Friday's blockbuster between long-time enemies Wollongong and Sydney is expected be a near sell-out.

The Hawks struggled to draw crowds when they were mired at the bottom of the ladder during the first three-quarters of the season.

But they have won six of their past seven games and the bandwagon jumpers are finally getting on board.

Crowds for the previous two home games exceeded 3000 and Friday’s clash is on track to draw upwards of 5000.

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‘‘It’s great to see that the Wollongong community has really rallied. It’s great for the team, the club and the game,’’ Hawks marketing and business manager Courtney Beaton said.

‘‘Six weeks ago the Hawks were all but ruled out but here we are, in true Hawks fashion, fighting to secure a spot in the play-offs.’’

A lot of supporters usually don’t buy tickets during the week, preferring to purchase them at the venue on game day.

But with so much interest in the game, Beaton advised fans to book early so they don’t miss out.

‘‘Pre-sales have been really strong and traditionally our biggest sales happen on game day, so we are asking people not to wait until Friday night to get your tickets,’’ she said.

‘‘There are still great seats available but we want to ensure they are sold to Hawks fans, not Kings fans.

‘‘It’s a game which has it all – the arch rivalry, the interstate rivalry, big brother against little brother, two teams fighting for one final semi spot.

‘‘You’re talking about a 28-game season. It could realistically come down to the final minutes of the season to decide who’s in and who’s out. You couldn’t script it better.’’

Tickets at  Ticketek, the Hawks office and WIN Entertainment Centre Box Office. Children $10, adults $20 and families  $50.

Both clubs have 12-14 win-loss records; the winner takes on minor premiers Perth in a best-of-three semi-finals clash.