Low maintenance-high reward.

It’s a common refrain from Illawarra coach Justin Tatum whenever he’s asked about Mason Peatling. Lately, that’s a lot given the 27-year-old’s transformation from a guy being drip-fed minutes to an indispensable member of the starting unit this season.  

In four games since making the switch to the starting five, he’s averaged 17 minutes for eight points, six rebounds and an assist while shooting career highs from the field and the line. 

While he’s quick to credit Tatum for the faith that’s allowed him to carve out the niche, Peatling prides himself on being a guy who doesn’t demand much of his coach’s attention. 

“I guess what he means by [low maintenance-high reward] is, whatever the external or internal circumstances are, he knows I'm going to bring,” Peatling said.  

“If I'm playing on two legs and two arms, one leg with one arm, or blindfolded, he knows what he's going to get from me. He doesn't need to get me into some sort of mental state or worry about motivating me or anything like that. He knows exactly what I'm going to bring to the team.  

“I'm really proud of the fact that I've been able to slot in and everyone can see that it's benefiting the team because I've been working really hard behind the scenes waiting for an opportunity. I'm really grateful to have a coach like JT who believes in me and is willing to give me that opportunity.”  

The Hawks unquestionably let one slip on the road to the Phoenix, but the adjustment to the starting five has worked in a way that’s exceeded perhaps even Tatum’s expectations over the past four outings.

Back-to-back road wins over Perth and Melbourne United have proven enough for many pundits to upgrade the Hawks from title smoky, to genuine contender, illustrated by their current position at the top of the ladder. 

Peatling’s well-equipped to pass judgement on those credentials having spent three years as part of the famed United franchise before linking with the Hawks last season. 

While belief was built on the run last season, he says the current Hawks have had it from the jump in NBL25. 

“I think we felt short-changed by where we finished in the semi-finals last year,” Peatling said. 

“In game, one of the semi-finals were up by 20 with eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter… long story short, we felt could have gone one step better there and seen how we went in the NBL finals. 

“Every individual piece on our team’s come back better, whether it's in better physical shape, better skill, more maturity IQ wise. Everybody's come back an improved version. 

“You add all those pieces together and you [think] ‘clearly, we’re going to be right in the mix’. There’s real belief that we can achieve great things this season and we just want to prove it. You can walk around with that confidence, but you can't take anybody lightly at the same time.” 

Consecutive wins over league heavyweights away from Wollongong may have turned heads, but that type of victory has been no rarity under Tatum. If anything, the Hawks have been more hit and miss at home through his tenure. 

It’s something Peatling says his need to be wary of as they return to the Sandpit on Sunday against a Bryce Cotton-led Perth outfit no doubt bent on revenge.  

“We did have periods last year where we were trying to mimic what we did on the road back at home because we were doing so well on the road,” Peatling said.  

“We haven't had to go to that extent this year, but you have to set the tone from the jump [at home]. Teams come into our building and, when you're one of the better teams in the league, you get everyone's best shot.  

“If we're not ready for it we’ll get beat on the day, just like any other team in the league. It’s just such a tight competition. If you’re just a little bit off you’ll get beaten, so there's definitely no taking anything for granted.”  

The return to the Sandpit is a lone home outing in a five-game stretch, with Peatling calling on the Hawks faithful to help get his team over the line.

“[Perth] probably feel like they let one slip when we went into their building and beat them,” he said.  

“They're playing good basketball and claiming scalps along the way, so we're prepared for that. They're going to give it their best shot, as will we, so it's going to be an exciting game. The more fans making a lot of noise at the WIN Entertainment Centre the better.” 

Tip-off at the WEC on Sunday is at 2.30pm, with doors open from 2pm.