"I think people are assuming that it's such a big event, that it must be sold out," he said.

"It's selling well, but there's still room, so people should get in quick."

A dedicated group of hardcore fans came out to see the Wollongong Hawks off to a date with destiny yesterday morning as they headed for Perth to battle the Wildcats in round one of the grand final series.

Among them was Brenton Ashford-Potter, arguably the Hawk's number one fan and a definite team favourite.

The 19-year-old has been courtside for all but three games this season and his mother Lisa freely admits her family are Hawks fanatics.

At his home in Woonona yesterday afternoon, Brenton showed off the sign language nicknames he'd created for each of his favourite players and said that if the Hawks took out the championship he'd "go crazy".

But Hawks CEO Wayne Morris said the team was aware that there was more to be done before they could lay their hands on the championship trophy.

"It's an exciting time. They're going over there to do a job. They're representing the team, representing Wollongong and we're very proud of them," he said.

And regardless of the outcome of the finals series, the true underdog story of the local team that could is sure to inspire the next generation of basketballers.

Illawarra Basketball executive officer Kevin Marsh said he was hoping to see a boost in registrations for Aussie Hoops and Rookies programs.

And as the Hawks trained ahead of tonight's game at Challenge Stadium, the boys got some simple advice from Brenton.

"Smash 'em," he said.