Gordie rapt as Hawks suit up circa 1986

But the Wollongong coach believes the 1986-style uniforms his team will wear on Friday against Adelaide are missing one thing.

"That's one of the things about the Heritage Round we got wrong, not bringing back the short shorts for the guys to play in," he said.

"I wasn't very good at ancient history at school so those days are hard to remember, but what I do remember about the '86 team is that we had the nice thin red ties, the tight grey pants, the bright red jackets and those short shorts."

While the Hawks reached the play-offs in '86, Adelaide won the title with what many long-time NBL followers rate as the best team in league history. The 36ers will also be decked out in '86 replica outfits on Friday.

"The good thing about the Heritage Round is that it's an opportunity for the NBL and the clubs to acknowledge the past contributors to the league, and also the journey the league has been on," McLeod said.

"It's a great concept and great opportunity for the league to remind people of the journey, and at the game on Friday night there'll be different generations of people and players who've been on that journey."

It's been tough for the last-placed Hawks, who have won just three of 21 games.

They are hoping to turn the tables on the 36ers after going down by five last Sunday in Adelaide.

The Sixers have won their past three games and reacquired forward Daniel Johnson during the week.

"They're playing really well at the moment, one of the form teams," McLeod said.

"When you play Adelaide, they're a fantastic team in the open court and put a lot of heat on the rim, so we really have to be efficient at the offensive end to take away their running game.

"Our transition defence has to be very, very good. They're a team that you have to win the effort areas against, because they like to wear you down by getting after you physically."