Minor premier Wolfpack not taking in-form Hawks lightly

THE Merriwa Tavern & Bistro Joondalup City Wolves have been waiting for the SBL playoffs to start for several weeks now having locked away the men's minor premiership for 2015, but coach Ben Ettridge knows the danger that their quarter-final opponents present.

On the back of Joondalup surprisingly missing the playoffs altogether in 2014, championship-winning coach from 2011 Ettridge returned to the Wolves and the result was a dominant season where they dropped just the three matches and finished three games clear on top of the standings.

The Wolfpack locked away the minor premiership by beating the second placed Geraldton Buccaneers just under a month ago and while they enter the playoffs in strong form having won their last seven games, the Perry Lakes Hawks won't be a pushover.

The Hawks looked all but out of playoff contention at 4-12, but then won eight of the next nine matches to qualify for the post-season after missing out in 2014.

Their winning run coincided with the return of exciting import Bryton Hobbs from injury but Ben Purser, Ryan Smith, Josh Garlepp, Mike Krumel, Ben Dixon and in recent weeks Rob Cassir have also had a significant impact.

However, the Wolves enter the playoffs as the team to beat with a line-up including Trian Iliadis, Kevin Davis, Seb Salinas, Rob Huntington, Damian Matacz, Louis Timms, Ben Ironmonger, Joel Questel, Sean Easther and Jordan Wellsteed.

Ettridge is now looking forward to what he expects to be a highly competitive series against the Hawks starting Friday night at Bendat Basketball Centre.

"We are very excited to be playing the Hawks this Friday night," Ettridge said.

"They have staged a massive comeback this season to make the playoffs.

"All our guys are fully fit and raring to go. Our last part of the season has been good, and we want to let that form take us as far as possible in the playoffs.

"We expect a great series against them."

Article by Chris Pike
Photo by Serene-Elise Photography




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Download the GameDay App!

Stay up-to-date with your favourite teams and keep an eye on your rivals by accessing the latest match results, fixtures and stats via GameDay App.

GameDay Splash Screen
App Store Google Play