The Hawks have been the most lethal perimeter scoring team in the league in Rob Beveridge’s three seasons in charge, but the lack of a genuine enforcer in the paint has been a glaring absence.

Conklin shapes as the answer, with the 2015 MVP promising to bring his trademark uncompromising style in his NBL second coming. 

“That’s just me, I’m never going to change my style,” Conklin said.

“If [Beveridge] wants toughness and I’ll obviously bring that but in a controlled way and in a good leadership way as well. That’s what I do, if I didn’t do that I wouldn’t be back here in this capacity.

“I’m always that guy that’s going to bring intensity and I’m going to earn it every time I get on the floor. I’m going to appreciate that opportunity and dive for every loose ball and hustle for every rebound.

“If I end up putting the ball in the hole along with that, that’s always good to.” 

That’s something the 29-year-old made a habit of in his two-and-a-half NBL seasons, leading former club Townsville in scoring with 16 points a game in his first year as a Croc.

He went up a level the following season, averaging 19 points and six rebounds a game, with six double-doubles, to finish with the league’s top individual honour. 

His third season ended abruptly when he was dumped by the Crocs, despite averaging 13 points and six board through 14 games. 

He’s not alone on that score, with fellow MVP Cedric Jackson returning with the Hawks after he was let go by Melbourne United just nine games into a two-year deal in 2016.

Conklin’s former Townsville teammate Jordair Jett is also making his second push at NBL success, leaving the 2018-19 Hawks with a point to prove.

“There’s guys that have won championships in other places, guys that have been successful in other places but are at a point in their career they have something they still need to prove,” Conklin said.

“I’ve seen them use the ‘chip on the shoulder’ metaphor and that’s what it’s about. We’ve got a bunch of guys who just want to get amongst it and just show what we can do.

“In Townsville I had a lot of individual success but I never had that team success I wanted as far as playoffs. 

“I’ve always been a competitor and I pride myself on winning championships and making playoffs and being there towards the end of the season.

“I hate ending my season early so I’d love to get amongst an NBL playoffs because, in three years, I never got there. I don’t count MVP’s, I count championships, so that’s what drives me and why I wanted to come back.” 

While fans will no doubt welcome a harder edge inside, Conklin’s arrival, and that of veteran big David Andersen, also has the potential to bring star centre AJ Ogilvy back to his best after an injury-plagued 2017-18.

“Mate I’ve been waiting to play with AJ for years,” Conklin said.

“He’s one big I’ve always wanted to play with. If I can make so he doesn’t have bang in the block 24-7 then that’s great.

“He’s a huge talent and we’ve got to keep him healthy. When he’s healthy we’re going to be a problem for these other teams.”