Hoopla did just that this week and minds were instantly cast back to Illawarra’s mid-season clash with Melbourne in round nine. 

United had started the season in such rich form (9-0) that bookies framed markets as to whether they could go through the season undefeated.

Melbourne went into the match as competition leaders and title favourites while the Hawks were still finding their feet as a group.

For the record the Hawks won 102-87 and announced themselves as genuine title contenders but it was Beveridge’s pre-match comments that have since rung true.

“Right now I actually have Perth and New Zealand ahead of Melbourne,” Beveridge said at the time.

“Purely because they’ve been there and done that. It’s as simple as that Melbourne haven’t. 

“Melbourne have got the most talented team in the league there’s no question but I have Perth and New Zealand ahead of them because when it comes to the crunch they know how to get it done they know how to win.”

The comments reportedly ruffled some feathers south of the border at the time but the Breakers 2-0 sweep of United gave credence to Beveridge’s comments.

As for the grand final series this week, Beveridge feels a rested Breakers outfit might have a slight edge.

“I like the look in New Zealand’s eye,” he said.

“They struggled for a period of time but all of a sudden they’ve turned the corner.

“They’ve had time to rest up as well and prepare

“The look in (Cedric) Jackson’s eye and the same of (Mika) Vukona and Tai Wesley...they just looked really focused.”