The overtime victory was the Hawks 16th win this season, 10 more than their tally last season and the most dramatic shift in fortunes since their 2001 championship-winning season.

They can better that mark with a win over Adelaide on Friday that would take their tally to 17 wins - an 11-game turnaround.

They are now looking to become just the second side to win a championship a year after collecting the wooden spoon after South Dragons who achieved the feat under Brian Goorjian in 2009.

Hawks coach Rob Beveridge admits his side got out of jail against the Crocs but said that took nothing away from the achievement.‘‘I think we were pretty lucky,’’ Beveridge said.

‘‘We got pumped 46-23 [on rebounds] and our defence went back to being really really horrible in parts there and it was the great escape.

‘‘Townsville had us but we showed amazing character to not give in.

‘‘We got some critical stops and obviously Kirk made some big shots, Cody as well.

‘‘I’ll take it as a great escape but I also look at it as a special moment for our club.

‘‘We’re super proud that we’ve gone from last last year to making the the play-offs.

Penney has proven one of the major factors in the form reversal and the former league MVP said his side still has plenty to achieve before the season is out.

‘‘I think all 10 of the guys and the coaching staff are all in the same boat,” Penney said.

‘‘We’re all really chuffed at what we’ve been able to do as a group. We’ve had some great wins and it’s been a really fun season for us.

‘‘We also know that the job’s not done yet.

“We haven’t won anything but if you were to evaluate at this point...it’s been a pretty good ride so far.

‘‘In a lot of respects this group deserves to go on and do bigger things.

“That’s what we’re going to be working hard for.”