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Season 4 Episode 15: "Clutchinson" featuring Waratah on VCR
1 Plays3 seconds ago
- Men’s competition
- Newy Falcons are tied for the longest winning streak in NBL East men’s division
- Commentator shout outs
- Ladder and placings
- Davo Hickey starts for LA Lakers in the summer league
Women’s comp
- Hornsby and Hills on the berth of making their finals debut,
- Maitland sprinting to finals
- Munger celebrates 100 NBL1 games
- Darcy Rees from Illawarra Hawks commits to the Sydney Flames
EGG GOTW - Sutherland vs. Illawarra (men)
Recommended
Transcript
Podcast Introduction & Platforms
00:00:48
Speaker
Hello and welcome back to another episode of East Scott Game where we give you the X's, the O's and the insights of NBL One East. Thank you for joining us live tonight on YouTube and Instagram. And remember, you can follow us on Instagram and Facebook at East Scott Game or you can continue to find our episodes on your preferred streaming platforms. And look, if it doesn't have East Scott Game, it shouldn't be your preferred streaming platform.
Guest Introduction: James Millan
00:01:12
Speaker
And while you're there, check out Cut to the Jace, a podcast featuring current Bankstown Bruin Jason Caddy, and it's a Cole World, a podcast by WNBL champion Beck Cole, both brought to you by basketball.com.au. And you're not seeing things. Once again, Squinn has other duties to attend to. And we have been joined tonight by the one and only, the voice of the Hornsby Keringai Spiders, James Millan. James, welcome.
00:01:39
Speaker
Oh, it's always good to be back on a Scott game. um i will say I missed, missed my mixed C comp tonight for this, um but it's always worth it to be on the pod. And thank you for having me again, that's Quinn and Lockie.
00:01:52
Speaker
I don't know I still get nervous coming on this. I love your show. ah Oh, need to be nervous. sir It's a, Quinn is of course on a fever under 17 women's world cup commentary duty, which is in a horrendous time zone for us. So, uh,
00:02:09
Speaker
think we can ah forgive her for missing an episode of EGG to r commentate on a World Cup. because ah Why not? But, James, it was a big week.
NBL One East Finals Overview
00:02:20
Speaker
It was a very big week. 13 of the 16 final spots are now decided.
00:02:26
Speaker
six in the men's are Six in the women's and seven in the men's. Yeah, all locked in. um It's that time of year where, you know, I mean, one, you're a little fatigued. um i was listening to the next question with ah Caleb um just earlier today and his um interview with Lockie Hutchinson and they were just saying how,
00:02:46
Speaker
the fatigue of the season really starts to catch up with you at this point. But especially for the teams right at the bottom of the table, in the seventh and eighth spot, trying to jostle for those last few positions.
00:03:00
Speaker
um But, yeah, I was just saying to you before we we came on air that it's like there's maybe maybe with five rounds to go, your attention shifts away from that top four um ah to the bottom four of the top eight, the teams that are kind of vying for that last spot.
00:03:13
Speaker
And um because, you know, but you know It's a competitive competition, but in both comps, it's looked like North's Manly and COA in both men's and women's have been locked in for a while now. um And meanwhile, specific to the men's comp, Illawarra have ah kind of had that spot secured. But, Lachie, I really need to pick your brains. And for all the East got game fans out there, all the East fans out there, I think we need to talk about the the last scramble for the last few spots in the final round.
Newcastle Falcons' Winning Streak
00:03:44
Speaker
Well... I mean, we can't talk about the last spot in finals without talking about the Newcastle Falcons, who are tied for the longest winning streak in NBL 1 East men's. They were, I think, 2-10. They're now 9-10, 7-game winning streak. And they're now at the point where they win, they're in. I don't think anyone would have seen that coming six weeks ago.
00:04:08
Speaker
Yeah, what a turnaround by the Falcons. and And I've been impressed game in, game out, how how like different players have stepped up. Elias Cato especially has stepped up in so many games that Mandra Worthy will take over.
00:04:22
Speaker
um but a big shout out to that their two long-term veterans, Jaden Goodwin and Ryan Beastie, who I think have stuck with the program through thick and thin. and I think those two guys have really been very like it's been so solid in this end-of-season run. There was a lot of player turnover.
00:04:38
Speaker
in the off season, which, um you know, there was the obvious stories with Miles Cherry moving on, Kobe Shannon moving back to Sydney, joining the Bulls. um But those two guys, Goodwin and Beastie, stuck with the program. And um ah i think with all their new players, stitching them all together and um ah putting putting together a late season run, um sometimes it takes until the last quarter of the season to really click.
Key Players in Newcastle's Success
00:05:04
Speaker
And boy, have they clicked.
00:05:06
Speaker
They certainly have. I mean, Elias Cato, he was announced preseason but didn't arrive until a little way in. They got Chavez Woods laid on. Trey Sevens is a local boy. He's back home. So they yeah really added some good pieces. But like you said, sometimes it takes a while.
00:05:22
Speaker
um But, I mean, I say and you're in, but they've got to go to Maitland to do it. Yeah. So just, just double checking those. So the central coast crusaders don't like Newcastle beat the crew. So is that, did that just split on them?
00:05:37
Speaker
Yes. Oh, to get it. So yeah. Man, you can't write a better script than this. And I'm sure the the NBL 1 East um fixture gourds were stitching this one together saying, well, let's finish the season with a Maitland-Newcastle
Intriguing Finals Scenarios
00:05:54
Speaker
derby. But they couldn't predicted this, that they're going to have a derby game at Federation Centre, also known as the Mojo Home Centre now. um to decide who gets into the finals. And boy, won wouldn't Maitland love spoil Newcastle's party. That'd be very sweet um for them.
00:06:12
Speaker
But meanwhile, on the flip side, in the women's um division as well, the Maitland women, they also um desperately
Women's Division Finals Race
00:06:20
Speaker
need a win. So Newcastle can spoil their party. Yes, Maitland need to ah see where Maitland exactly land. They are nine and nine So if they win both, um they'll be in a tire at worst, they'll be in a tiebreaker with Hills and Hornsby.
00:06:37
Speaker
And Hornsby played Bankstown.
00:06:41
Speaker
And Hills played Illawarra. Hills played Illawarra, which you would, on current form, expect Hills to win that and go to eleven yeah nine Hornsby against this Bankstown team.
00:06:52
Speaker
i know I know you're the voice of the spiders, but I have to say the Bankstown Bruins would be heavily favoured in that picture. Well, to the to Lauren Curt and the Bruins out there, look, you've locked your spot up in finals. Maybe rest a few players. Take it easy. You don't want a w risk injury.
00:07:08
Speaker
um You know, it's it's a long trip from Bankstown up to the um beautiful Upper North Shore to Thornley. So maybe just rest a few players. You know, take it easy on on Saturday. Enjoy it. Enjoy from home.
00:07:20
Speaker
it's Yeah, sure. Sure, James. I don't think so. no definitely if you don't ask you If you don't ask, you won't get. yeah the yeah but The game that I like to call the Cumberland Conflict, and after the the great Cumberland Highway.
00:07:36
Speaker
Oh, wow. i like that. actually yeah You come with the best ones, Lucky. And um I love how the Thompson's corner tussle as well. I do have to give you give you credit for that. um the leagues The league's very much adopted that now. They have. I throw out a lot of nicknames and occasionally one sticks.
00:07:55
Speaker
Okay, they
Maitland's Women's Team Performances
00:07:56
Speaker
do. But yeah, the Cumberland, I like that. Yeah, let's let that in. I'm going be using that on Saturday. But yeah. Yeah, but back to Maitland real quickly, though. They've they've got, um I mean, the Bankstown Bruins will be, i don't know if the Bruins and Maitland have a um have ah have a rivalry name, but um yeah, they've got to face, Maitland's got to face Newcastle on the Saturday, there's a Bruins on the Sunday.
00:08:17
Speaker
Yes, yes. That's that's very tough. Yeah, I think that that's why that Hills-Maitland game the other week was so vital, knowing but knowing Maitland have to play Newcastle and Bankstown to finish off um so they would have been 10 and 9 at this stage and uh 10 and 8 and hills would have been 9 and 10 with the split maitland so i mean they they went they they were four and what were they four eight and won five of their last six to get into this spot so Yeah, some it's going to be tough for Maitland, but one thing you can always bank in with every Maitland team, umm from juniors all way up to seniors, but especially this NBL1 women's team, is they are going to go down swinging. um They're going to throw everything they can at this.
00:09:04
Speaker
um And shout out to Coach Granger as well. he He's done a really good job. I'm developing a quite a competitive program. And um not just of late, but over last season and this season, Maitland's women's program is really starting to pump. Also on a Warratah League level, but we're an NBL 1A podcast. um But I don't know, Maitland's women are top of the Warratah League at the moment. So good things going in the women's program up there at ah the Fed Centre.
00:09:29
Speaker
Certainly is. so And, I mean, we talk about you know Newcastle winning their in. crew win and Newcastle lose therein.
Complex Men's Division Scenarios
00:09:38
Speaker
But below that, if Central Coast go down to Albury and lose and Newcastle lose to Maitland, Comets, Hills, Inner West and Bankstown can all tie with them on because they're all either 8-11 or 7-11 and none of them play each other.
00:09:57
Speaker
Meaning, technically, there is a route to a six-way tie for eighth place. Ugh.
00:10:05
Speaker
Oh, no. ah ah i don't think there's an AI algorithm that could figure this out. Really lucky. um Thank God we've got you in the league to sort this this mathematics out. Anyone who's been listening to my commentary knows that um I'm not very good with scenarios or with mathematics. I still use my fingers to count um a lot of the time. But, yeah, that would be super dramatic. But...
00:10:27
Speaker
A testament to the league, though, at how competitive um it's come, especially... i mean, I know you and Squin have been talking about this all season. only It's the men's division that throws up a lot of, like, logjam um from that sixth to about that 12th, 13th, 14th spot. But the women's comp this year has been an absolute... um I can't swear on this podcast, but it's been an absolute fight um at the ad the for that eighth spot.
Competitiveness of Women's League
00:10:52
Speaker
And, um yeah, it goes to show that lot of programs are starting to... um starting to really become legit they certainly are yes and that that eight way that six way tie will happen if bankstown beat hornsby hills beat illawarra maitland beat newcastle inner west beat manly albury beat central coast comets beat canberra and then bankstown beat maitland on the final day so seven results in the men's comp we've got a six-way tie for eight i don't like it nick
00:11:21
Speaker
Yeah, and I know. don't like it. But, yeah, i think I think it's safe to say by Sunday night, I think everyone's going to be feeling lot more calm about all this. so um hey, strap yourself in, East fans, and get down to um get down to your local stadium and go support your teams. It's going to be a ripper finish to the season. 100% is. course, you had some...
00:11:45
Speaker
but moving on of course you are had some ah you were ah You were up at Newcastle, were were you watching at home? No, I was watching at home, actually, and I just wanted to take a quick quick time to shout out um the Newcastle commentators, Chris McPherson and Jonah Armstrong.
00:12:03
Speaker
um They were so good. i like, really enjoyed watching,
Commentators' Contributions and Progress
00:12:07
Speaker
like, listening to their call. um i was covering a few Warratah games up at the Brick Pit, so got the live stream on on the arm train back to Central. And, yeah they they were just so much fun to watch. It just sounded like two mates having a conversation.
00:12:20
Speaker
um ah And that's a real style of commentary that I really enjoy. And you could hear the passion and the love for the game um ah in in their call. and And Jonah, I think that was one of his first games commentating. He's still playing Warratah League with Newcastle at the moment, but um it was really insightful. And they're one-two punch. They're bouncing off each other so well. They're having fun, but also really insightful, um especially about the Newcastle team. So I learned a lot. So i just wanted to give them um a little a little shout out. And... um not Not to keep labouring on with um commentators saying that commentators are the the best people in the world. um
00:12:55
Speaker
We're not, but we're trying. And, yeah, a shout-out to Andrew Reynolds as well, who joined us on the call on Friday night. um Speaking of having fun on the call, I had an absolute ball on Friday um at Alexandria. And um Andrew Reynolds' first season calling NBL1 East action and hopefully the first of many to come because he was absolute pleasure to call the game with.
00:13:18
Speaker
And speaking of comments commentators, ah my co-commentator from a few weeks ago, a couple of times this season, Jem Hudson, who also runs the comments TikTok, did her first play-by-play call on the comments V Maitland women's game.
00:13:31
Speaker
Damn, Jem doing everything. Definitely. So, yeah, she's done, think she's done three game nights of um color comms and, yeah, stepped up to do play-by-play. Yeah.
00:13:44
Speaker
Hey, good honor. we need it yeah we We don't have a lot of women doing play by play commentary. i'm We have a few doing special comms, especially not in East. Yeah, not yet. But I think um i think there's a lot of clubs out there trying to trying to flip that script a little bit.
00:14:00
Speaker
um And that's great. Like up at the the Brick Pit, we've had um had Jess Knight, one of our Warratai players, jumping on the call. And um she's getting better feedback than I am. um Everyone seems to want her more than me on the call. So big shout out to Jess Knight as well.
00:14:14
Speaker
um Doubling Warratai player slash NBA. Jess Knight, that doubles as a commentator shout out and a deep cut Warratai league reference as well. Yeah, and she's an absolute legend as well. um But i'm I've been really impressed by the level of commentary this year around the league. And I'm particularly like over the moon to hear like a lot of a lot of new commentators coming on and a lot of clubs giving a
Celebrating Nicole Munger's Milestone
00:14:40
Speaker
chance to new voices to to jump on. I think it's it's It's great because like everyone sees the game a little bit differently.
00:14:47
Speaker
And, yeah, and's it's really refreshing. I like to hear it because I get to hear my own voice. So um it's it's really good to have some up-and-coming talent, not just on the court but off the court too. and russiaha And we also had former Sydney Uni Flames star Eva Afiaki join us for the call at Sutherland for the men's game on a Saturday night. So more more new voices. But we do have a few...
00:15:12
Speaker
Other ah things to talk about, of course, we've to shout out one of the absolute goats of the league, Nicole Munger, racking up 100 games in NBL1. I know. Wow. it's I mean, it's it makes sense. We have 20 to 22 game season. It's the fifth season. a lot of players are hitting 100,
00:15:35
Speaker
know, when it's someone like Nicole Munger standing out and to have an import come back so regularly, an import come back for five seasons. yeah so if i could just take the chance to um pitch to nicole munger australia it's the land of opportunity it's the land of plenty and if you want an australian citizenship please just let us know we'd love to have you on team australia and surely now like how many mvps do have to win in nbl one how many wmbl seasons do you have to play before um you can become an aussie citizen i think the common even if it's not official um i am you are we are all australian now and um
00:16:14
Speaker
so And, and, but on a serious note though, like having, having her come here, like, uh, still in kind of not the wild, wild west days, the NBL one is still in the league was trying to find its feet, um, ah and show other the imports that this isn't just a league where you can come and, you know, get get, get, get your reps up and, and get a bit of money for the year, but you can actually stay and make a home and use that as a professional pathway into the WNBL.
00:16:40
Speaker
Um, it, it, it's It's been amazing what she's done for Newcastle, but it's been amazing that example she set ah for international players and and what an ambassador she's been for the league. Anytime you hear her on or on Newcastle social media and stuff like that, she's always so well-spoken. She's a great person to have in the league. um and That's before we even get it to her absolute dominance on the court. so Feels like time's been flying, but again, Nicole Munger, Bryce Cotton just made his Boomers debut. So if you, are again, if you want to want to see yourself in potentially yeah in Australia, jersey soon I don't know if that's a bit of a stretch, but we'd love if she could hang around for not just a couple more years, but decades and hopefully a lifetime.
00:17:24
Speaker
And also, she was the very first guest we ever had on an Eastcott game.
00:17:32
Speaker
Exactly, a pioneer. It's like, Squint and I were just like, who should we try to get? We were just like, do you want to try and get Munger? She was like, yeah, sure. what what I love the ambition. Shoot for the stars. Exactly. and um Yeah, you caught one.
Darcy Reese's Move to Sydney Flames
00:17:50
Speaker
And speaking of this league being a professional pathway to the WNBL, Darcy Reese from the Aurora Hawks. Came over from South Australia to join the Hawks as being the starting centre. And she signed for the Sydney Flames. So they've rounded out their roster. They've filled out their roster ah by signing Darcy.
00:18:09
Speaker
Yeah, that's that's incredible. um Yeah, so I mean, I don't just want to totally repeat the speech, but, yeah, if you if you guys are looking for a professional pathway, um there it is. And, yeah, she's she's been incredible for the Illawarra Hawks this season. When I was talking to Hawks Hangout as part of a show that I did, they um but i asked them, could you could just pick one play for the men's and women's team? And um we picked Darcy Reese as a play we wanted to talk about for the women's side. um And how consistent she's been defensively, offensively, um ah in a leadership position as well with the Illawarra Hawks.
00:18:45
Speaker
And, um yeah, I think she's going to bring a lot to the Sydney Flames. I know on on the on the call on Friday i was calling for maybe Chantal Horvath to get that last spot as a big, but Darcy Reese is um yeah, definitely a professional level player.
00:18:59
Speaker
She definitely is. She went to college at the University of Washington, the same school that a certain player named Kelsey Plum went to. don't know. sounds familiar sounds sounds familiar she's uh she's pretty good at the old basketball so uh yeah go dogs yeah uh kelsey kelsey taught me that when they toured australia nice yeah uh down at colt watch them play comet push them play the warrathah league all-stars i think down at down at comets yeah in decide Yeah, I know. Oh, wow.
00:19:32
Speaker
Oh, man. Yeah, saw some photos of that um a couple months ago and I was looking up something for a story. I'm like, what is this? This this is great. Bring back the All-Star game. So many more Retire League All-Stars versus our college teams. Yeah.
00:19:46
Speaker
Very, very fun days. I've got to say, um um um um as much as this NBL 1 season is great, I'm licking lips for this WNBL season, like the Sydney Flames um first year with Renee at the helm.
00:19:58
Speaker
um I was like, you know, to start the season, um they've assembled a really exciting roster, but you'll have to tune into other podcasts to hear more about that. But I can't wait to get my Sydney Flames membership and head out to some games.
00:20:11
Speaker
How good. But before that, we've got NBL1 East finals up at, oh, sorry, NBL1 East grand final will be up at GYG Stadium in Terrigal, up on Squins
NBL1 East Grand Final Venue Change
00:20:25
Speaker
home patch. You know, it's been at Penrith the last few years, but taking up to Terrigal, where we were for last year's Warratah League grand finals, and they put on a really good show up there.
00:20:35
Speaker
Yeah, yeah, you capture right there, Lucky. I think maybe even the Warratale Grand Finals, the Grand Finals, et cetera, last season were a bit of ah a trial run. um Because, yeah, I mean, the hospitality up in the Central Coast, I was just there a couple of weeks, oh like two weeks ago. um It's awesome. Everything from the little details from the canteen to the the huge Jazz Forcadilla cutout, the Luke Cassidy cutout. um the it's it's It's just a great experience going there. And um especially for a big game like this, it's really going to be pumping. And correct me if I'm wrong, but they have some Waratah, like old school Waratah grand final back there.
00:21:18
Speaker
ah you know I can't remember what year, but this this isn't the first time, right? No. um So I'm pretty sure they were the, then it was like the first, so I think crew crew men won it that season.
00:21:30
Speaker
and I think it was the first ever time that a home team had won the grand final. Oh, right. since since they started a since like Since they started selecting a venue for it. Right. And was that like 2018? Yeah. Let me think. twenty um I'm sorry. I'm sorry, guys. Sorry to any listeners there. Yeah, I think I'm trying to think back. But yeah, I think 2018.
00:21:58
Speaker
18 yes because 2017 was maitland northby manly so 28 for the women 2018 was newcastle canberra with keely froling newcastle got up there with shannon see i'm coaching right and then the men's grand crew won there we go got there in the end yeah yeah all right it's not sort of been to all of these yeah yeah so you So not the um yeah not the first radio um up there in Terrigal. And I think it's going to be i think it's going to be a great venue to host it. and and And maybe something that the league would want to look for for in the future. Like I could see maybe like a bit of a roaming grand final. um Maybe you can even get local councils. um fighting for the the right to host because it actually is a good little boost for the local economy. I know they do that for the national finals. You can't like get different cities, um different municipalities bidding for it. But I could see even like a grand final up in Newcastle. mate that I heard they're rebuilding the stadium up there um eventually. Sorry, Newcastle fans, if that's a bit of a sore spot. But um I think eventually The funding's gone through, um but I wouldn't mind seeing like a grand final. You said in Maitland, there's been one before um in Newcastle, it'd be great. Maybe potentially even at the Snake Pit. I i do like the that kind of, if this this turns into a common fixture to to change the location every year, um it it could be a lot of fun.
00:23:18
Speaker
And there's plenty of great venues in New South Wales. There certainly are. You know what's a great venue in New South Wales? Iguana Joes. Iguana Joes, yeah, exactly. And I hear i hear they were actually the um the the driving force behind this because I think it was a sweet deal um going on Iguana Joes afterwards. So they're hosting the official after party. Oh, the unofficial, sorry, after party for the NBL 1A Grand Final. So we'll see everyone there. um And, yeah, it's... it's yeah okay I can't wait. um It's going to be so much fun. i'm I am already... I will be there.
00:23:57
Speaker
buy ticket, get Meteor a cred, whatever I have to do. Yeah, no, you sneak in by any means necessary. And um and hey, why not make a weekend out of it as well? I mean, any excuse to get, I mean, get get a little holiday house, get a little apartment or hotel in Terrigal, stay overnight. Why not go to the beach? um It's a beautiful spot in the world. And um yeah, I think it's really it's just going to be rocking. Anyway, I can't wait. I'm already buzzing for it.
00:24:22
Speaker
And the games, I mean, regardless of who qualifies, the games are going to be epic. They always are. ah they They always are. And, um yeah ah yeah. So, yeah, no, shout out to the league. at A great choice of venue.
00:24:38
Speaker
Indeed.
Game of the Week: Sutherland vs Illawarra
00:24:39
Speaker
But our game of the week this week is between two teams that have real ambitions to be their Ontario goal on August 16th.
00:24:51
Speaker
Sutherland and Illawarra men is our game of the week. But, James, you want to shout out a couple of... ah couple of Sutherland people. Yeah. i don't What's the plural for a Norris? a Nori? not nor nori um ah now but I just look, and I'm sure you'll have a little more to say about this, but um what a night for the Norrises down at the Shark Tank.
00:25:12
Speaker
um We've pretty much said that every time there's a game down there, but yeah, Matty Norris hitting the hundred games um down at the Shark Tank ah and celebrating that with a W.
00:25:22
Speaker
And then meanwhile, on the other court, Cal Norris dropping 49 points. in Sorry, that's insane. And I wonder if they're trying to get in that um that that last point. Dropping 49 points in a win over the top-placed defending champion, Mosswell Magic, in Waratah League. So shout out to um the Norrises. what a What a night out at the Shark Tank. I mean, it's always a great night at the Shark Tank, but Maddie playing her 100th game.
00:25:49
Speaker
um it 100 NBL1 East game um no We were celebrating hers and Liv Douglas' that night. Maddie's was the previous week at Manly. And Liv's was that game.
00:26:03
Speaker
Oh, okay. I gotcha. yeah Yeah. So 101 games. Yeah. Yes. um But yeah, so yeah, Matty celebrating that and then Cal Norris is absolutely erupting in the Warratai League um against the Mossvale Maddies. Yeah. So shout out to um to to the Norrises. um what What a night out.
00:26:21
Speaker
It was great.
Summer League Opportunities for Davo Hickey
00:26:22
Speaker
And one more thing that I forgot to mention before we get to game of the week. Dave O'Hickey starting for the Lakers in summer league. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Funnily enough, you can i um I was looking at the rosters and I was like, the only player I know here is Dave O'Hickey, which says a lot about what kind of basketball I watch.
00:26:41
Speaker
Yeah, not not not a big G League fan. there's um There's only so many hours in a day, huh? That's right. Yeah, but um yeah, incredible for Davo Hickey. um We saw, know, Bwali Bales getting decent minutes for New York Knicks last summer league.
00:26:57
Speaker
um We saw Will Johnston getting a call up to the New York Knicks summer league squad, but Davo Hickey just going to a whole new level and starting for the Lakers in summer league.
00:27:09
Speaker
Oh, I mean, the Davo Hickey story is just, is nothing short of incredible. um But of course, um hornsby kringas spiders mountain might not have been the year that uh fans are hoping for in the men's division but to have two players in summer league including a starter No, no.
00:27:25
Speaker
That's something the fans of the Brick Pit can hold their head high about. And um congratulations to Davo Hickey. We're talking about the pathways the league provides um before. But, yeah, to to to kind of keep his motor running um in the NBL 1 East to springboard him into a great summer league campaign just goes to show that the league's great, Davo Hickey's great.
00:27:45
Speaker
It's all great. Everything's marvellous, as Richie would say. but but We're the commentary team and we reckon everything's marvellous. Moving on to the the game at the Shark Tank on Saturday night, it was Sutherland and Illawarra in a massive
Sutherland Sharks vs Illawarra Match Analysis
00:28:00
Speaker
showdown. Illawarra looking to push for a top two spot, maybe even a minor premiership if everything falls their way, whilst Sutherland trying to keep their top four hopes alive and maybe even push for third and maybe even second. They'd lead a lot more to go their way, but a win is the best they can ah the best way to start. And it was the Sutherland Sharks getting the win, ninety two eighty eight in an absolute barn burner that ah I had a lot of fun calling.
00:28:28
Speaker
Interestingly, it was a game with a couple of big outs. So there was no Mason Peatling for the Illawarra Hawks, but there was no Bailey MacArthur for the Sutherland Sharks. And look, I know Mason Peatling is a 150 NBL game player and Bailey MacArthur is a under 20s rep, but Bailey MacArthur is a big part of that Sutherland team, even if he doesn't have the same pedigree as someone like Mason Peatling.
00:28:55
Speaker
um So... First quarter, James, I thought the Sharks took real advantage of Peatling not being there because a lot ran through Luke Jamison in those early couple of minutes.
00:29:06
Speaker
They were feeding him lot. ah yeah Whether he was getting to the rack, ah whether he was getting out in transition, they were finding him, whether he was trying to hit threes. hed just look and that They looked like they were like, all right, we know they're going to try and take Spurgeon out of the game.
00:29:24
Speaker
we can use Jamison as the matchup that we have the advantage with here. Yeah. No, I noticed that pretty much immediately because um there was a play, I think he missed the three, but Jamison was like, this is wide open, i think, for two threes in that that first quarter. And I had to keep rewinding, like, wait, who is actually marking up on Jamison here? Because there's not...
00:29:45
Speaker
I guess yes Todd Blanchfield maybe, but um like I think he was playing a lot of help defence because out of like the pick and roll situation with Hutch and Spurgeon, for example, you've got to kind of pick your poison, but that ended up kind of blitzing it, and then Jamison was just wide open. But you're right, without Peatling in the middle, the Sharks were just looking to get downhill, and and I think that actually was a big story of the game, um which I think we'll get to with Spurgeon's performance. But... um Nothing against Fletcher McDonald, though, and and that actually was one of my first notes. that I'm so stoked to see Fletcher McDonald NBL 1 East. I hope he's going to stay around for a while. i think he's done with college, um but he he's, I reckon, one of the under-radar signings of the season. and and Sorry if it sounds like I'm i'm exaggerating here, but... Fletcher McDonald's, an elite talent. I think he had a little hand injury though, so maybe he didn't shoot that well um this game. But he's very capable um very capable replacement. But, yeah, I think they were missing Peatling, especially on the defensive end. But, yeah, Luke Jamison came out to play against his old club.
00:30:49
Speaker
yeah You say his old club. You reach back and deep in the memory bank to r to find that one. Oops. look But, um I mean, what I also found interesting was Harrison Rayner being in the starting lineup with Sutherland Sharks ah because he comes – lot of times we've seen him come off the bench like three or four minutes in to spell Lachlan Hutchison really early.
00:31:16
Speaker
And then we've also seen times where, like, he's early starting minutes. And then it – and so they put him in the starting lineup. And then they've kind of just, like – it hasn't meshed.
00:31:27
Speaker
But i' I don't think we saw that this way. I think we saw he was he and Hutchison have really learned to play well together. um yeah They're not stepping on each other's toes. They're deciding who's going to be ball handler, who's going to play off the ball. And I think Rainer, and we'll get to it later on, um he hit one corner three. But I think the way he's hitting his threes means he's really being respected as a shooter and he can be used off the ball a lot more.
00:31:58
Speaker
Yeah. it's um I was very curious about that because i noticed as well when you said no, Bailey McArthur, thought, okay, well then, then who's kind of coming off the bench in that in that kind of guard position. um ah And I know, yeah, know Rainer is like in a way the leader of that second unit. um And when Hutch came off, I'm like, oh damn, who's running the point? Aaron Robbins is not here anymore. Who's going to do it? um And, you know, Adrian Cabrera kind of stepped in that position, but,
00:32:26
Speaker
Yeah, there's a lot of competition for that two-guard spot on the Sharks team. We're talking about MacArthur, Rayner, and Adrian Cabrera, who obviously Adrian Cabrera is a championship winner with this side and a championship starter. But I think Harry Rayner in this game really showed why got trusted in the starting lineup. I mean, finished the game. I'm sure we can spoil this part. Finished the game with 16 points of 75% shooting, but also played some incredible defense on what is difficult situation three-headed monster that the Illawarra Hawks start games with, with Mims, Kone and Kami. It's, you know, the Illawarra Hawks came out and they were firing the ball around. They looked very calm, very confident. um that
00:33:09
Speaker
And I noticed they started with Mims at the point guard, which I'm a fan of, but I think later on they maybe got away from that. um So maybe we saw Harrison Rayner in the starting lineup for a defensive matchup there. But, um yeah, he was super impressive.
00:33:22
Speaker
Yeah, I like that you brought up the defensive matchup because um um one thing Jake, my co-commentator, mentioned is that he needed to stay disciplined on defense because he is such an active defender, especially on the ball.
00:33:34
Speaker
ah he's getting And he's getting better at picking his moments as well. So, I mean, Matt Mims, he has just elevated his game so much. He's, I mean...
00:33:45
Speaker
as i said As I've said multiple times pretty much any time I talk about the Allura Hawks. They were great last year with Kobe McDowell-White and Matt Mims both in the roster. But Kobe not being there has just unlocked Matt so much. i really like even From the opening seconds of this game, we just saw Matt Mims absolutely on fire for the Allura Hawks.
00:34:07
Speaker
I knocked down a couple of early threes. He was controlling the tempo. He was pretty much doing almost as he pleased in terms of guard guiding his team around the floor.
00:34:19
Speaker
Yeah, it's... Yeah, wow. so so like You should see my notes here. that they're They're not even very descriptive. They've got Matt Mims, sorry, what? Question mark, exclamation mark, question mark, exclamation mark. And then the next one is, dear Lord, Matt Mims is so good. 11 points already. And that was three minutes ago in the quarter. Yeah, sorry. Not the most articulate um or or poetic notes I've made here. But, yeah, he was just...
00:34:45
Speaker
getting into his spots, gliding around, running the offense to perfection, especially in that first quarter. And, and um yeah, wow. I was a lot i was at at a loss for words for Matt Mims.
00:34:59
Speaker
Yeah, just came out with with that sucker punch. and And at least in those first, um like let's say, five, six minutes of that quarter, a quote, from last time we did this podcast together and reviews that we reviewed a crew versus Bankstown game.
00:35:14
Speaker
um And you said this seems to be a tendency in NBL one, um at least in NBL one is from what we can tell that teams just come out looking to like, looking to knock each other out. They they come in and just try to like get that sucker punch, but they kind of end up just looking nervous and frantic. um And I think what, as the quarter went on, what really calmed down the Illawarra Hawks from that kind of trying to go out for the knockout blow um mentality was Matt Mims and and and the way he kind of steered the side around.
00:35:44
Speaker
Yeah, 100%. He just calms everything down. And mean we we had seen him just get so much better. and I think that's been the best part. Yeah. um Also, knock down a three from 30 feet. And it wasn't even really a bailout. It was just given the option. And kind of just gives defenses something else to think about with him, which is just so tough when someone can pull, especially in, like, yeah, if you you see someone like Steph Curry or James Harden pull up from 30 feet and shoot it or Damian Lillard, yeah, sure.
00:36:16
Speaker
This is the NBA 1 East. Yeah. There's not many 30-foot shooters you have to guard. Well, one of them now plays Waratah League and he had 49 on Saturday. Yeah.
00:36:27
Speaker
yeah um And he's done it plenty of times in that court too. But, um yeah, the the moment he just, like, called his number. And I don't know whether it's the day in the life videos that that get stuck in my head, but you can just see in his game, there some players can see in their game, that they're just so refined.
00:36:42
Speaker
Like, every little aspect of the game, the handles, the way they move around the court is just, like, sharp and refined. And I think you really see that with Matt Mims. um But meanwhile, on the other side, I thought the Sharkies, Tyler Robertson started a bit to start the game.
00:36:58
Speaker
i didn't quite click into gear until like the last couple minutes in that first quarter. It was maybe just settling a bit for some tough shots. But when you've got a shooter like that,
00:37:10
Speaker
yeah you're not too mad about the misses because it's only going to be a matter of time before they flip the script and and um Tyler Robertson kind of finished that quarter um ah in rhythm, getting ah getting the lid off the basket about a minute to go um and then getting a buzzer better to finish the quarter off.
00:37:29
Speaker
It's funny. In my little like summary for my notes for the first quarter, Robertson coming into his own late in the quarter is exactly what I wrote. Yeah, it went... Yeah, he settled for a few shots. Once he gets that little like slow, hezy dribble going and gets in deep into the paint, he becomes very, very difficult to stop.
00:37:49
Speaker
And then, of course, yes, he's primarily a shooter, but he can score all three levels. and he can And he can pick his moments as well really well.
00:38:00
Speaker
Yeah. i mean, it was only a matter of time before he started to knock him down as well. Yeah. Yeah, I think just the shooters like that. Like we talked about this a lot on Friday night in the commentary um in both the games that, you know, like with with ah these elite level players, like I mean, and I think the same goes for Todd Blanchfield as well. Like you can only force misses out of them for so long before they just start bang, bang, bang, getting into it.
00:38:25
Speaker
and And they always look like they're playing at a slower pace, like they're more controlled. And you can't you can't hurry them up, is the thing, especially when you... Blanchfield especially, with his size and his his strength and his skill set. But he Robertson, he's just got such a tight handle on that that little dribble move he has that he's just... He just does what he wants.
00:38:52
Speaker
He'll take the time he needs, and he'll find his shot. But the quarter finished 24-19, and... I feel like the offense was all humming. the I feel like the score just about every quarter, except maybe the second where Illawarra put up 26, it felt like there should have been more points in it just from how the offenses were you know pretty crisp for the most part.
00:39:19
Speaker
Yeah, like, yeah i mean, that's like, was actually kind of one of my summaries for the game was, um yeah, like, both teams look really, like, calm and and in sync, um minus Justin Timberlake. Now, they were quite in sync for...
00:39:34
Speaker
the whole game. and And that's what really impressed me about the Warhawks. No man who stepped on the court. They just like they're awfully that offense that Matt Flynn's implemented just hums along so, so nicely.
Illawarra's Team Dynamics
00:39:46
Speaker
um ah And I think coming into the the second quarter,
00:39:50
Speaker
um they played really good good team ball Matt Mims definitely dominated the first quarter but then I think straight into the second quarter Blanchfield came out looking really aggressive um but to give the Sharks lot of credit they were forcing him into some tough shots um ah but you know you can only hold them down for so long just a couple minutes into the quarter Blanchfield hits I mean the You can get a hand up, but like it's still just like a 50-50 chance that it's going to affect him at all. um he he hit some like He was taking some kind of contested shots to start the second quarter, eventually hit one with about 750 to go in the quarter. um But still at the same time, Matt Mims was just still controlling the action.
00:40:33
Speaker
Yeah, I ah love talking about this Blanchfield matchup because it harks back to when Sutherland played Manly Warringah and Ryan Abbott was all over Quincy Luzinski like a bad suit, all game.
00:40:47
Speaker
But then Abbott took that knock or whatever happened. and only played 12 minutes for the game. So I do wonder if he might've guarded Blanchfield a little bit more or even guarded someone else and been really tied up on them and tried to blow things up a little bit more.
00:41:05
Speaker
I mean, it didn't work out so badly in the end with the final result, but it's just something to think about how it might've ended up. But I really enjoyed Kone throughout the game. um Would like to see him be, when he gets his opportunities, be aggressive a little more often, but he does. he um I mean, he works well alongside Mims, I think. He defers to Mims when he has to, and then he can he can run things himself and get, if he's not getting Mims open, he's getting Blanchfield or any anyone else open, really. I thought he ah thought he ah picked his moments really well.
00:41:46
Speaker
I mean, you yeah you know him pretty well from his time at ah Hornsby as well. Oh, no, I've flushed that out of my memory. No, no, no. It's something that I did notice watching him last last season. Like, he was pretty much given the full case of the offense for the the Spiders, and everyone kind just got out of the way. that paid off a lot. The Spiders went on a little win streak um when Mokone came to join the side. But his role for the Illawarra Hawks is so different.
00:42:10
Speaker
um You can tell. I mean, well, first of all, he's playing off-ball a lot more, um playing the kind of two-guard spot. um No, not to the side. Like, the Illawarra Hawks kind of do... probably like just essentially three guards two forwards like that they're not that ah seem to adhere to conventional position positions but just to give you an idea like mokane is like playing more shooting guard um for this side and i'm i'm just so impressed with how he's he's managed to adapt so i still think there's times where ill warlocks haven't quite figured out how to work him into the offense um
00:42:42
Speaker
You know, still still patches the game where he's maybe a bit stranded or has to force up a tough shot um because he hasn't quite got the clear look. But um with the type of professional scorer that he is, he can still get out there and get it. I mean, he had 19 points in this game, but it's not just the scoring with Mokone. It's seven rebounds in this game. He had five steals as well.
00:43:07
Speaker
And they were all before the end of the third quarter. So he racked them up in quick time. Yeah, absolutely. and like and And I think that's just a testament to Mo Cunha. I mean, he's really nice guy as well, but he's a very rubbish player. like um he I think he's completely understood the MO that the Illawarra Hawks probably spelt out for him. It's that you're going to come in here, you might not be the the number one, number two option that you were last season with the Spiders, but um when like we we do need you to contribute. And i think he's found so many ways to contribute
00:43:41
Speaker
um scoring when needed, rebounding, hustle on defense. And it just just goes to show that he is the ultimate professional. He's a guy who's put his ego aside um to just make sure the team has success. So, yeah.
00:43:56
Speaker
Yeah, it i don't know. i had kind of mixed thoughts there. For a second, i was thinking, oh, God, Mo's not getting that many clean looks here. But then i'm like, oh, i it it doesn't really need it doesn't really need that to score. And um he's also on a team with Matt Mims, Todd Blanchfield, and um for the, like, you know, in normal times, Mason Peatling. Like, he actually doesn't need to score that much. um So shout out to Mo for doing all the little things right as well.
00:44:19
Speaker
do you think there's something to be said for the fact that it was basically kone and mims and then either kami or moss like the does the difference between kami and moss as players change things up i think so i think if you want offense you put mossy on if you want defense put kami on i mean no that's just because i'm looking at the box score but kami is like a a lot more of like a kind of
00:44:44
Speaker
you kind of more of a rugby league build, to be honest. Like, um he's very strong. Like, he moves his feet really well on defence. On offence, he doesn't take a whole lot of shots, but he knows it's not really what he's there to do. um ah Whereas Ethan Moss, we know he's...
00:44:59
Speaker
or you know, came up in youth league as a more ball dominant guy, but is definitely known as more of a scorer. Um, Ethan Moss, not to say his defense is is shabby at all, but, um, I think that's what you get from those two different players. But again, they they do kind of just play this three guard lineups. So, um, that really opens things up for their forwards.
00:45:22
Speaker
And one one thing I noted, because I saw it during the during the call, that Sutherland do not usually shoot the three ball very well. But they were keeping pace with Illawarra. So Illawarra were eight of their first 16, but Sutherland was seven of their first 16 from three-point range, which for, I think Sutherland as a team have been shooting sub-30% from three-point range this season, which
Sutherland's Strategic Play
00:45:45
Speaker
is is not pretty. um So, I mean, shout out to the Sharks there. They had, obviously, Rayner.
00:45:53
Speaker
Rayner was hitting. Now they've got Robertson. The number, obviously, is is going up a little bit. But still as a team, it hasn't always been great. So, I thought that was massive for them. They were able to get some open looks and then knock them down as well.
00:46:08
Speaker
Yeah, and um mean I mean, I'd hate to ruin it for anyone as and watch watch the full game or get to the end of it. But, um yeah, Spurgeon ended this game with three three-pointers, which is great. You wouldn't necessarily look at the tallest guy on the floor and be like, yeah, there's a floor spacer, but, yeah, he killed it. And and and even just to wrap up that second quarter, like, was about...
00:46:27
Speaker
About three minutes to go, Spurgeon hits a three. Then i think just a couple of possessions later, um Luke Jamison hits a three too. So, yeah, that's it's a good really good point, Lockie. I mean, Sharky's not renowned for their three-point shooting. Sorry, guys. um ah This season, obviously, that's changing a little bit, but at least in seasons gone past, um they haven't had a whole lot of shooters. I mean, they haven't really needed it. um Of course, shout out to Cal Norris. But, yeah, they've got some guys who can knock them down, so you've got to still respect them out there.
00:46:57
Speaker
100%. And I've been looking at the shooting splits. Illawarra, 54% from two-point range. 57% from three-point range. So I think that's four of seven for the quarter. Sutherland, 50% from two-point range. Only 33% from three-point range, but they were knocking them down ah in in groups.
00:47:15
Speaker
i ah I mean, I mentioned, you mentioned that as well. There were just more players impacting the game than there were. And it was when we really started to see Todd Blanchfield come into it. And I mean, he he finished with 28 and he had just about an even split because he had 13 points at halftime. And it was a one point game. And i i feel like that was a pretty flat fair reflection of where we stood at halftime.
00:47:43
Speaker
Yeah, it was just like back and back and forth, back and forth. But, I mean, look, you were there. Like, what was was the the atmosphere like at at halftime? Was it was a bit like, were surprised be in this position? you know, do you reckon?
00:47:55
Speaker
it was It was a little tense. I think people were a little on edge. and When I was watching it back, i was like, this, you know, this... room tone is not it doesn't sound like a usual southerly game i think people are a little um especially for a big rivalry game i think with a lot of hanging on it um yeah there was a people were a little bit on edge but uh they got up during uh during the third quarter which was well tight tight quarter as well so it was it was tight so it was a a 21 all quarter i believe 66 65 after three quarters
00:48:33
Speaker
So no what not a lot changed on the scoreboard, but ah plenty happened out on the court. um I mean, talk about Kone doing good things. He came out in the start of the third quarter and was just kick-started things for Illawarra at both ends.
00:48:51
Speaker
um Yeah. That pass to Blanchfield to get it to find... um Yeah, over Rainer to find Blanchfield, and then... um
00:49:03
Speaker
Stealing the ball away. He stole the ball away and found Mims after. i mean, I thought the Sharks, oh, they got away with one by leaving Blanchfield wide open. And then Kone's like, no, I'm going to take the ball and give it to Matt Mims instead and he'll fire away for three. So Illawarra definitely got out um got out the better to start the third quarter, I thought.
00:49:24
Speaker
Yeah, definitely. um Just, yeah, Todd Blanchfield just came out, like just started filling it up completely. It's like, i don't know, you almost get desensitized to it with Todd Blanchfield as well because um just it's just like a motor. He just continues to hum along, hum along, hum along. And unfortunately, we didn't see any of his patented a little push, like patented push shots, which um um I love to love to see. But, um yeah, it's you can throw anything you wanted him.
00:49:53
Speaker
um He's still just going to get his buckets. And I think one of the biggest strong suits in his game is that he has like a really high release on that jump shot and a quick release. ah So he can kind of get that over any hand, no matter what you throw at him.
00:50:06
Speaker
But was like what I was saying a little earlier. It's like with this Illawarhawks, you really got to pick your poison. And when you're looking at that lineup um with Kone, Mims, um Blanchfield and Peatling when he's fit as well, you're looking around going, oh my God, like where am I running on on defense here? And when Mossy comes on as well, it's just like another another play you've got to close out on. I think that just just opens up everything for everyone. um So I really don't envy any any coach who has to write write a defensive scattering report or or think about their defensive systems against the Illawarra Hawks. But still, to to give the Sharkies credit, I think they did a relatively good job
00:50:49
Speaker
hustling and chasing um the Illawarra Hawks off the three-point line because in this game, the Hawks didn't get a whole lot going on the inside or off drives.
00:51:01
Speaker
They did, but like not not you know not nearly enough. They were really banking on threes a lot, and they were going in, but um it was maybe a little one-dimensional, and I think as the game wore on, um ah their their luck from three-point land maybe ran out a little bit, but we will get back to that.
00:51:19
Speaker
um in a moment. One thing i did want to point out, actually, because any time to shout out Jimmy Hunter, I will take that opportunity. um i was talking a little early about who's going to lead that second unit as a playmaker. Of course, I think Adrian Cabrera, not naturally a point guard, but I think he's a really handy setting up teammates, drawing in defenders and and then dishing it out or um finding plays in the dunker spot. But I like when the second unit, when you've got Jimmy Hunter out there just running handoffs, running pick and rolls, running action out of that high post.
00:51:52
Speaker
It's fun to watch, I've got to say. um So even if you maybe don't have a ah natural backup point guard, it's Jimmy Hunter. Why not? Like um start to run the offense through him a bit in the second unit. And I saw a bit of that midway through the third quarter. Yeah, I'm...
00:52:09
Speaker
Back to your in-the-paint point. There weren't a lot of points in the paint for the Orohawks. Sutherland actually won that stat 42-26, and 26 of Sutherland's points in the paint came in the second half.
00:52:25
Speaker
But I love that you mentioned that Blanchfield didn't get a lot of those you know push shots, those little floaters that he loves. I think that speaks to the Sutherland defense. um make him shoot I mean, yes, he's got that high release and that quick release and he can shoot her over anyone, but I'd still rather him have to shoot that over someone than get right into the paint and just drop it home where he can go just he can float it over just about anyone anyway.
00:52:50
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, they're really making him him work for it from three-point land. But, yeah, like once Todd Blanchfield's getting downhill, then it's that it's a very scary prospect. But, yeah, I think not having Peatling there to run the pick and roll, get downhill and at least just be a threat um inside the paint, I think it really um harmed the Illawarra Hawks this game. I still played really well. Like anyone who stepped down on the court, I think still played quite solidly. um But yeah, like Phil to put is like, he's more of a, more of a kind of stretch big. um So when you bring him off the bench, he doesn't, I mean, he can, by like he, he's, he's maybe he's maybe a little more comfortable in the triple threat situation or in catch and shoots than he is on, on pick and rolls and post-ups.
00:53:32
Speaker
ah So, yeah, I mean, I think just not having Peatling there, just at least absorbing a bit of that pressure in the paint and getting a few more high percentage shots inside, I think hurt them just a little bit, especially in such a close game as well. There wasn't a whole lot of margin for error.
Key Players' Performances in Sutherland vs Illawarra
00:53:46
Speaker
No, and I do distinctly remember Phil being... out in the corner a couple of times. or I don't know if he shot on boat on every occasion, but he definitely was out there on the corner getting the ball and did shoot one, at least one corner three.
00:54:01
Speaker
um Can we talk about Harrison Rayner literally diving to the basket for an and one? Yeah, wow. um Yeah, definitely. Yeah.
00:54:14
Speaker
Yeah, i just write yeah i just like have no idea how he got through that that gap. I have no idea how he managed to finish that one off. But um don't tell my boss. I was kind of half watching this game and writing notes while i was trying to work today. But like your call kind of like shook me out. Almost got me off out of my chair. um But yeah, i have no idea um how he got through it. But it's it's like what you were saying a little earlier, Lucky. I think Harrison Ramis is looking so, so confident this game.
00:54:43
Speaker
um And that that layup, I think, was really typified his effort. And then he came back. just a couple of minutes like or maybe not even a couple of minutes with that little hezi move and he's just got everyone out of the way and and finished quickly so yes he can spot up shoot and i mean we've seen him go i think six of eight or five of eight in a game earlier than this oh yeah the overtime game against central coast he went a five of eight from three and eight of eight at the line so we we know we know he can shoot it but he's definitely got um you know getting to the rack he can definitely make moves as well and
00:55:16
Speaker
I'm just going to come out and say it. This might be a ah slightly hot take. Harrison Rainer might be my favorite player on that Sutherland men's roster. Whoa. Okay.
00:55:28
Speaker
oh Well, okay. I mean, I think it's fun to have favorites. I know the commentators aren't supposed to have favorites, but...
00:55:40
Speaker
Jersey collection. Yeah. Jersey collection. Yeah. what um But, what I mean, what is it, though? Like, in in short, is his story moving up to the New South Wales and backing himself or his improvement? What do you like the most? I think it's his improvement. I love the way he plays. I mean...
00:55:57
Speaker
um i think everyone knows anyone who knows who my favorite players are know that i love you know a smaller guard you know with a bit of speed a bit of craft about them i love someone who can shoot who can score in a variety of ways and yeah just the way he bet on himself coming up from melbourne and his improvement he's just i just love everything about his story and what he does and he he says he's just fun to watch yeah No, absolutely. Yeah, yeah. No, I get you on that one. And um i'm I'm glad he stayed stayed around at the Shark Tank as well. But I can see why they they can to hold on to him, um Harry Rayner. And um again, we were talking about this before with Nicole Munger. I know it's different moving interstate. But Harry, if you want to come up and get your New South Wales citizenship, we can pull a few strings and and um you can participate in the future of NBL One State or Origin.
00:56:49
Speaker
Be it on a a Sydney cider.
00:56:53
Speaker
like Well, Tamar Natahu was born in Melbourne and played for New South Wales. So there you go. Oh, that's a good shout. Yeah. okay Actually, no, we'll talk about that later afterwards. I'm still happy about Michael Devere. That might be a fun off-season episode. Oh, geez, the Michael Devere call. Yes.
00:57:09
Speaker
Had James not commentating for two minutes after ah making a Michael Devere reference on Friday night about a player with a taped-up head. Yeah, so texas Texas in, if you remember, Michael DeVere. But anyway, he's one of the rare New South Wales representatives who played in Queensland. But um and anyway, back to it. Sorry, let's talk about a a Queenslander who's playing in New South Wales, Todd Blanchfield.
00:57:34
Speaker
Yeah, it's yeah harry sorry, but yeah, just back to Harry Rayner, though. Yeah, I was so so impressed. And it really seems like he's arrived on the NBL 1 level this season. He's um playing playing so confidently.
00:57:48
Speaker
And I mean, at the other end, and another guard who was ah who was doing good to him. I mean, we talked about him before, Ethan Moss. I think like another player who bet on himself.
00:58:00
Speaker
right Not moving interstate, but moving from Hills to Illawarra is no small move. Yeah. Made his way down and immediately, you know, he played, he didn't start, but he played 25 minutes and he regularly plays good minutes for them.
00:58:15
Speaker
And he was, he had finished with nine points, but he was confident throughout, got to the rack, knocked down a three late in the third quarter. I ah wish he'd not gone for it. off I wish he had gone for the three on the wing on the next possession instead of going into the rack. Cause I thought he was, you He was open enough, but um I think Ilawarov really, ah that's a masterstroke by them, getting him in.
00:58:41
Speaker
Yeah, and... ah hard and I don't know. I really like guards who can just engage the defense um a lot. And i think, I mean, on a side full of plays out of guards who can engage the defense, I think that's what Mossy does really well. He just at least just attracts attention. So even if he's not getting his shots up, he's creating space for his teammates. But, yeah, just i can't speak more highly of Ethan Mossy. And I think this like kind of uniform... um choir around the league, of people with raps on Ethan Moss. Anyone who's followed him from his youth league days too.
00:59:14
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, it was a bit of a strange move, I've got to say. like ahve been sorry strange from an outsider's perspective, seeing him go from Hills Illawarra. It didn't seem obvious from the outside, but Now that um we see him down there and he started the season as a starting point guard, um
Illawarra's Fourth Quarter Challenges
00:59:34
Speaker
you know, of course, when Mo Kone came in, he kind of took it took a few of his minutes, but Moss is still featuring very heavily in this lineup.
00:59:41
Speaker
um It looks like it's been a masterstroke of a move. And I think in the system as well, he's really shining, Ethan Moss. Yeah. And yeah, I think definitely made the, definitely made the right call to go down to Illawarra and he's only going to better and better in that system. And, and look, who knows this, this might be a bit of a stretch, but being part of that Illawarra MBL one program might start to turn some heads in the MBL level, maybe as a development player. not too sure. Maybe just being around that environment, getting a chance to train with the MBL side um definitely is is a clearer pathway for him. And yeah,
01:00:16
Speaker
I don't know. I'm sorry i say, but just another example of Hills not quite retaining their youth talent, but I'm i'm really, i'm really happy for Ethan Moss to to get that opportunity down in Illawarra.
01:00:29
Speaker
So just donating the points in the paint, which bo is borne out in Illawarra shooting 37% from two-point range, Sutherland shooting 58% from two-point range.
01:00:42
Speaker
But in all of that, Little help with Mocone getting his steals. It was still only it was still a one-point game. Illawarra leading 66-65 after three quarters, which left us... I even said i usually say 10 minutes to decide it, and I even put that one in the back pocket because I didn't need you there to start jinx overtime, James. I had a feeling this one might go the extra five minutes.
01:01:08
Speaker
Oh, God, yeah. definitely send it It didn't quite, but it was close. Yeah, I mean, I haven't just had that at the end of my third quarter notes in in bold capital letters. When will this be separated? When will these two teams? Because they kept us going bucket for bucket and bucket for bucket. and And sorry, if I could just rewind for just one second. um I'm so annoyed that I didn't loop this in. i was talking about Queenslanders making their mark in New South Wales, Michael Devere, the reverse style. But that's Spurgeon dunk. Oh, of the pick and roll situation. That was just, oh, that was was incredible. incredible.
01:01:43
Speaker
um i haven't checked yet i think that made top 10 plays right um yes it did yes it definitely is and he also got player of the week yeah the double whammy oh it was sorry sorry i just had to rewind i couldn't let it go no it is a very very uh important moment to uh to uh bring up because it was it was massive and was one of many bore him But um it was in the fourth quarter when I started to wonder how much Illawarra were missing Peatling because Spurgeon was starting to dominate, for lack of a better word.
01:02:23
Speaker
um Yeah, that's when he started throwing it down. He started getting really involved. Just looked like they needed a big body for him to to, you know, to bang against Spurgeon and kind of prevent him from getting to his spots.
01:02:36
Speaker
particularly Particularly defensively, they needed someone. Yeah. I mean, they were really struggling to contain him as well. And like fouling a lot. um Like Spurgeon, whether it was um getting like easy post-ups or pick and rolls or even just closing out on him but three um on the beyond the arc. They were really struggling to contain Spurgeon and putbacks as well. Sorry, got to got a ton of ton of rebounds, um not just in the court, but throughout the game.
01:03:03
Speaker
um I'm i'm sure sure we'll get into it in a couple minutes. But yeah, he... especially in the dying moments of the game Spurgeon really stepped up big time, but, um, at the start of the fourth though, um, I will say though, one that I really enjoyed from Hugh Lockie was, um, Lockie Clutchinson.
01:03:24
Speaker
Um, um,
01:03:30
Speaker
oh, so I think you just wanted to mute. Yeah, no, sorry. I've got crackle in my headphones, but, um, Yes, locky hutchches Lockie Clutchison. I've literally never said that before. ah I don't know how it took me five years to come up with it.
01:03:43
Speaker
That is a rare misstep on my part or fairly regular misstep on my part. But yes, that thanks, James. No, it's all right. I really appreciate that because he he got his first bucket ah late in the third quarter and then came out um its about um a minute and a bit into the fourth quarter and hit a three. um The clutch and some call and call the game. but anyway, it was my favourite. It just just helped to you start the quarter off on the on the right and right note for him.
01:04:11
Speaker
the Southern Sharks because, I mean, if he's he's going to keep running that pick and roll action with Spurgeon, if they're going to focus on Spurgeon on the roll, then obviously that was leaving Hutchinson open um for opportunities. But, yeah, I think think that really did set the tone for the fourth quarter. But I've got to say, in that midway through, like, that third quarter, fourth quarter, sorry, should I say, it's become a bit of a foul fest. There was a lot ah lot of physicality.
01:04:37
Speaker
it was but i think it was also a bit of veteran savvy from some players because especially blanchfield started guarding defenders robertson even got blanchfield on one uh laid on got got one back on him so uh it was a uh there was a bit of a it it was physical but the the offensive players were pretty smart about it as well um i mean that is exactly what i wrote down about blanchfield it was veteran savvy which is, I do love that term.
01:05:08
Speaker
it It is good. and And I do, I do love the title of veteran as well. I hope no one ever takes it as a slight that you're a little, a little, little bit of an older vintage. um Like I think that, that veteran savvy is it's, it's just like saying you you're wise knowledge and we were wise and knowledgeable and you send it, you send it all before and it ain't your first rodeo. And um yeah, you're so right about that. i't remember even saying that on the commentary that, um I think that's what happens with those elite scorers, especially in a cagey match like this.
01:05:39
Speaker
um Not only does it give you a chance to chip back into the um lead or even up the score or take a further um place in league, it really deflates the other team. Like, drawing those fouls out, especially when they're ones that maybe, not not so much like bad cause, but like, you know, you've been baited into it That just deflates the opposition. But you're right, Robertson and Blanchfield are getting it.
01:06:01
Speaker
um getting those like both at each other. um And then it was just a bit of a bit of a sloppy period, I feel, with about four minutes to go in the game. And then we had a timeout. And after that timeout, I feel like both teams just clicked back into gear.
01:06:18
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, Illawarra only scored nine points in the final five minutes of the game, which I thought was absolutely wild and only... I mean, four points in the final three minutes or so. After that timeout, Illawarra looked so much better.
01:06:32
Speaker
And they just, I don't know how they didn't score more points in that first minute and a half or so after the timeout because they were they looked really good and just things weren't quite dropping.
01:06:44
Speaker
Yeah, because Kone came out and hit ah hit a big hit of three, I think, straight away after that um and after after that timeout. um But, yeah, I think this is when they did need to continue to look inside um because they were getting good looks at the three, but they just weren't dropping. I think it's times like that you actually just need to get down there and either either draw the foul or finish strong with the high percentage shot inside the paint. But I think they've been so successful with their threes, even their mid-rangers up until that point. But, yeah, those last few minutes of the game, that they can they just get it to drop.
01:07:21
Speaker
And I mean, yeah, their three-point percentage went from, it was 44% in the first quarter, 57% in the second quarter, 38% in the third quarter, and then it dropped to 28.5% in the fourth, which doing the math, that's two of seven in the fourth quarter, which when you consider they started the game eight of 16 from three, it's a it's a bit of a fall away when you need most need the shots dropping, unfortunately. And there was one, Matt Mims, the way he'd been playing all night,
01:07:52
Speaker
how open he was. though They were up 84-80 at the time. And they opened three. If he knocked it down, they go to a seven-point lead. You can almost put the cue in the rack at that stage with how the game was going.
01:08:03
Speaker
But it ah yeah it it um it gave Sutherland an opportunity. um rainer Harrison Rainer played some really good defense on Mims, which let Jamison really guard Blanchfield tightly, which was Blanchfield short air ball. that ah That needs to go in the archive because you don't you're not going to see those too often. But Jamison did really well defending him on that one.
01:08:30
Speaker
And that... i thought that was a glitch in the stream. Sorry, so that actually did happen. It did happen. I don't know. And then Hutchison and Spurgeon ran a pick and roll and Spurgeon got the put back after Hutch's miss.
01:08:46
Speaker
And that was when I felt that the tide was starting to turn, that... illawarra up it was now a two-point game and it was just starting to turn sutherland's way yeah i think i think it was um yeah illawarra just don't if this is exhaustion or not but one thing i did notice is is mims wasn't running the point as much which i think was maybe i'm not too sure why but You know, we we talk about that dominance in in the first quarter, especially, and in the first half. I think that was when Mims was running the offense, when he he was bringing the ball up and they're running everything off that. But I noticed a lot more in that the the last couple of minutes of the game they had Kone more on ball. And I kind of get it because you want to free Mims up a little bit to to maybe get him some off-ball catch and shoot situations. But I think what they sacrificed in doing that was the the like continuity and the stability that Mims brings forward. when he is running the offense. So, ah yeah look, i' I'm no coach, but I just think they maybe should have kept Mims on the ball playmaking because there was some, i don't know, there's just some low percentage, I'd say, shots from Mokone.
01:10:02
Speaker
Which, i mean, again, you you do want him shooting, but i just I think it maybe wasn't the right shot at the right time. And then with with about under under two minutes to go, um Robertson ties it up.
01:10:13
Speaker
um I think it was just a layup, 84-84. And then that that last minute, just everything um went the way of the Sharks, including one of Lockie Francis' best commentator curses of all time.
01:10:32
Speaker
Hey, if Todd Blanchfield, this is free throws, that's not on me. That is not on me. um Yeah, I know. He's got twice as many NBL appearances as I do commentary appearances across all sports and all competitions. That's not on me.
01:10:49
Speaker
That's true. But, yeah, it was an interesting pick-up. Yeah.
01:10:54
Speaker
Because, yeah, would have made the game little more interesting and kind of would have brought... Actually, not really. I mean, like, it was maybe dead buried and cremated at that point because we're talking with about, like, under a minute to go. um and and just ah a couple of seconds before that, Spurgeon had hit a huge three and then given them the shark fin as well.
01:11:12
Speaker
um That was massive too. But, I mean, to be fair, everyone was missing free throws down the stretch. It wasn't just Blanchfield. mean...
01:11:25
Speaker
Jamison, Spurgeon, Hutchinson all missed at least one in their trips down and they just was only the fact that they were managed to get stops at the other end that meant it didn't uh didn't uh create any issues speaking of speaking of getting a stop the play that put a bow on it for Jason Spurgeon that block on Matt Mears that was huge and he saved it from going out of bounds Nice.
01:11:54
Speaker
was Somewhere out there, Bill Russell's smiling. That's I've got to say. always said that, like, yeah, it's one thing to block it, but you've got to maintain possession as well. Especially in that situation.
01:12:06
Speaker
a That was, um yeah, that was, that was That was big. like yeah and And I think that's really sealed the deal and and um and actually sealed the deal for Spurgeon to be player of the week because we talking about. But um yeah, that that that block, I think, was just the the last nail in the coffin that that the Sharkies needed.
01:12:26
Speaker
um and and what turned out to be ah like I look i don't know it looked like you can probably weigh on in this a little bit better than I can but um one of Spurgeon's most complete well-rounded performance as a Sutherland shark look I could be wrong I haven't watched every one of his games since he's been with the sharkies but um from start to finish it was just incredible performance by Jason Spurgeon no it was it was really good I mean he's a very well-rounded player and he does a lot of things well but um It was, I mean, he won player of the week for a reason. He did a lot and was effective throughout and it's not unusual to see him, know, do that kind of thing. But I do think it was one of the the better, one of his better performances. Definitely. Hmm.
01:13:11
Speaker
Yeah, just to um to round and do to round it out. And, yeah, the Sharkies just, like, sni snuck away with it with a win. But, um yeah, just I think it was pretty much decided in those last, I'd say, like, last three minutes of the game.
01:13:27
Speaker
Yeah. I think from the time, probably from the time it was 84-80 in Illawarra's favour, something clicked in Sutherland that they were able to just get it over the line. Yeah.
01:13:41
Speaker
Sutherland went up. Illawarra went down at exactly the same time and panned out in Sutherland's favor. And it finished 92-88. I'm just running through a few few leaders. Of course, the ah the player of the week, Jason Spurgeon, 25 points, 12 rebounds. As you mentioned, James, three of four from three-point range, including the art big shark fin three.
01:14:05
Speaker
Also four of five at the line, nine of 14 from the field. Luke Janison, nine of 16. to finish with 24 points, two of five from three-point range. This to the man who was shooting 15% from the field about maybe a third of the way through the year.
01:14:19
Speaker
And we always knew he was going to come good and he's coming good at the right time. Tyler Robertson, 16 and six with a couple of assists and a couple of steals. Harrison Rainer, 16 points, five rebounds on six of eight shooting. And Lockie Hutchison, 16,
01:14:35
Speaker
Five points, five rebounds, five assists. We know he loves his all-starters in double figures, but he'll take himself being not the only one not to get it. Whilst, I guess for Illawarra, the three-headed monster of Blanchfield, Mims, and Kone, 28 and 13 for Blanchfield, 27 points and two assists for Mims on 10 of 19 shooting, five of eight from three-point range.
01:14:57
Speaker
And Kone, 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, five steals, and a block bit. I mean, Ethan Moss had nine points, but just not a whole lot of other scoring support outside of those three. and In those big moments, that's when, you know, you're leaning on basically those three guys to do it all.
01:15:15
Speaker
Yeah, it's um a little little too much to ask. And look, I got to say, like, I think Fletcher McDonald had an uncharacteristic game. um Again, I think he had some strapping on his hands, so that there may have just been an injury there because he was getting getting good opportunities.
01:15:30
Speaker
um I know there's just like a little a little pop that he did, or like a little floater that he did point-blank range was just ringed out. So i think Fletcher was a little unlucky with a fair few of his shots. And yeah, yeah.
01:15:44
Speaker
Philly cheesesteak off the bench, three points. But, yeah, not a whole lot of – only three bench players used. So didn't see any Harley can, no Joel Lyons, no Dante Bruton, Jonah Flynn, a little under five minutes of action. So maybe one of those guys could have been the difference maker. But, yeah, I think the peatling factor, not to keep harping on about it, but I think that would have maybe – not maybe, sorry, that would been huge difference maker for them.
01:16:14
Speaker
Oh, 100%. And I said at the end of the game, which you can't hear because it gets clipped, but um I actually said that Illawarra, not going to be happy with the result, but they're going to be able to say, we went into Sutherland with no peatling and only lost by four.
01:16:30
Speaker
yeah they can feel They can feel pretty good about their future chances if these teams match up again in finals. Yeah, and and they might just as well. um Like, a yeah, I think, yeah, lo is not going but I don't think they'll hang their head too much with that performance. I mean, and know I know they do want to secure that top seed, but one or two, it doesn't really matter. Like, I think they're they' locked in for finals. Like, they, as it' sorry, not locked in their spot, but I think they've really turned their focus to the finals now because, you know, all season long, they've they've just kind of been cruising, to be honest. But they know...
01:17:04
Speaker
because the last year, you know, in like regular season, it doesn't matter once you get into the last dance. um But meanwhile, for the Sharkies, I got to say, ands it's,
01:17:14
Speaker
you would hate to verse them in the finals. I got to say, I think this side on their day, I'm not saying it's ah reminiscent of 2023, 2023, right? Yes. Yeah, but i want sorry.
01:17:28
Speaker
yeah it's just like i think this side could think they could do some special things in the
Sutherland Sharks' Finals Potential
01:17:34
Speaker
finals. um Look, I could be wrong, but they they just have that look about them that look that they might not be the form side throughout the the regular season or anything, but um just give them give them a single game and I reckon they can grind out a victory on almost anyone, the Sharks side. So, i'll yeah, look, I'd hate to be facing them in the finals. That's all I'm saying.
01:17:57
Speaker
Well, they've already beaten Manly. They've beaten Illawarra. They played North in the final day of the regular season on Saturday night. If they got a win in that one, they might finish fourth, but they'd have regular season wins against each of the top three teams and all later in the season as well.
01:18:12
Speaker
So can't ask for much more than that, especially considering for the first round, your head coach was still with the Kings. So was Spurgeon. yeah For the first little bit of the season, you didn't have Spurgeon. You didn't have Robertson until about the midway point.
01:18:27
Speaker
You've only played about half the season with your actual full roster.
01:18:34
Speaker
Yeah, and won five are the last five games. So they're the really hitting form at the right time of the season, the Sharks. So, yeah, you're right. That matchup against North this weekend, um that's going to be very intriguing.
01:18:49
Speaker
Sorry, I should note this, but is that home or a away? it is at home. and Okay, well, definitely tuning in then. Oh, thank you, sir. You don't have a you don't have a Hornsby game to ah be watching?
01:19:01
Speaker
I do, I do. But um i'll i i'll pop your stream on the side. I'd rather listen to that than my voice. But um I'll definitely be keeping an eye on that matchup because, um yeah, a lot of NBL talent going head-to-head Northsby Sharks. Meanwhile, Illawarra are going to face Hills Hornets, which I think will be another test with the Hornets.
01:19:21
Speaker
um I think going down last week to ah Penrith, Oh, sorry, last round to Penrith. But a side that's, you know, shown some really good signs in the last couple rounds.
01:19:36
Speaker
Yeah, they have. It's kind of annoying. It's actually perhaps a little bit of a are a theme emerging for these teams that are just go about to... ah that could miss finals or right on the cusp because Comets, 8-11, lost to Penrith.
01:19:52
Speaker
Hills, 8-11, lost to Penrith. If they get to 9-11 and miss out by a game, they're going to look back on that loss to a team that finished with three wins all season, especially for Comets. I think it was a one-point game, and for Hills, it was a three-point game, so not much better.
01:20:06
Speaker
So Hills will be coming out absolutely swinging in that one, looking to at least get their ninth win and give themselves
High-Quality Game Analysis
01:20:14
Speaker
a chance. But... Any final thoughts on the game, James?
01:20:18
Speaker
Oh, on the game. um Yeah, I think it was, honestly, it's like pretty top quality basketball. It's like really, um like as as I said, there was multiple NBL players in that game and I think it really showed. um Because neither team at any point I mean, maybe besides the last minute, really looked like the game was out of their control or out of touch for them. In fact, I would almost go as far as saying that Illawarra looked kind of – it looked very comfortable the whole game. But um I think like a lot of credit for the Sharks side who like really did dig deep, um especially defensively, and and came up trumps at the right time. So look for for the Illawarra Hawks. I think yeah the only notes I'd give them is –
01:21:00
Speaker
I don't know, keep ready stay healthy. No, it would be just just keep keep Matt Mims running running the offensive point. that Sorry, to that look look just don't take my advice. It's not it's no good. But or like I think when Mims is running the show, they look really
Upcoming Commentary & Match Previews
01:21:14
Speaker
good. um ah And then for the Sutherland Sharks is...
01:21:20
Speaker
get it to spurge it's a pretty pretty simple simple game but i think when they they got got him on post seals and and pick and rolls he was looking great i think when he was standing on perimeter dribbling up not as effective but if they can find a way to get spurge um in the pick and roll situation the pick and pop situation um and on post-ups as well was pretty much unstoppable um so i think it's been been a good good time of year to unlock spurgeon Well, thank you very much, sir.
01:21:51
Speaker
ah Brilliant analysis as always. And where can we find you this weekend? You are commentating? The Spiders are at home? um well Yeah, yeah. We've got ah last game at the Brick Pit. So get out to it, ladies and gentlemen. Bruins versus Spiders. Women tipping off at five and the men at seven. But um sorry, this is a bit inside basketball, I guess. Inside baseball. and big Yeah, big day all round at the Brick Pit.
01:22:18
Speaker
um If you're in the area, we've got Mossvale coming up, top of the table Mossvale versus Spiders in Waratah League. Spiders men are fourth at the moment. um The Youth League Two men are playing before that as well. They're currently top of their conference. um And early in the day as well, you've got um the youth women's side fighting to avoid relegation, but they've got a Banks Champaroo inside ahead of them. That's stacked. with fun talent so it's going to be a big day of the brick pit i'll be there quite early on but i okay i can't wait it's um always going to be a fun time and uh and for you lachie you've got a not just a big saturday but you've got a mammoth weekend i do have a mammoth weekend i have sutherland versus penrith on the friday night 6 p.m tip-off for the women 8 p.m for the men so very much looking forward to that the last time penrith were at sutherland basketball stadium
01:23:13
Speaker
The women won on the opening day of last year Sophia Hunt scored 10 points on debut. So I'm looking very much forward to that.
01:23:24
Speaker
got some ah Got some Western New South Wales talent on that Penrith women's team as well. So always looking forward to that. And then it means because we have the Friday night game, we don't have to get there obscenely early to set up everything for Saturday because it'll all be set up from Friday night for Sutherland versus North, which is going to be monumental in the men's league. ah Women's game, not really playing for anything. um Women, Norse have locked up top spot. Sutherland, unfortunately, the splits don't fall their way and they can't make finals. But look, playing for pride, playing for contracts or, you know, to put yourself in the shop window for other teams or a spot back at your current club for the next season. And then the men's game is going to be absolutely ridiculous. So that's 5pm, 7pm tip off at the Shark Tank. Come down, get in the beer farm, beer garden or stay home and listen to Jake and I talk. it'll the ah The men's game between Sutherland and North will be mine and Jake Hilton's 100th game together.
Commentators' Personal Experiences
01:24:34
Speaker
Wow. Happy anniversary. There we go. Thanks, James. That's one way to put it. No, that's awesome. Wow. 100 games together. yeah Well, I mean, if if any Sharks management's watching, Adrian, if ah you want to get a little plaque, sign jersey, maybe a signature beer can, maybe to celebrate the occasion. I'm sure they'll put something up maybe on the big screen um up there.
01:25:00
Speaker
But, yeah, our congratulations. That's awesome. That's great. And, yeah, I've got to say Jake's killing her on the commentary week in, week out. You guys really bounce off each other really nicely. ah thank you, sir. You'd hope so after after five years together.
01:25:15
Speaker
Yeah. Can I just add one thing as well with is the North-Sutherland match-ups that you've coming up as well? um You know, it's for North's fans, they might have a little bit of PTSD with ah both these sides because when the Sharkies men went on on the on their championship run, um they, of course, knocked out North and Junior Meduat on their way to doing it.
01:25:39
Speaker
And when the Sharkies went on their grand final run, the women, that is, um ah They knocked out a red-hot Norths. I wouldn't say it was necessarily an upset, but Norths definitely one of the favourites that year. So any two time time at any time these two teams come head-to-head, um previously in the finals or just in the regular season, it's normally a ah great matchup.
01:26:01
Speaker
um Because, yeah, I mean, and I don't know, sorry to sorry put North's fans through those experiences again. But, ah yeah, it's is I don't know, it's it's not quite an official rivalry, but um they're just two, like, top-quality programs.
01:26:14
Speaker
ah So, yeah, I think it's going to be a lot of fun, and and I reckon they're going to pack it out. And Lewis Holy is going to be um giving it to the Sutherland fans, I'm sure, um as he always does. and And I'm sure they're going to be packing out.
01:26:27
Speaker
Yes. And for those of you who are only listening and not watching, my jerseys tonight are the Sutherland, Matty Norris, Anzac Day, and the Game War North pink jersey, Rebecca Donnelly.
01:26:38
Speaker
But I think that's a bit... And you have a Townsville jersey. Who's on the back of that? It's a custom-made one. um it' ah mean, I kind of, look I'm still, in case you guys didn't notice, I just moved house but since last time um we were in an ESCO game, so I haven't quite unpacked everything, but all I could find today was um my Townsville jersey. I think that's a little Todd Blanchfield shout-out, little... Um, Eliza Fabro shout out as well.
01:27:03
Speaker
Um, uh, I know we weren't talking about the women's side for the sharkies, but, uh, yeah, always, always representing Townsville and yeah, it's got my mom's maiden name on it. Cause, uh, mom's family's all up from Townsville.
01:27:13
Speaker
Um, so it's got Cavallaro on the end of it. And, um, which I think is much nicer name than Milan sometimes. um So yeah, I got that custom made and
Basketball Jerseys & Memorabilia
01:27:21
Speaker
shipped down. And then the shirt I've got on is a Sydney Kings one, which I thought I'd wear for Spurgeon and Robertson, but it is a Isaac Gautona.
01:27:33
Speaker
how news That is so good. Which ah which ah when I was working at Vinny's, someone donated this, a Bawali Bales jersey and an ah RJ Hunter jersey all in one package. And I'm like, this is age jackpot. I went to my manager. I'm like, um'm I'm sorry. I'm buying these. Whatever price you want, I got i gotta to take care of these. I mean, course, Isaac Gotona, a great two seasons with the Kings. um and they're Not getting a whole lot of playing time. um ah But, yeah, the Boali Bales jersey, I gave that as a gift to someone. i'm a big fan of Boali. But I kind of regret getting get giving it up because it's such a rip-up. But, yeah, i thought I'd wear this to, yeah, to honour the man himself, Isaac, um and honour the two Sydney Kings playing for the Sharks. So, yeah, two two pretty unique jerseys. I'm glad these ones um didn't get caught up in the move.
01:28:26
Speaker
Very good. All right. Well, that is about all we have time for. So thank you for joining us this week on East Got Game. Remember, you can follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel at East Got Game, or you can continue to find our episodes on your preferred streaming platforms.
01:28:45
Speaker
But James, what do we got to tell the people? Don't sleep on the East.