Despite winning the Big V state championship men's crowns of2012. 2014 and 2016, the Ringwood Hawks believe they have one final challenge they have yet to conquer.

This season, the Hawks' focus will be to win back-to­back championships, something the club has not yet achieved in its 27 seasons of Big V basketball,

"We have had an unbelievable run over the last eight years, making six grand finals series and winning three championships." Hawks coach Ken Hanington said. "But, we have nor been able to win two in a row and this year, we have that opportunity again. "But, we know it will be unbelievably hard.

When the Hawks start their season this Saturday night, it will be a new-look team that takes the court. Gone are last year's two American imports, Nate Champion and Logan Lyle, while long-time captain Willie Weimer has hung up the sneakers and the trio of Dan Tomada, Michael Solty (knee injury) and Scott Cuffe have not returned. That is plenty of talent to replace but the Hawks feel like they have recruited well.

"We are really happy with our two imports in Jacob Gibson and Mike McCahey; they will be great additions," Harrington said. "Also to have Stefan Osborne and Tim Martin joining us and that is an absolute bonus." Osborne, known as a talented long range shooter, will be returning from Coker College in South Carolina in May and will join the Hawks mid­season. Martin, who stands at nearly 200cm, last played for the Dandenong Rangers and will give the Hawks great depth in the big man department.

Some encouraging pre-season performances against SEABL clubs Nunawading, Sandringham and Ballarat have shown the Hawks they can expect plenty of scoring from Gibson and McCahey, both of whom have looked very good to this point.

The core of the Hawks' championship-wirming team is returmng with Matt Snowball, Shaun Clarke and Matt Fennell providing the leadership. Max Sutton will see an increase in court time with Trevor Latham and Nathan Truman provide the toughness and bench scoring.

Youth League stars Matt Roberts and Kaida Fittolani have also won promotion to the senior line-up, but will juggle duties for both teams.

Harrtngton has returned to coach the Hawks for the 14th time and will again be assisted by Damien Smith and recently retired club legend Willie Weimer. Luke Brodie is the team manager and Kieran Thoms the team phvsio.

The Hawks will again be quietly confiden, but have noted with interest that the BigV pundits have not tipped them as serious championship contenders. According to Harrington though, this is a good sign. "I cannot remember a season where they have picked us to win it." he said. "And, it's worked out pretty well." "This year they have hinted that we are too old, but as long as the guys get a nap in before games we should be OK."

The Hawks' season tips-off this Saturday night with a clash against the Werribee Devils at Maroondah Stadium at a special family friendly time of 6pm.