By James Woite

Norwood Flames v West Adelaide Bearcats

Saturday March 15; 8.15pm; Mars

In a rematch of last season’s Preliminary Final, the Norwood Flames and West Adelaide Bearcats will commence their 2015 campaigns at Mars.

The Flames’ 2-0 regular season sweep of the Bearcats meant nothing in the postseason, with the Bearcats running away with an 80-67 victory and advancing to the Grand Final as a result.

The size of the Bearcats caused the Flames problems that night and they have just got even bigger with the addition of import David Sturner (replacing Guard Jason Dawson). Bringing back Nick Hambour has strengthened the Flames’ front court, but the loss of Todd Matthews has made their devastating backcourt much weaker.

The Flames-Bearcats tie had a large impact on the final seedings in 2014, and could do so again in 2015, with both teams boasting finals-ready line-ups.

 

 

Sturt Sabres v Central District Lions

Saturday March 15; 8.15pm; Pasadena

Although it is only Round 1, the Sturt Sabres will be well aware of how crucial their fixtures against the Central District Lions could be this season.

The Sabres won nine games in 2014 compared to the Lions’ 12, with the Lions’ 2-0 sweep of this matchup having a large say on the final standings.

Both sides have new imports and a host of rookies. Perhaps the difference maker for the Sabres will be the return of John Marriott, who had a breakout season when he last played in the league in 2013.

The Sabres have historically dominated the Lions, but having won three of their last four against their fellow cats, and two straight at Pasadena, this trip should hold no fears for the Lions.

 

Woodville Warriors v South Adelaide Panthers

Saturday March 14; 8.15pm; St Clair

As the first opponent of the Woodville Warriors’ premiership defence, the South Adelaide Panthers have an opportunity to make a big statement.

 

The Panthers showed improvement last season, and this game will give them the chance to see if they can mix it with the best, following their offseason training and the recruit of import Jeremy Smith.

The Warriors have a few new players to fit into their team in import Ian Nixson, 36er Mitch Creek and former Hobart Charger Fraser Gehrich.

The Warriors defeated the Panthers comfortably both times last season, but whether their new squad can stack up against their old one remains to be seen.

 

Forestville Eagles v Southern Tigers

Saturday March 14; 8.15pm; Wayville

One of the highlights of the Southern Tigers’ 2014 season was their stunning one point road win at Forestville, and their first game of 2015 sees them head back to Wayville looking to win two straight on the road against the Eagles.

Former Eagle Majok Deng is one of the two big name signings for the Tigers this year, with the other being import Brandon Gleaves. However, they have lost most of their best players from last season, including Samuel McDaniel and Codey Ellison.

Former Warrior Daniel Sims and former Rocket Pero Vasilijevic are the two major signings for the Eagles, although they have also lost a wealth of talent and experience, including Adam Gibson and Neil Mottram.

The Tigers may have upset the Eagles early last season, but the Eagles had a big win at Morphett Vale, which is gives a more recent (and arguably better) indication of the difference between the two teams.

 

South Adelaide Panthers v Norwood Flames

Sunday March 15; 3.00pm; Adelaide Arena

In the curtain raiser of neutral matchups for 2015, the Panthers and Flames will face off at Adelaide Arena on Sunday.

This will be the second match in successive days for both sides, so managing rotations will be even more crucial than usual. The side with the greater depth may well get the upper hand.

The Flames ran out winners in both meetings in 2014, although the Panthers ran them to within single digits on both occasions.

Given the closeness of last season’s matchups, the added tactical battles, and the likelihood of fatigue setting in, this game may not be decided until the final seconds.

 

Eastern Mavericks v North Adelaide Rockets

Sunday March 15; 3.00pm; Adelaide Hills

The Eastern Mavericks have the chance to build on last season’s success against the North Adelaide Rockets when the two sides square off at Adelaide Hills.

After years of frustration against the men from Hillcrest, the Mavericks’ sweep of Rockets meant they avoided another wooden spoon, instead handing over the reins to the red and white.

The Mavericks are still in a large rebuilding phase, whereas the Rockets have shown they are keen to make missing the finals just a one year setback. The Rockets have produced an exciting signing, adding former Armstrong College star Aric Miller to their roster.

Getting back to taking care of business against the Mavericks will be an important first step to the Rockets’ redemption.

 

West Adelaide Bearcats v Woodville Warriors

Sunday March 15; 3.30pm; Adelaide Arena

In the Match of the Round, the West Adelaide Bearcats will look to exact revenge on the Woodville Warriors in a rematch of the 2014 Grand Final.

The Bearcats had their hearts broke when they blew an eight point lead inside the final five minutes of the biggest game of the season, ultimately falling to a Darren Ng layup with 2.3 seconds remaining.

That was their second straight loss to the Warriors, after winning by 10 earlier in the year.

Whoever wins this game has early premiership favouritism; whichever coach manages their resources the best over this weekend’s double-header will give their team the best chance of emerging victorious.