season alive and keep in touch with the three clubs ahead of them. With top end talent, Canterbury are a formidable side when it all clicks, and this weekend against the Falcons is a good chance to get some form in the lead up to two massive games. First thing is first, an even four quarter performance, which they will achieve on their way to a 70 point victory.

With the top spot sewn up and with the Snakes ripe for the picking after a disappointing fortnight, the Gryphons will use this weekend as a tune up for their finals campaign. Richmond Central scraped over the line against Albert Park, and with a loss to the Cobras, the line has been drawn through them for finals in 2018. A proud club, the Snakes will do everything they can to finish the season well and build for 2019. Unfortunately coming up against this Glen Eira outfit, the positive results will wait another week.

Hawthorn will need to regroup and have the perfect opportunity against La Trobe at Rathmines. Two losses in a row, although a close one against Glen Eira, the Hawks will want to get back on the winners list after a poor second half at Koonung Reserve. Back at home, against the Trobers who have battled manfully to date, Hawthorn will get the points comfortably and basically solidify the 2^nd spot in Division 3 for 2018.