AFTER months of arduous pre-season training and trial matches, Scott Balsar and his Illawarra Hawks will finally tip-off their season on Saturday.
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In year two of his reign, the Hawks will start their 2021 Waratah League division one men's campaign against reigning champions Central Coast at the Snakepit from 4pm.
"It doesn't get much tougher than hosting the champs on your home court first up," Bomaderry resident Balsar said.
"After what can only be described as an interesting 2020 due to COVID-19, all the boys are much more on the same page in terms of both the offensive and defensive principles I want.
"All the boys are excited to hit the court and see exactly where we are at heading into the season.
"We've all taken plenty of confidence from the past few months, including going 1-1 during the pre-season tournament, and I expect the boys will come to play from the first whistle on Saturday."
Balsar will have 12 of his 13-man squad available on Saturday, with Shoalhaven product Kyle Leslie not joining the team until late May, following his return from college in the United States and subsequent quarantine.
"A win on Saturday would be massive for us because it can really shape our season," Balsar said.
"I always say you need to make your home court a fortress and win all those matches while splitting for road games 50-50.
"If you do that, you're a playoff team, as simple as that.
"But if you stumble and drop one at home, you've got to work twice as hard and make up for it on the road.
"And with a Sydney road double-header awaiting us in round two, we're going into this game thinking it's a finals match-up.
"If we play the way I know we're capable of, we will be able to make a big statement on Saturday."
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