The Illawarra Mercury’s own Illawarra Hawk Cody Ellis takes us inside the Hawks’ inner sanctum. The Hawks lost their first semi in Adelaide on Thursday night, 78-93, and now welcome the 36ers to the WIN Entertainment Centre on Sunday afternoon in a do or die clash. Over to you Cody …….
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Well, not exactly the start to the playoffs that we planned on.
We did not show up to play a playoffs style of game. There is a big difference between a regular season game and a playoff game.
Everyone is that little bit more hungry, has that little bit extra in the tank, has more determination and oozes with confidence. This is the time of the season that you work all year for.
Unfortunately, game one was not one we showed these characteristics in. Adelaide wanted that first game more than us and that is not okay in our books. Now, it is literally win or go home for us.
I don’t know how much you have been paying attention but so far this year, when we have had our backs against the wall, we are pretty damn good.
Throughout the season, when we have needed a win, we have risen to the occasion. I do not think Sunday will be any different.
I have the utmost confidence we will be a different team come game two. Everyone around the country writing us of only adds fuel to the fire.
But, we will need each and every Hawkhead there to be extra vocal and be an intimidating force. You should have your motivation anyway if you have been paying attention to the media.
As for us, the media talk is white noise. It is something that we try not to listen to and focus solely on us as a team.
RECOVERY FROM GAME ONE
It was a long day of travel on Friday after a tough game last night. Recovery becomes a massive focus for us as our game to game time is about 60 hours.
Straight into the pool after the game last night followed by a great meal, stretch, rehydration and a good night sleep (not always easy to do).
Today consisted of mainly travel. Once back in the gong, most the boys head to the beach to get in the water again.
Saturday is massive for us and our preparation. It starts off with mobility session in the morning followed by a film session. With the amount of pride and passion we have in this team it will not be an easy or fun session, but the thing I love about this group is that no one is afraid to call anyone out.
Everyone has the same goal and that is to win a championship. Holding each other accountable is huge in working towards that goal.
Training will be after video where we will put into action the coaching staffs game plan for our upcoming battle. This is then followed by more recovery. Then comes Sunday.
It is our time to let our actions do the talking as we try and force a game three and keep our season alive! I don’t know about you guys, but I am not ready for this season to be finished and nor are my brothers.
We will leave everything we have out on that floor. Let’s get it Illawarra!
