Melbourne United maintained a higher standing for much of the 2025–26 season, sitting at , while the Hawks finished the regular season with a 13–20 record.
This matchup remains one of the league's most intense rivalries following the , where the Illawarra Hawks defeated Melbourne United 3–2 in a winner-takes-all Game 5 (114–104) to claim their first title in 24 years. Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne United
The most recent matchup between the and Melbourne United took place on February 15, 2026, with the Hawks securing a 100–91 victory at John Cain Arena. Sun, Feb 15 Hawks won! Recent Performance & Head-to-Head Melbourne United maintained a higher standing for much