The Member Diaries: Simon Nutt

When Simon Nutt became a Hawks member five years ago, he wasn’t choosing to enter into a sport or a club that he was unfamiliar with. Rather, he was taking the next step in his lifelong support of the club, one that took him through the highs and lows of the Hawks organisations. From championships to wooden spoons, retired jerseys and retired names. Through it all, Nutt has remained loyal to the franchise, and the reason is pretty simple. “The excitement of your childhood heroes playing in a packed out and small stadium, and seeing a great competitive game.”

Being present around the team for as long as Nutt has, he has seen the best of what Illawarra basketball has to offer. Primarily, he has been able to see a number of all time greats don the red, black and white, and what they have meant to the team on and off the court. 

“[I like] the Hawks greats in the last 20 years or so in Glen Saville and Mat Campbell, but Gordie McCloud has probably been a real childhood idol, being a shorter point guard,” Nutt said. 

McCloud, of course, has been part of the Hawks as both a player and a coach, and Nutt believes that he was an incredible asset to the club on both fronts. Other notable players for Nutt include a pair of imports who have brought a winning culture to Wollongong. 

“We've had some great imports over the years, I really enjoyed C.J. Bruton back in the day,” said Nutt.

“Rotnei Clarke, he was such a great shooter, and a great club man, it was great to see him come back after a few great seasons.”

More than just the players, the true appeal of the Hawks has been the community attitude, which Nutt says has been a key part of retaining the Hawks fanbase. This has been spurred by key rivalries, and a fiery determination to not be looked at as the little guys. 

“Going to games when I was in primary school at the snakepit and the fantastic atmosphere, the rivalry with certain clubs,” Nutt said. 

“The rivalry with the Sydney Kings, having a healthy distaste for the club up the road that has probably got a bit more profile and a bit more money.

“Also our rivalry with Adelaide in more recent years, it's great to see the boys get wins against those teams,” Nutt said. 

And according to Nutt, the Hawks future is only looking brighter, meaning Hawks fans are feeling hopeful for the first time in a long time. 

“It's great to see our young guns and our new players shine under a great coach, I think it's been a really encouraging season,” Nutt said.