Illawarra Hawks forward Todd Blanchfield wants NBL1 East to adopt Queensland’s best-of-three finals format, arguing it rewards consistency and depth over a single-game decider. With the Hawks riding a 4-game win streak (4W-0D-1L)—including a 114-104 blowout over Melbourne United on March 23, 2025—Blanchfield’s call comes as the club eyes its 2026 playoff push.
Why does Blanchfield prefer a series format?
The 17th-year NBL veteran played in Queensland’s NBL1 North, where grand finals are best-of-three series. After losing to Ipswich Force in 2023 and sweeping the Brisbane Capitals in 2024, he called the format ‘a great weekend of basketball.’ ‘The better team wins,’ he said. ‘One game? Anything can happen—someone could drop 50 points and swing it.’
How would this change NBL1 East?
Blanchfield’s proposal would let the top team host all three games, adding pressure and prestige. ‘Finishing on top gives you something extra to play for,’ he said. Currently, NBL1 East’s single-game grand final lacks that built-in tension. The Hawks, minor champions in 2025, aren’t fixated on repeating that—their focus is now on securing a top-two finish for the playoffs.
What’s next for the Hawks?
With just one round left before the 2026 playoffs, the Hawks face a critical stretch. Mason Peatling’s absence (due to illness) in Round 14 forced younger players into action, but Blanchfield praised their effort. ‘That’s basketball,’ he said. ‘We’re up and down, but no excuses.’ The squad’s defense of the Snakepit and split road record keeps them on track.
Current context: Hawks on fire
The Hawks’ recent form—4W-0D-1L (WWWWL)—shows they’re in contention. Their 114-104 win over Melbourne United on March 23, 2025, highlighted their offensive firepower. If they keep this momentum, a top-two spot is within reach—and Blanchfield’s format push could be the next chapter in NBL1 East’s evolution.