A big clash between the Hawks (3rd) and Sharks (4th) might be more about grabbing a win to avoid playing the Saints in the Semi Finals - the Hawks hold the upper hand right now and can essentially assign that tough task to the Sharks if they win here. Last week proved to be a difficult one for the Hawks where, in front of their biggest crowd this season, they succumbed to the barnstorming Saints with Daniel Kickert watching on and Brandon Bowman clearly struggling with illness. While Kickert won't be back for this one, Bowman should be feeling better.
The Sharks will be missing Jarrad Weeks (compassionate leave), but will get Roberto Nelson back from injury. One player the Hawks will need to keep an eye on is Todd Blanchfield, the star Sharks shooter has been in red-hot form over the last month and there is no signs of him slowing down. A good contest on the cards, the Sharks on the up and the Hawks coming off a loss for the first time in nine games. Enjoy the show!
HAWKS
Starting 5 6. Jarrod Kenny (guard) 13. Dion Prewster (guard) 12. Ethan Rusbatch (forward) 25. EJ Singler (forward) 15. Brandon Bowman (forward)
Bench 3. Nick Fee (guard) 5. Everard Bartlett (guard) 27. Jamal Mikaio (forward) 18. Clifton Bush III (forward) *questionable 7. Darryl Jones (forward) 9. James Levings (guard) 21. Geoff Heather (forward) *questionable
Coach: Zico Coronel Assistant Coach: Morgan Maskell Assistant Coach: Rob Hartley Manager: Jordan Wise Physio: Colin Tutchen
From The Coach - Zico Coronel
We have got to keep our heads held high as the season is always going to be an uphill battle. Each opponent is going to be another mountain, sometimes you’re going to lose. It ain’t about the trophy at the end of the season, but through collective struggle and risk taking, who we become as individuals and as a basketball team.
SHARKS
Starting 5 35. Alex Pledger (centre) 3. Brandon Lucas (guard) 22. Hyrum Harris (guard/forward) 2. Todd Blanchfield (guard) 15. Tom Vodanovich (forward)
Bench 11. Dom Kelman-Poto (forward) 14. Tai Wynyard (centre) 25. Andrew Wheeler (guard) 45. Tinashe Matambanadzo (guard) 2. Tom Cowie (guard)
Coach: Judd Flavell Manager: Troy Paulin
From The Coach - Judd Flavel
The Hawks are a big challenge for us – they have played great basketball all season .They have talent across the floor and the matchups this game will provide will be great to watch. A real team effort will be required but we are looking forward to the challenge that this game will bring.