Hoops

AFL's Hawthorn looking to buy and move Illawarra Hawks

With the size of their crowds, it would be very difficult for the Hawks to leverage their way into a share of the catering revenue.

Perhaps they could try to renegotiate the venue hire costs, but again that’s difficult if there’s no viable alternative. How much demand is there for the WEC by other “ “tenants” or users?

Do they still play pre-season games in places like Bomaderry and Moss Vale? If so, the local associations could work with the Hawks to make a day of it, with meet the players etc, and sell memberships and merchandise there. Invite local business people there and sell smaller-scale sponsor packages too. The Illawarra no longer has its own NRL team, so there’s more home games for the Hawks than there is for the NRL team (I think they play 2-4 games in Wollongong). Business networking in Wollongong/ Illawarra isn’t easy, but the Hawks’ management needs to try to engage.

I think a big problem for the Hawks was the venue costs. AFAIK, they are charged a high rent and get nothing from the food and drinks.

Being in a regional centre, WEC has a monopoly on what the NBL regards as a "suitable venue". We don't have a State government clamouring to build venues all over the place so there are no market forces to moderate the venue costs.

Personally, I quite liked the old Snakepitte. So, 2000 people was pushing the fire rules to the limit but no-one died! It also uswd to be that nearly everyone there was involved in basketball. And the Hawks ran the food and drinks meaning they got the profits. As pointed out above, it's not like the move to WEC has opened the doors to thousands of non-basketball people. In fact, I see many of the same people at the game as at the Snakepit. So, there is definitely loyalty there!

Even if, under the current ownership arrangements, it was the local Illawarra Basketball that got the profits from food and drink, at least the money would go to local basketball, not some corporate franchise.

But the NBL seem driven on their path to the glory days, overlooking that in the glory days, there were teams in regional centres like Newcastle, Canberra, Geelong, Hobart. Sad

Proud, they werent even getting 3000 to their games. Most of their games drew between 2100 and 2800 only. I think they only once got more than 3000 and that was the NYE game (if i recall)

No idea what their ticket prices were but i would doubt they'd be at Perth or Melbourne prices. Just no demand for them at all playing in a venue less than half full.

This club really needs its so called strong community to actually get behind them or they will be gone from that region. And that may just be for the best.

So how much was the average tickets of Illawarra Hawks games?

I mean if they are getting say 3000 people in at exorbitant prices then wouldn't 6000 fans at cheaper prices be more appealing.

Dragons really need to make a move and save this organization and if they run a deal on memberships for both clubs or member of one then they get whatever at the other then they could get the fans back to the games.

Well if the Mercury say it's aint happening....

I don't want to see Illawarra Hawks gone, because they do have a rich history.

However, if you tell me that :
- Someone is willing to pump money into a struggling club - Bring it to a bigger market.
- And that someone was one of the biggest names in the Australian sporting landscape.

...I'd be open to Illawarra joining the ranks of Geelong Supercats, Tassie Devils, Newcastle Falcons, Hunter Pirates, Singapore Slingers, Townsville Crocs and Melbourne Tigers.

This is a good step in the right direction. We want investment in teams by strong individuals (not called Johnstone or Groves) or organisations.

The Hawks punch above their weight generally but this year has really exposed Cairns and Illawarra when almost all teams improve and they stay stagnant.

History is important, but so is the future.

Don't know why the st George-Illawarra nrl club club look it, very profitable club and deep fan base covering a large part Sydney south and south coast.

It is understood the Hawks currently still have a substantial debt of more than $350,000.

I'm assuming rebranding/relocating is cheaper, easier and faster than setting up a completely new license/franchise. While they'd do a pretty big overhaul they have at least some sort of foundation to build on.

Plus like anon said 'rellocating' sounds better than a team folding and then another franchise starting up later.

"This is April 1st territory"

Let's hope so.

My gut tells me it might be a move to Tassie. Based on their connections and I could see Tassie helping them out a bit financially with the move.

This is April 1st territory, but it makes some sense. Not surprised at all that LK would be looking at ways to minimise the regional exposure.

Cheers LV

Hawthorn is absolutely a superclub in the same way Collingwood is.

Off field in terms of profits, membership numbers and the like, you will find they are right at the top.

In terms of the general vibe around town it's always dependent on on field success. So this year is huge for them - can they recover and get back into finals?

But Collingwood has been starved of success too.

Tassie has been a big success imo. When you're selling out a ground that holds 20,000 ppl in a town of 100,000 what more can you do?

(Not a Hawthorn fan btw. I hate em! But credit where it's due).

How about NRL supporters, you're alienating them by linking NBL so closely to AFL. Bad move.

Could move to Tasmania, hawthorns links there are strong.

Well the Hawks will no longer be most ppls second favourite NBL team then...

This would certainly add some early juice to the Melbourne rivalry!

I would have preferred AFL expanding the NBL rather than moving an existing club. But the writing has been on the wall for a long time at Illawarra. This club just doesnt have the support base or money to keep going in a league that is getting stronger each year. They need an injection of cash and competitiveness and its not going to happen in Illawarra under their current system.

FAAARK! Mind blown

The rumours of an AFL club wriggling into the NBL could be true. The Hawks/Hawks seem a perfect match. Just waiting for the colours to be changed to Hawthorn brown and yellow...

I am really conflicted with this one. They are the last foundation club so a relocation and new identify is a bit like Uncle George saying he now wants to be called Uncle Jim

I certainly suggested a short while ago that the Hawks were in trouble. Perhaps the recent change of ownership has a lot to do with this alleged move.?

very interesting we will see

Complete joke if this happens.

LK selling out our history.

Only interested in thoughts of those who have seen both play. Obviously Anthony is younger but will he go further in his carrier than Frank?

Who has the better handle? Shooting ability? Passer, defense etc?

Any comments would be appreciated.