Hawks home again for Round Two

It's time to rise together as we fight the flames of the Phoenix in a Round Two match-up at WIN Entertainment Centre.

Coach Jackomas and his coaching staff have put the seven-day break to good use, and a strong week on the practice floor has the squad ready to notch up their first win of the new season.

Despite the result, there was plenty to be excited by on opening night, with the mix of established and new additions to the roster on full display.

Harvey, Robinson, and Froling were prominent and fan favourite Dan Grida brought all the energy in a 14-point, seven-rebound performance at the wing position.

Gary Clark, Hyunjung Lee, Mason Peatling, Lachie Olbrich, and Biwali Bayles all hit the floor for their first action in front of the home crowd and showed glimpses of why Hawk Nation has reason to be excited for the season ahead.

The Hawks will take a fit and unchanged roster into tonight's match-up with the Phoenix, a worthy opponent despite an injury-riddled start to NBL24.

Opposition Watch

The Phoenix will visit WIN Entertainment Centre for their fourth game in 10 days to start the new season.

Under the tutelage of new coach Mike Kelly, the Phoenix arrive in Wollongong with one win from their r first three outings, the most recent a 7-point loss to the Cairns Taipans on Thursday night.

Injuries to import big man Alan Williams and several key rotational pieces have wreaked havoc on the Phoenix, who will see Tyler Cook and Craig Moller as game-time decisions for tonight's encounter.

Mitch Creek will lead the Phoenix attack, with Tall Black's veteran Reuben Te Rangi, Rhys Vague, and Will Cummings as names to watch for a hungry Hawks squad.

Where It Will Be Won

Both teams will be desperate for the result, and the match-up of Mitch Creek and Gary Clark will be pivotal in tonight's outcome.

Creek has established himself as a perennial MVP contender and sets the tone for the Phoenix on offense while using his trademark physicality to spark his squad on the defensive side of the ball.

Clark joined the Hawks as a defensive-minded big with the ability to make his opponents pay at the offensive end. His ability to bang with the best of them and put pressure on the rim will ensure Creek's visit to the Gong won't be an easy one.

The Hawks depth has been lauded across the competition, and with the Phoenix missing some bodies on this road trip, look for Coach Jackomas to share the minutes amongst his group to keep fresh legs and the defensive pressure on a well-travelled South East Melbourne roster.

We Rise Together

Limited tickets are available via Ticketmaster for tonight's match at hawks.com.au/tickets Be in your seats by 5.15pm for lights out, with the action to tip-off at 5.30pm.

Tonight's game day is proudly presented by the i98FM Illawarra Convoy i98FM Illawarra Convoy | Sunday November 19, 2023