Forward Brad Hill hopes to have his number called more often by Wollongong coach Gordie McLeod, as the Hawks desperately attempt to salvage something from a barren season.
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Recruited in the off-season, Hill has shown glimpses of his ability at various stages, including last week’s eye-catching performance off the bench against Adelaide.
The 28-year-old scored seven of his 12 points in the fourth quarter and blocked a shot, as the Hawks’ late rally fell just short.
With a measly three wins from 22 games, Wollongong’s season hasn’t panned out as Hill envisaged.
But he is one of four players under contract with the club next season and aims to leave a lasting impression over the final six games.
‘‘I’m here next year and I want to look towards the future, so I just have to keep putting the work in on a daily basis,’’ Hill said.
‘‘It’s an opportunity for me to work on things at practice and after practice, and when I get on the court I just have to be ready to play.
‘‘Obviously with the losing, it’s frustrating for sure, as it would be for everyone watching and playing. You just have to be a pro and keep working.
‘‘As a group we just have to keep fighting. It’s important that we stay positive, because we want to come out better people and players after this.’’
Hill made the most of the rare opportunity to be on the court in crunch time last week and won’t mind being called upon again if Friday night’s home game against Melbourne is tight down the stretch.
‘‘It feels good to be out there when it’s really important and the team needs to make plays to win the game,’’ he said.
‘‘With Timmy [Coenraad] fouling out it gave me an opportunity to go get after it. It’s about being ready all the time and keep working away so those opportunities can come more often.
‘‘I want to continue to show that I care about the direction we’re going and I’m with it, and I want to be able to give the people something to be happy about. It’s about staying positive the whole time and continuing to show what I can do daily, and hopefully gain more and more faith [from McLeod] as time goes on.’’
Hill has all the skills to succeed and only needs to overcome the occasional moments when his confidence fluctuates.
‘‘Free throws has been a struggle point for me in recent times,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s a bit of a mental battle and I just have to keep working at it and settle my nerves a bit. I think the more comfortable I get, the more I can slow my heart rate down a bit out there and settle myself. I need to keep working at it. It’s one of the things I definitely want to improve on.
‘‘I’m never going to doubt myself when I step on the court. The more opportunity you get the more comfortable you get, and the more you get a read and feel for the game.’’