By Lord Mayor Councillor Tania Brown
Well, the Illawarra Hawks certainly didn’t miss their shot! They’re the 2025 NBL Champions, and they’ve made the whole city proud.
It’s no secret that I’ve been a die-hard Hawks fan for a long time. And for those who have stuck by the team through thick and thin, this victory is a very sweet success.
The Hawks are the only foundation club left in the national league and it’s only the second time in their 46-year history that they’ve won the title. It’s the first time they’ve won it in front of a passionate home crowd in Wollongong.
There’s no question, the team was hungry for this victory. They rose to the occasion and encouraged Wollongong to join them for the ride.
And it’s this community focus and commitment, that it takes a town to earn the title, that I really respect about the Illawarra Hawks. As the city’s only fulltime national sporting team, Coach Justin Tatum made it clear – when it comes to the Illawarra Hawks, we rise together.
And boy it was amazing to see Wollongong rise up! Businesses decorated in team colours, fans filling the stadium, more people watching the game at Wollongong City Council’s Globe Lane Live Site, the old lighthouse illuminated red, and, I’ve not doubt, many a loungeroom party with fans getting together to watch the final on TV.
The city really came to life, and this is a celebration to be savoured by the players and their loyal fan base. Right now, we’re making plans on how to continue this celebration beyond today, and I’ll be sharing details shortly.
As we enjoy this moment in basketball history, I’d like to acknowledge the Melbourne United team and, in particular, the sportsmanship of Matthew Dellavedova. There’s no question that it was a hard game for them on Sunday in front of a passionate (and very loud and vocal) Wollongong crowd.
With a phenomenal career in his own right, Dellavedova deserves our respect. But after being awarded MVP of the series by Larry Sengstock, he did something extraordinary and controversial. He immediately handed the NBL-awarded trophy to Hawks’ Guard Will Hickey with the words ‘Davo, this belongs to you’. You already had our respect, Matthew, but this is the type of sportsmanship that speaks volumes. On behalf of our community, I acknowledge this exceptional move. It was a truly class act from an Australian basketball legend. You’re welcome in Wollongong anytime Matthew.
So, let’s come together and celebrate the success of our home-grown team, and be ready to cheer them on when the 2025/2026 championship gets underway later this year.
Champions two years running? I do like the sound of that. #letsrisetogetheragain