Hawks Sign Championship Winning Forward

The Illawarra Hawks have continued to bolster their stocks of frontcourt talent with the acquisition of out of contract Melbourne United forward Mason Peatling.

Peatling – who joins collegiate talent Lachlan Olbrich in signing for the Hawks – leaves United after 87 games and a championship with the club.

Early injuries restricted the 26-year-old forward to just 18 games across the NBL23 season, where he averaged 5.3 points and 4.3 rebounds as a crucial part of Melbourne’s bench unit.

“The power forward position is crucial in this league, and Mason was one of the first names we identified when free agency began,” Hawks General Manager of Basketball Mat Campbell said.

“Mason’s a competitor and a winner, and his best basketball is ahead of him.

“His skillset meets our roster’s needs, and we are excited to add him to our young and developing frontline.”

Peatling – who made his Boomers debut alongside new Illawarra teammate Dan Grida in February’s FIBA World Cup qualifiers – says the opportunity to increase his contribution to a side was a key driver in his decision to sign on with Illawarra.

“I see great potential in the team we are building,” he said.

“I can’t wait to be a big part of our rise back up the ladder in NBL24.”

Along with yesterday’s announcement of the signing of Olbrich, Peatling joins Sam Froling, Will Hickey, Tyler Harvey, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Dan Grida, Justin Robinson and Harry Morris on the side’s roster for next season.