Looking back, it feels like my journey to 200 games has gone really quickly.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But I will admit, at times, it's been a grind and there's definitely been plenty of ups and downs at the Hawks. Of course, we've had a semi-final run and a grand final run, but there's also been sparse years in between.
That grand final series in 2017 was obviously a key moment during my time in Wollongong - that team was a lot of fun to play with. Rotnei Clarke, Marvelle Harris and Nick Kay. just to name a few. All of those guys were great teammates.
I think my first year here was also one of the more memorable ones. The club was coming out of involuntary administration and Rob Beveridge came in, and everyone helped turn the Hawks around to take us to the semi finals. That was a lot of fun that year. Having 'Bevo' coach the club for four years and two finals runs was important. In terms of other highlights, I'd be remiss to not mention the LaMelo Ball saga last year and the kind of attention and energy that brought to the Illawarra.
Fast-forward to now and, while I am proud to reach 200 games, personal milestones aren't something that I take too seriously: I was more focused on getting the win against Cairns on Sunday. I knew that if we were going to make a finals run, we couldn't afford to drop that game at home. I tried to bring energy within the group because we did come out a bit flat and maybe a little complacent, thinking it was going to be an easier one than our previous games. But we were able to turn it around and I'm glad we notched up the win - and being on the 200th was nice.
Speaking of nice, it's exciting to be back in the hunt for a finals spot this year.
I think it would be a big stamp of approval for everything the new owners and Brian Goorjian have tried to put together here. There was a big turnaround in culture needed from where we were at last year, and they've come in and preached a winning culture since they got here. Our goal from the start was to make the top four and then go from there. So to be able to have a few games left at home and to be in the driver's seat is a good spot to be in.
And now we will prepare to head across the ditch to face the Breakers. I think it will be an interesting trip. Obviously we won't doing any tourist stuff or anything exciting like that: it won't be a holiday, it's all business. But it will be a unique experience to travel overseas when most people are stuck in Australia.
Looking at the Breakers, I think we need to be well prepared. They are a different beast with Levi Randolph back in their side. We've played them a couple of times already this season, but he adds an extra punch for them.
I think we're going to have to really focus on our defence again and make sure we're locked in to get this win on Friday night. I think this one is an important as the rest of them. Hopefully we can get this away win and then we will really set ourselves up for these last three home games. It's exciting times.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
