United's vital "wake-up call"

Melbourne United import Ian Clark believes his side’s recent seven-game road stretch has acted as a much-needed “wake-up call” to the ladder leaders.

Sunday’s clash with New Zealand will be United’s second home game since before Christmas, with their first game back in John Cain Arena only coming last week against local rivals South East Melbourne.

United suffered defeat in four of those seven road games, in a run that included a 21-point defeat to Tasmania, and a 12-point loss to rivals Sydney.

Despite a tough streak, Melbourne is still sitting atop the ladder, and will likely remain their given the side’s vastly superior percentage and better win record than second-placed Perth.

“Those road games, we wanted to do better. We came out a little flat in a few games with guys in and out of the lineup, and I think we feel more comfortable in these last three games having everybody back,” Clark told SEN.

“I feel like we had a little slump, but I’m not saying the guys left their foot off the gas. I think our wake-up call came in those road games in understanding we could get beaten by any team if we don’t come out ready to play, no matter who we’re facing.

“Being able to be confident in what we’re doing and who we are coming down this last stretch and heading into the Playoffs is very, very important seeing as we’re going to have a couple of weeks off as well.

“We want to make sure we’re playing at a high level in these last few games at the end of the season.”

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Clark’s assertion that United wants to be in strong form heading into its final games of the regular season comes after head coach Dean Vickerman’s earlier comments that although he might lengthen his rotation in these final two rounds, Melbourne won’t be resting its stars.

United's run home continues with a clash against New Zealand on Sunday. The Breakers will have already played Illawarra in Round 19’s opener before they clash with Melbourne, and Clark says his side is conscious of the Finals fight their remaining opponents are currently in.

“With this part of the season with how the ladder is, a lot of teams are bunched up trying to make sure they secure a Playoff spot,” he said.

“We understand the teams we’re playing are going to be hungry and coming after us, and they’re playing for their lives, so we need to make sure we come out and match their energy.”

United’s clash with New Zealand will tip off on Sunday at 2pm AEDT, live and free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies, 10 Peach and 10 Play, and Sky Sport in NZ.