Retiring Ballinger enjoying final days in NBL

Adam Ballinger is savouring his final days as an NBL player.

Two more training sessions and two more games, and then the Wollongong Hawks forward will pull up stumps on his 12-year career.

He doesn't expect to become overly emotional when the Hawks host Adelaide on Sunday afternoon, but that might change when Hawks fans show their appreciation with a standing ovation prior to tip-off.

"I don't know, but right now I'm fine with it," Ballinger said.

"I've been preparing for it all year and knew it was coming. I think it'll be a good moment, but who knows when it's staring me in the face."

Wollongong coach Gordie McLeod hopes the Hawks can provide Ballinger with a triumphant farewell.

"He's made a significant contribution to the NBL," McLeod said.

"All the years and games, he's been a very consistent and solid performer in our league."

Ballinger played with four NBL clubs, including two separate stints with Wollongong.

He never won a championship but doesn't leave the game feeling unfulfilled.

"I look back on my career and remember the great times when a team is close and you're winning, especially those times on the road in the locker room after a big win where it's a bit of you against the world and the team is celebrating together," the 35-year-old said.

"In a team sport, most joy comes from winning. I've been on teams that are really good and I've been on teams that have been really bad. Everyone's happy when you're winning. It's a great life and a great job, and when you're losing it can be tough."

Ballinger would love to be sent out as a winner on Sunday, especially against his former club.

"When you look at this year, obviously the losses stand out in front of you, but you have to look deeper than that," he said.

"It's a good group of guys, we're all still getting along and we've made it through without anyone trying to kill each other. That's not easy to do when you're losing games.

"We've gotten a lot better in the second half of the season and the perseverance has been there. We've been a good team but we just haven't got the wins."