The Illawarra Hawks are gearing up for a decisive NBL grand final series game this Sunday, March 23, 2025, with their hopes of clinching the championship hanging in the balance. However, the team faces significant challenges as star players Sam Froling and Trey Kell’s injuries cast a shadow over their prospects.
Sam Froling, a key player for the Hawks, has been confirmed to have a long-term achilles tendon injury, ruling him out not only of the upcoming NBL decider but potentially for much of the next season as well. The injury occurred during the pivotal game four against Melbourne United, where Froling's contributions had been essential in pushing the series to a fifth game. He is scheduled for surgery next week, raising concerns about his future with the team as he is yet to sign a contract for the following season.
In the wake of Froling's injury, the Hawks are looking to Trey Kell III to potentially return to the lineup for the championship match. Kell has been recovering from a knee injury and missed the recent game four, yet Illawarra coach Justin Tatum is optimistic about his star guard’s chances of playing. Tatum stated, “Trey should be OK by Sunday, should be,” reflecting his confidence in Kell’s competitive spirit. He added, “He’s a competitor. I’m sure at the end of the day nobody wants to not play in the grand final championship game.”
The situation is made more complex by the uncertainty surrounding another player, Shea Ili, who is also doubtful for the clash due to a head knock. This cascading wave of injuries poses a strategic challenge for Tatum, who may have to make tough calls about the starting lineup. The Hawks coach faces decisions about whether to promote players like Lachlan Olbrich or Mason Peatling to starting roles in the center position, especially considering both have shown the ability to step up during critical moments.
The Illawarra Hawks’ recent performance has shown resilience, especially after their dramatic comeback win over Melbourne United in game four, where they overcame a 2-1 series deficit to tie the championship series at 2-2. The Hawks’ victory, marked by an 80-71 scoreline, highlighted the team’s depth as players like Will Hickey shone in the absence of Kell. Hickey scored 22 points, alongside eight assists and six rebounds, making a significant contribution to the Hawks’ survival in the series.
Moreover, the looming game five represents not only a chance for glory but also the potential to make history. If the Hawks can muster a win over Melbourne United, they will become the first team since the Sydney Kings in 2004 to come back from a 2-1 series deficit and emerge NBL champions. Tatum expressed the remarkable intensity of the moment, saying, “Our back was against the wall. There was no tomorrow unless we created it.”
The teams are preparing for a highly scrutinized game as well, with prior matchups revealing certain patterns that could influence the outcome. For instance, the Hawks have consistently lost the fourth quarter in each of their last four home finals, a statistic they’ll need to overcome if they are to secure a win. On the other hand, Melbourne United has triumphed in their last five games following a loss, a streak they aim to maintain. Melburne's center Marcus Lee aptly summarized the sentiment, remarking, “No one ever wishes anybody to get injured. That's the worst thing that could ever happen in a game,” in light of the injuries plaguing both squads.
In his assessment of the matchup, Tatum acknowledged the importance of depth within his squad, particularly with injuries affecting key players. “It’s about our depth, next guys up. The way the guys fought today was pretty good,” he explained. He has stressed to his players the need to step up and embrace their roles, emphasizing the pivotal nature of the match.
The Hawks are determined to capitalize on their home advantage at WIN Entertainment Centre, where they host the title decider. History is on their side; after an away win in game four, they hold the hope that the pattern of visiting teams winning could extend to eight consecutive times if they can secure a victory against Melbourne.
However, the potential for an eighth-straight triumph for the visiting team looms large, adding pressure to the Hawks to take advantage of their home court. In the lead-up to Sunday, the anticipation builds not only for the players and coaches but also for the passionate fanbase, eager to see if their team can reclaim past glories.
As the Hawks prepare for this critical game that will determine their season, all involved will be watching closely. With Froling sidelined and Kell’s return in question, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the team and its aspirations for the NBL championship. The atmosphere promises to be electric as fans rally around their team, hoping for a historic outcome.
With the clock ticking down to tip-off, Illawarra Hawks face challenges, but their journey throughout this playoffs season has shown sheer determination and belief. As they step onto the court, they’ll carry with them not only their skills but also the hopes and dreams of their supporters. It is a moment that encapsulates the essence of sports—a fight for glory against all odds, where anything can happen.
