Locals to Lead United Title Dream

Melbourne United is looking back to go forward in NBL24, with recently re-signed forward Brad Newley saying Dean Vickerman is going back to the system that won United the NBL championship in 2021.

A side led by local talents Chris Goulding, Dave Barlow and Jock Landale – with Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Mason Peatling playing important roles off the bench – defeated the Perth Wildcats in three games despite having just one import on its books, Scotty Hopson.

With the re-signing of Lual-Acuil Jr, alongside the acquisition of local talents Luke Travers, Flynn Cameron, Tanner Krebs and Kyle Bowen, Newley believes the side is gearing up for a repeat of that recent successful season.

"You look back over the years, teams with strong Aussie cores tend to do pretty well,” Newley told SEN. “When they (Melbourne) won the title the year before I got there they had a pretty strong Aussie nucleus with only one import.

Melbourne United lift the NBL21 championship trophy.

“I think that’s the template ‘Deano’ (Vickerman) has had success with before, and I think that’s what he’s looking at doing again.

“Personally, my role is just to fit into the seams, do what I need to do on and off the court, and just be a good presence in the locker room.”

Before linking up with United once more for NBL24, Newley has an NBL1 South season to tackle with Frankston.

The Blues – whose roster also contains former NBL player Daniel Trist, and Newley’s NBL23 teammate Lachie Barker – currently sit second on the ladder with a 5-1 record.

Newley’s side take on the cellar-dwelling Geelong Supercats on Saturday night, live on the NBL1 website and app, and he’s utilising his time in NBL1 to adjust to new positions on the court.

“I’m using it as a bit of a step to be ready for this upcoming season,” Newley said. “I’m playing a slightly different position now with Melbourne – more of a four spot as opposed to being an off-guard small forward, which I’ve been basically my whole career.

“It’s a good opportunity to practice that.

“It’s a lot of fun playing down there. It’s a good community atmosphere and my kids can get a little bit closer to the action than an NBL game, and that’s another fun part of playing – playing in front of my kids and having them enjoy the last parts of my career.

“You’re a long time retired and I love playing this game.”