These predictions are solely mine and do not reflect dice or MidCity's opinion.

1. GUTS - bl4nk, dave, gamz, benoR, kram

How can you go past this colossal lineup?  These guys have dominated the Melbourne scene for well over a year now, with consistent 1st and 2nd places at nearly every event they have attended. The raw aim and experience that oozes out of this lineup is truly confronting with two international players - in benoR and kraM. Add to that an extremely experienced caller in davestr1zl and it becomes obvious why this team is so consistent. I can't see this team dropping a match, but I'm hopeful that I'll be proven wrong.

Player(s) to watch: benoR, bl4nk.

2. VHM - nartove, NRD, redrum, tidus, v-spec

It was tough deciding between aShock and Vehement for 2nd seed. However based on sheer results and consistency it's hard to go past VHM. The core group of players have attended the majority of the nationals in 2009 and as such have become pretty hard to intimidate. Individually speaking it's hard to pick out one being better than the rest, as they all boast extremely sharp aim and aggressive play styles.

Player(s) to watch: redrum

3. aShock - teddyt, destiny, snoopy, rickeh, nezza

It's hard to judge this team, on paper they look like they could steam roll just about every team at this event. Only time will tell if they will be as menacing as they look. If these guys have put in any effort prior to the comp - watch out. This team will go for the quick win and does not want to mess around, looking forward to see them fire up against the tough teams.

Player(s) to watch: deStiny, rickeh 

4. Khemistry - tnyvo, albz, endless, jing, beedee

If there name is anything to go by, this team will be relying on team work and smart plays to secure victories. They will more than hold their own against the midtier and lower tier teams, but I'm doubtful they have what it takes to beat the top seeds at this event. This team will be looking to beedee for some inspiring calls and ridiculous awp shots, if those two happen this team could pull off an upset or two.

Player(s) to watch: Jing

5. fM - Jayzee, mafu, victor, hans, peki

Looking for the designated online team? Look no further. Ha - just kidding. These guys have actually proven themselves to be quite consistent on LAN. Jayzee seems to have gone under the radar of many people but is one of Melbourne's best up and coming players. And what can i say about Peki? Just drop him a deagle and grab a seat, because it'll be one entertaining round. On a more serious note, this lineup boasts quite a bit of talent and could potentially upset one of the stronger teams.

Player(s) to watch: Hans, Jayzee

6. MM - jonske, keita, verukt, zorba and MIGHTY COMA

When i saw this lineup, i thought i was looking at a sign-up sheet from '06. It features some veterans of the Melbourne LAN scene in ScottyG and kEITA. Both of whom domed me for the better part of a year back in 2006. Not to mention zorba, who predates even me. But what all these players have in common is a pretty casual outlook on CS these days, so it's hard to see this team beating many teams.

Player(s) to watch: kEITA

7. ServerdowN - shadz, goonz, kez, burkus, peak

I'll keep this short and sharp because I'm pretty biased. Watch out for peaK, this guy has only been playing for the better part of a year and is still the only one fragging in any one of our LAN attempts. When we've been close to winning any matches this guy has had some pretty sore shoulders.

Player(s) to watch: peaK

8. QQ - dreamR, shard, bulletproof, drag0n, tikal

This team has a mixture of young talent and experience. Unfortunately these two don't overlap much. If these guys can maintain some composure and not get too rattled, they could easily string together a couple of wins. This team also boasts a good up and coming player, drag0n, who held his own at the first week of the MidCity Summer competition with Never2Never.

Player(s) to watch: bulletproof, not dreamR - LOL :P