Blanchfield Returns to Former Side

NBL veteran and former Perth Wildcat Todd Blanchfield has put pen to paper with the Illawarra Hawks, returning to the team he represented from 2018-2020. 

The 31-year-old has averaged 10 points per game across his 373 game NBL career, including more than 18 a game in the Wildcats’ run to the NBL21 Championship Series.

Blanchfield was also previously selected for the All-NBL Second Team in 2015, the same season in which he won the competition’s Most Improved Player award.

The Hawks have lost over 600 games of NBL experience due to the retirement of veteran pair Tim Coenraad and Kevin White, and head coach Jacob Jackomas believes Blanchfield's addition to the roster will provide a good balance to complement the side's young talent.

"We are committed to building a young and dynamic roster, it's important we balance that with some strong leadership and players that have regularly competed at a playoff level. Todd fits that bill," Jackomas said.

"Todd is a known quantity across our league, and it's great to welcome him and his family back to Illawarra.

"I am thrilled to rejoin the Hawks for the next two seasons. My wife and I have always been fond of our time in Wollongong and we are looking forward to being back amongst some familiar faces at the organisation.

"Mat [Campbell], Jacob [Jackomas] and the coaching staff are putting together a great group of guys, and I can't wait to get to work as we prepare for the new season."

Blanchfield is the 11th fully-rostered player to commit to the Hawks this season, along with Tyler Harvey, Sam Froling, Justin Robinson, Gary Clark, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Dan Grida, Will Hickey, Lachlan Olbrich, Mason Peatling and AJ Johnson.

Biwali Bayles and Harry Morris are also signed to development contracts.