Gordie McCleod during his playing days at the Snakepit. Photo: Roy C Arneman/Illawarra Hawks.
Gordie McCleod during his playing days at the Snakepit. Photo: Roy C Arneman/Illawarra Hawks.
The voice coming down the line breaks, finally succumbing to emotion.
“When you’ve had skin in the game and when it’s been such a big part of your life, you can’t let that go,” says Gordie McLeod.
McLeod has an Illawarra basketball legacy which is unrivalled.
As the only homegrown legend among five whose retired jerseys hang from the rafters, no-one can lay claim to having a greater impact on the Illawarra Hawks and community than the iconic number five.
So, when he says the undermanned Hawks’ against-the-odds win over Melbourne United on their home floor – tying the 2025 Championship series at 2-2 on Wednesday night – was one of the club’s greatest ever, you better believe him.
Following the victory, Region Illawarra reached out to the five retired jersey legends of the club to get their perspectives on the win and Sunday’s blockbuster decider at the WIN Entertainment Centre (WEC).
Speaking from his home in Cairns where he has lived since 2017, McLeod is immediately brought to tears when asked if he still feels a part of the Hawks and what the win meant to him.
“It’s wonderful … I’m sorry, I’m getting emotional. To see the journey (owner) Jared Novelly, Mat Campbell and others have taken with the club now … there are so many people over the years who have kept the club going through so many rough times, so for the club to be on the precipice that it is now is quite unique,” McLeod said.
“Obviously I’m extremely proud. I went a bit nuts watching it on the telly. It became a big night and I am paying for it today.”
McLeod tries to catch Hawks games in Cairns, and when asked if he appreciates his influence on the NBL’s only remaining foundation club, he deflects – but in doing so hits at the beating heart of the Hawks.
“It wasn’t really me. I think it was what the club was built on, all the people around the club,” he said.
“I started playing state league for the club as a 15-year-old and you go back to people like Scotty (club stalwart John Trevillion Scott) and (former coach) Adrian Hurley, it was very much about community and that’s what I love about the club.
“It’s had to move and taken someone like Jared with the private ownership to hopefully keep it going, but the foundation of the club was built on the community.
“It’s all about teamwork, pushing together, going hard and that’s what good communities do.”
Along with the historic ride, McLeod noted Wednesday’s win had a very Illawarra flavour to it.
“The game reflected the Hawks’ journey,” the 215-game veteran and coach of the club between 2009 and 2015 said.
“When you look at it, it was the sum of what the Illawarra Hawks was founded on. It was a whole team effort, not one or two stars, and that’s what I love about the team this year.
“They play with energy and enthusiasm and, as the coach said, they have a ‘next man up mentality’ and that’s how they got over the line last night. They made a lot of people very proud.”
And his message for the Illawarra faithful at the WEC on Sunday: “Enjoy the ride and do what you do best – support your team. Whether they are in the penthouse or the shithouse, support them like you’ve always done.”
Region Illawarra also asked the four other legends to share their experiences of watching Wednesday night’s game.
MELVIN THOMAS
The notoriously media shy Thomas, who played with the Hawks between ‘92 and ’95 and ‘99 to 2003 including the 2001 championship, watched the game at home and will be racing to Sunday’s game after finishing work at midday in Sydney with Virgin Airlines.
“I watched every bit of it. I thought we were very fortunate to win with Sam (Froling) going down and not having Kell as well. I really didn’t know how we were going to win that one.
“Hickey was the driving force.
“It feels good seeing the crowd get behind them and seeing the guys from the 2001 championship at the game. Apparently, they’ll be there on Sunday, and it will be a good catchup.
“Wollongong has always been my first love and to be a part of that first championship means a lot, but 25 years is enough time for us to gloat. It would be nice to see another championship banner up there (in the rafters).”
As for his message to the Illawarra faithful: “Make sure it’s a full house, use your voices and let’s do our part to get them over the line.”
Chuck Harmison is honoured by the Illawarra Hawks. Photo: Joel Armstrong/Illawarra Hawks.
CHUCK HARMISON
The much-loved former American import has become part of the fabric of the club and community since starting with the playing journey in 1988 until it ended in 1996.
“I was at home watching it with my wife on the couch and the first half was impossible to watch … but it was fantastic. I was speechless.
“It was a comedy of errors … just started laughing at it at one stage. It was not pretty. But the good thing was we hung in there and hung in there.
“When Sam went down, I was probably like every other fan, but to their unbelievable credit Darius (Days) and Lachie (Olbrich) stood up and we’re like a three-headed monster. Once you cut the head of one off, there’s another one coming at you.
“In the fourth quarter I got cramp in my calf from jumping up too much.”
As for his message to the Illawarra fans: “Just be loud. Just be loud from the opening tip. I have no hesitation the guys will get it done.”
GLEN SAVILLE
The man known simply as “Sav” could be seen celebrating the victory, beer in hand, in the crowd in Melbourne with his 2001 Hawks championship teammates and other former Hawks.
“There was six of us (2001 championship team) and we should have eight there for Sunday,” a “dusty” Saville said, having just landed at the Sydney airport.
“The championship guys, in particular Damon (Lowery), have been vocal on how long we’ve had to wait for the next championship, but to have us all there last night and witness something like that brings us together again.
“To be there sitting in the crowd with the fans, some of whom would have watched us win our championship, was special.
“We have life-long friendships as a result of that championship, and I hope by the end of Sunday this new group can begin their own journey and legacy together.”
As for the fans on Sunday: “The confidence we now have and get from the Wollongong faithful is the experience we can’t wait for. The players will really enjoy it and are really looking forward to it.”
MAT CAMPBELL
As part of the team hierarchy, the man who is credited with saving the club from oblivion all those years ago had a unique view sitting just behind the Hawks’ bench.
“If you look at the context of the series, we were 2-1 down on their floor against a quality opposition; you can see the determination and grit it took to win.
“That’s exactly what we have tried to build across our history, exactly who we are and to see the boys willing themselves to win … extraordinary.
“This team is a funny one; it needs a bit of adversity to lift to a greater level. Now we are on par and have got an opportunity to come back to our home floor, our home fans and leave everything on that floor to give ourselves the best chance of winning.”
And in closing, Campbell’s message to Hawkheads? “Bring your A-game. We will need you to lift us when we need lifting and this is not going to be easy. There will be a time when we need a lift.”
Let’s lift then, Hawkheads.
Sunday’s deciding game tips off at 2:30 pm at the WIN Entertainment Centre. If you can’t get a ticket, head down to Globe Lane in Wollongong from 2 pm where two big screens will show all the action.
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