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BIO: Born in Bendigo, Victoria, Mat Campbell joined the Illawarra Hawks in 1996, and remained with the club for 17 seasons.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Mat Campbell made his NBL debut with the Illawarra Hawks at 19 years of age. He scored five points in his first game.

After losing both coach Alan Black and their leading scorer and rebounder from the past four seasons in Melvin Thomas the Hawks looked to rebuild in 1996. Although many felt the void left by Thomas and Black heading to NSW rivals Sydney would be difficult to replace, incoming coach Brendan Joyce had just the player in mind. New arrival Marcus Timmons surprised everyone by being one of the premier forwards in the competition, proving to be a more than adequate replacement for Thomas and led the team in points (21.9 ppg), rebounds, (12.3 rpg), steals (2.3 spg) and blocks (1.0 bpg). Alongside Timmons, Terry Johnson (16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists) would produced the best numbers of his career, this included a career high 41 points in a win over rival club Sydney (145 def. 121).

The big numbers delivered by Timmons and Johnson were offset however by the decline of import point guard Andre LaFleur (18.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists) who had shown clear signs of slowing down in his sixth season, averaging career lows in points, rebounds and assists. Hawks legend Greg Hubbard also struggled to overcome a back injury which saw him average 6.0 points in 16 minutes per game (lowest minutes of career) and retire at the end of the season. As a result, the Hawks struggled to find wins during the year and finished in tenth place (9-17).

Campbell would finish the year averaging 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game which included being selected to play in the NBL’s Future Forces Game.

1997
After another season missing out on the NBL playoffs in 1996, the Hawks were unable to retain their scoring and rebounding leader Marcus Timmons (who would end up leading the Melbourne Tigers to the championship that season) and were forced to move into a rebuilding phase for this season. The Hawks rebuilding would focus on the continued development of Hawks big man Matt Zauner, who was named team captain at the start of the season, and young star Glen Saville. The Hawks chose not to re-sign 31-year-old Andre LaFleur and signed two young imports in guard Bryan Edwards and big man Clayton Ritter to replace the scoring and rebounding of Timmons. The team also added SEABL stawart Eric Cooks who had played under head coach Brendan Joyce during his time with the Ballarat Miners in state league competition, a team which had also included both Saville and Campbell.

Campbell contributed 8.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in his second year in the league but with Edwards not being the fit needed at point guard and off-court issues between Zauner and Joyce stemming from a contract dispute the Hawks struggled. Edwards was replaced by Dylan Rigdon mid-season and the Hawks (7-23) failed to make the playoffs yet again.

1998
In 1998, the Hawks re-signed star Clayton Ritter and paired him with defensive minded guard Elliot Hatcher. Alongside the talented import duo Campbell had a breakout season, averaging 12.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists and playing a key role in the Hawks doubling their wins from the previous year. The Hawks improving from seven wins to 14 wins and finised in sixth place.

In the elimination finals the Hawks would go on to face the Perth Wildcats, losing back to back games before being eliminated from the playoffs in the first round.

1998/99
Coinciding with the NBL’s move to summer, the Hawks shifted base to the Wollongong Entertainment Centre and swapped their Illawarra prefix to Wollongong. Coming off a 14 win season that saw the Hawks reach the postseason, the Hawks were able to retain almost their entire and add CJ Bruton (via Brisbane) who immediately became Wollongong’s starting point guard and primary offensive weapon. With the addition of Bruton, there was no need for import guard Elliot Hatcher and they replaced him with Theron Wilson. Also, talented big man David Andersen was recruited from the AIS to replace the outgoing Matt Zauner.

Bruton (20.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists) would be given the ‘green light’ as he boosted his scoring from 15.4 points to 20.8 points per game in 46 minutes per game. Clayton Ritter (17.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists 1.1 steals) and Mat Campbell (15.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists) also finished among the team’s high scorers.

The Hawks finished the season winning two more games than the year prior, improving upon their previous record for the third year in a row and finishing in third place (16-10).

A disappointing postseason first saw the Hawks lose to the Victoria Titans in two straight games during the Qualifying Finals, but thanks to the league’s of the ‘lucky loser’ rule, which allowed the highest placed loser from the Qualifying Finals to proceed to the next round. There, a matchup with Adelaide saw Illawarra eliminated in two straight games, ending their season for good this time.

The effort Campbell delivered at the defensive end had become noticed by all of those around the league by this point and at season’s end Campbell had finished third in voting for the NBL Best Defensive Player Award.

1999/00
After a playoff campaign where the Hawks lost four playoff games in a row, Wollongong came into the season with a point to prove. Although promising big man David Andersen was lost to a deal in Europe, Wollongong was able to veteran players to the team in Mike McKay (via Canberra) and Darren Perry. Perry had spent the last five years playing in the state league, before being offered a lifeline by coach Brendan Joyce who encouraged Perry to return to the NBL and provide some leadership to his young, up and coming squad. The team chose not to re-sign imports Theron Wilson (to Europe) and Clayton Ritter (to Canberra) and instead looked for new imports to better complement the style of Bruton and signed former NBA lottery pick Todd Mundt (via Newcastle) as well as former Hawks MVP, Melvin Thomas, who had spent the past four seasons playing with Sydney and Canberra. Another change saw Mat Campbell (14.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists) take on the role of team captain, a role he maintained for more than a decade.

With high-scoring guard CJ Bruton (22.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists) settling into his second season with the team, many felt the Hawks would have one of the stronger rosters clubs, but the Hawks just couldn’t seem to get victories over any of the league’s top team’s. A key factor was the lack of production the team were able to get from Mundt (8.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists), who struggled to play big minutes and with nine games left in the season, he was released. Matt Garrison (17.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals) entered the team as his replacement, and although his presence delivered a immediate improvement, the move was too little too late. Wollongong limped home to a eighth-place finish (11-17) with the Hawk’s dismal season viewed to be a result of Bruton being tasked with too much.

Melvin Thomas (19.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals) and Glen Saville (14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.9 steals) both delivered great seasons and were voted as the Hawks co-MVP’s as a result.

2000/01
Prior to the start of the 2000/01 season, coach Brendan Joyce revamped nearly half the Wollongong Hawks’ roster, bringing in key additions such as Axel Dench, Charles Thomas, Damon Lowery, Grant Kruger, Matt Shanahan, and veteran Ray Borner. The changes paid immediate dividends as the Hawks enjoyed their most successful regular season in franchise history.

With five players averaging double figures, Wollongong boasted one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the league. This well-rounded approach allowed them to compete against powerhouse teams that leaned heavily on star duos. Their ability to spread the scoring load made them an unpredictable and difficult team to defend, laying the foundation for their championship push.

Melvin Thomas (19.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals) and Charles Thomas (16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 steals) provided versatility, while Glen Saville (15.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks) continued to be the team’s engine, filling the stat sheet across all categories. Mat Campbell (12.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals) also played a pivotal role, providing perimeter shooting and strong two-way play.

Wollongong finished the regular season tied for third place with Perth at 21-7 but lost the tiebreaker due to head-to-head results, settling for fourth. The Hawks were particularly clutch in close contests, going a perfect 12-0 in games decided by three points or fewer. Their road dominance also stood out, as they posted a league-best 12-2 record away from home.

Despite their strong season, no Wollongong player was selected for the All-NBL First or Second Team, highlighting the team’s reliance on depth rather than individual stardom. In a league featuring elite duos such as Andrew Gaze & Mark Bradtke (Melbourne), Ricky Grace & Paul Rogers (Perth), and Darnell Mee & Brett Maher (Adelaide), the Hawks’ collective effort allowed them to compete at the highest level.

The playoffs began with Wollongong facing Perth in the qualifying finals. The Hawks secured a crucial Game 1 victory at home, 97–90, behind standout performances from Melvin Thomas (22 points and 13 rebounds), Damon Lowery (19 points), and Mat Campbell (10 points and 5 rebounds).

In Game 2, the series shifted to Perth, where the Wildcats bounced back with a 106–95 win. Dench struggled offensively, finishing with just 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while Campbell was limited in his scoring output.

Game 3 saw Wollongong pull off a stunning upset on the road, defeating Perth 98–88 to advance to the semifinals. Glen Saville led the way with a dominant 26-point, 16-rebound performance, while Lowery contributed 20 points. Campbell also played a crucial role, adding 6 points and 3 rebounds in the decisive win.

The Hawks then faced the Adelaide 36ers in the semifinals. In Game 1, played in Adelaide, the Hawks secured a dramatic 84-83 victory, with Campbell contributing 10 points in a game that saw Melvin Thomas (18 points and 13 rebounds) and Charles Thomas (17 points and 6 rebounds) lead the scoring.

Game 2 returned to Wollongong, but Adelaide responded with a high-powered offensive display, defeating the Hawks 111–100. Campbell had one of his best games of the postseason, scoring 14 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the 36ers from forcing a deciding Game 3.

The third and final game of the series produced one of the most iconic moments in NBL history. With Wollongong trailing 108-106 in the closing seconds, Damon Lowery was fouled on a three-point attempt as time expired. Under immense pressure, Lowery sank all three free throws to complete a 109-108 victory, sending the Hawks to their first-ever Grand Final. Campbell also played a vital role in the win, contributing 10 points and 3 rebounds in the tense encounter.

In the 2001 NBL Grand Final, the Hawks faced the Townsville Crocodiles. Game 1 took place at a packed WIN Entertainment Centre, where Wollongong edged out a 104-101 victory behind Melvin Thomas (24 points, 14 rebounds) and a strong showing from Campbell, who added 19 points.

The series then shifted to Townsville, where the Crocodiles took advantage of their home court, dominating Game 2 with a 114–97 win. The Hawks struggled offensively, with Campbell managing just 4 points as Townsville forced a decisive Game 3.

With the championship on the line, Game 3 turned into a physical, grind-it-out battle. The Hawks overcame the adversity and secured a 97-94 victory, earning their first NBL championship. Charles Thomas (23 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Melvin Thomas (18 points and 12 rebounds) led the way, while Glen Saville (18 points and 12 rebounds) was named NBL Finals MVP. Campbell played a key supporting role in the championship-clinching win, finishing with 10 points and 3 rebounds.

Wollongong’s triumph made them the first New South Wales club to win an NBL championship, cementing their place in history. Coach Brendan Joyce was recognized as NBL Coach of the Year for orchestrating the team’s remarkable run, while Axel Dench was named the league’s Rookie of the Year. Campbell’s contributions were critical throughout the postseason, with his perimeter shooting and clutch performances proving vital in Wollongong’s journey to the title.

2001/02
In 2001/02, Campbell averaged 12.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists as the Hawks finished in fourth place (16-14).

2002/03
In 2002/03, Campbell averaged 11.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2 assists, playing a key role in the Hawks rotation, helping the team finish in fourth place (18-12).

2003/04
The 2003/04 season saw Campbell average 14.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists and play a key role in helping the Hawks to a second place finish in the regular season (25-8).

2004/05
Wollongong would return with the core of their roster intact from the previous season, the only major move being import Adam Ballinger replacing Damon Lowery. With Ballinger (17.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks) providing a second scoring threat for the Hawks, the offence was able to open up a lot more than the previous season, resulting in Glen Saville (17.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists) delivering a career-best season. He subsequently finished fifth in 2005 NBL MVP voting and was a major factor in the Hawks’ push to the Grand Final. Darnell Mee (14.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks) would fill the stat sheet while Mat Campbell provided much needed perimeter shooting and averaged 14.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.

Wollongong went on to lose to crosstown rival and defending league champion Sydney Kings without winning a single game in the Grand Final series.

2005/06
During the 2005/06 season, Campbell averaged 14.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, including a career-best 36 points against the Townsville (5 Dec 2005) where he shot 9-of-14 from three-pointer range. Campbell and the Hawks would finish in third place (19-13) before losing to Perth (101-121) in the Quarterfinals.

2006/07
In 2006/07, Campbell averaged 10.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists as the Hawks finished in ninth place (11-22).

2007/08
In 2007/08, Campbell averaged 14.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, playing a key role in the Hawks rotation, helping the finish with a record of 9-21.

2008/09
Having lost star forward Glen Saville to rival club Sydney in 2007, he returned the following season as a result of the Kings financial collapse and withdrawal from the league. Other key player movements saw Cam Rigby, Aaron Trahair and Ben Castle exit the club with Anthony Petrie, Rhys Martin and Dusty Rychart sigining as their replacements.

Saville (15.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks) was a monster in his first season back in Wollongong, finishing fourth in the NBL in defensive rebounds, tenth in total rebounds, and fifth in steals. New addition Dusty Rychart (15.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) would lead the team in scoring but the roster shuffle saw Mat Campbell (9.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists), Lindsay Tait (8.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists) and Larry Davidson (6.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks) all saw their scoring production drop by 3-4 points each resulting in the Hawks struggling to compete offensively against the top team’s.

After Wollongong limped home to a seventh place finish (11-19), in a unusual move the club retired the jersey of Glen Saville despite giving no indications he would stop playing. In fact, while his iconic No. 12 singlet was placed in the rafters, he continued playing until 2013. He is one of only five Hawks players to have had their jersey retired.

2009/10
In February 2009, the Hawks ownership group declared the team would not be able to join the revamped league in 2009/10 on financial grounds. Mat Campbell, who was the team captain and still a active player, started the “Save the Hawks” fundraising campaign, which generated the total amount required by the club to continue. Campbell and his small team raised funds via donations from the Illawarra community, acquiring naming rights sponsor ahm Health Insurance and a bank guarantee provided by Indian mining magnate Mr Arun Jagatramka from Gujarat NRE. A not-for-profit community-based company formed as Wollongong Hawks Basketball Limited was established to operate the Hawks into the future.

A number of changes occurred as a result of the ownership change. Coach Brendan Joyce was replaced with former Hawks star Gordie McLeod, and the team moved on from imports Kavossy Franklin and Dusty Rychart, replacing them with Tywain McKee and David Gruber.

Mckee (17.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals) would lead the team in scoring, but after suffering two stress fractures in his lower back, Mckee (17.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals) was shut down for the season with Wollongong hovering around the middle of the ladder (11-10). Journeyman guard Luke Martin for the remaining 13 games of the season and the Hawks were forced to rely on their local talent for their playoff run.

Losing McKee gave Illawarra a balanced attack, with nine players all averaging 18 minutes or more per game. Cam Tragardh (14.7 points, 5.4 rebounds) would step up and lead the team in scoring after losing McKee, while Glen Saville (10.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 steals), team captain Campbell (10.3 points and 3.0) and Larry Davidson (9.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 steals), who would be voted the Hawks club MVP, led a late-season charge that saw Illawarra finish with five wins in their last seven games.

In one of the closest seasons in NBL history, the Hawks finished in a three-way tie for second place, with Townsville and Gold Coast all finishing the regular season with the same record (16-12). Head-to-head victories saw the Hawks (5-3) claim the second seed, Crocodiles (4-4) finish third, and Gold Coast Blaze (3-5) take the final playoff spot.

Facing off against third-placed Townsville, Campbell (6 points) helped Illawarra come away with a home victory in game one (87-68). Townsville would then even the series win a 29-point demolition of Illawarra in game two (82-53), with Campbell only able to contribute a single basket (2 points).

With the series heading back to Wollongong, the Hawks led game three from start to finish, with Campbell (14 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists) having his best game of the series, and the Hawks game three win (88-76) sending the Hawks into the Grand Final for the first time since 2001.

Illawarra faced off against first-placed Perth (17-11), and while Campbell (13 points) had a nice game, thanks to a all-round performance from guard Kevin Lisch (15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 1 block), the Wildcat’s came away with the win (75-64). In game two, the Hawks evened the series (1-1), locking Lisch down (11 points) and riding a huge offensive effort from Cam Tragardh (28 points), who barely missed, hitting 12 of his 20 shots. In surprising fashion, Campbell failed to score at all in the game, missing all eight of the shot attempts in 30 minutes of court time.

The deciding game three would return to Perth, where the Wildcats found themselves down by as many as 11 points in the second quarter. Another huge game from Lisch (29 points, including 5 of 9 from three) allowed the Wildcat’s to defeat the Hawks comfortably (96-72), delivering the Wildcats’ their fifth NBL Championship. Campbell contributed 8 points and 4 rebounds in the final game while Kevin Lisch was named Finals MVP after averaging 18 points and 4 rebounds over the three games.

2010/11
In 2010/11, Campbell averaged 7.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists as Wollongong finished in fifth place (15-13) and failed to qualfiy for the playoffs. The team was led by import Gary Ervin who after averaging 20.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists was subsequently named MVP of the league, becoming the first Hawk to win the award since Mike Jones in 1981.

2011/12
In 2011/12, Campbell played his final NBL season, averaging 7.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. This included a game to remember when when he hit 17 points en route to the NBL Player of the Week award in round 17. Illawarra would finish the season in eight place (9-19) and fail to qualify for the playoffs.

Mat Campbell played seventeen seasons the Illawarra Hawks. This included the Illawarra Hawks. He averaged 11.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2 assists in 524 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 8th in total games played.
– 29th in total points
– 46th in total assists

Dan Boyce (832 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.