Faces in the crowd: HawkHead Anita Bout

During the Illawarra Hawks' 43-year existence, 221 players have pulled on the club's jersey.

But the number of fans who have supported the foundation club during that period is exponentially more.

As such, the club has decided to profile some of the most prominent and longest-serving HawkHeads with our new 'faces in the crowd' series.

After profiling the journey of Yvonne White, we decided to profile Hawks life member Anita Bout - who first started working with the club in 1989, before wrapping up in 2018.

"My original involvement was linked with the partnership that the Hawks had with the lllawarra Sports Medicine Clinic, which was set up in the Beaton Park fitness centre - just a small walk from the Snakepit," Bout said.

"Over that time I have worked with a number of coaches starting with Dave Lindstrom followed by Alan Black, Brendan Joyce, Eric Cooks and lastly Gordie McLeod.

"Needless to say the experience in working with a variety of different coaches was interesting and a valuable learning experience.

"I've also had the pleasure of working with Dr Robin Yarrow, fellow physiotherapists Mark Muir and Deirdre McGhee and massage therapist Kerry Lawrence and Phil Driscoll, the ever-present trainer extraordinaire who is still actively involved with the present team."

During her 29-year involvement, Bout saw the club develop from a small enterprise very much based on a volunteer basis to the present model.

"It was those early days which were based on community support that has helped to cement the home-grown community-based ethos that I like about the team," she said.

"This has helped create loyal fans who were also proud of the fact the Illawarra Hawks are the 'last man standing' being the only inaugural team to continue being in the NBL since its inception in 1979.

"It has been interesting to see the change from a community/volunteer base to the present business model - I believe that there is merit in both."

She experienced many highs during that period of her life, most notably the 2001 championship.

"My favourite memories would have to be the play-off series that led to 2000-2001 title under the leadership of Brendan Joyce," she said.

"I had the honour of being the physiotherapist at game three in Townsville and the atmosphere during that game and afterwards was memorable.

"Myself and other support team members came down on a later plane and missed the bus convoy into Wollongong but had the pleasure of participating in the street parade and festivities that were arranged afterwards."

In a similar vein, Bout has developed countless strong relationships with the players.

"It is hard to pick a favourite player as I've got to know numerous players over the years in my role as a physiotherapist but I still see Chuck Harmison, Mat Campbell, Glen Saville and occasionally Melvin Thomas at games and greet them as friends," she said.

"I would say that Norman Taylor was my most memorable player - big in size and big of heart.

"He always found time to chat if I saw him at games years after he had finished playing.

"I ran into him in Sydney two years ago when he was working as a bouncer and we greeted like old friends.

"I attended his funeral with numerous past Hawks players and it was a privilege to witness the heartfelt camaraderie the players had for each other, both past and present."

Bout is confident this year's squad, led by Brian Goorjian, has what it takes to add another banner to the rafters at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

"The last two years have definitely brought resilience in all our lives but especially with sporting teams," she said.

"I feel there is no reason why this resilience and drive for success cannot but help inspire the present team to claim a second NBL banner."