CG43 expecting ‘playoff like atmosphere’ across huge Round 15
9 Mar
1
min read

Written by Melbourne United Media
Heading into perhaps the most important round of Melbourne United’s season, Captain Chris Goulding believes his side is ready for a ‘playoff like atmosphere’.
Speaking on RSN on Wednesday, CG43 said while Melbourne’s Round 16 games against Perth and South East Melbourne will be tough, United are playing at a championship level.
“It’s massive,” he said about the pair of games.
“Teams are fighting for position on the ladder as we get to the pointy end… The reality of our league is if you’re a step off against any team, whether they’re first, second, or last, you’re probably going to lose.
“Being the defending champions, you get every team’s best effort every single night. When we are defending the basketball the way we want to, the way we can, which allows us to get out and run and play a fast-paced offence, we’re definitely at a championship level.”
Currently in the midst of a blistering five-game win streak (with an average margin of victory of 15.2 points), United have the chance to build upon their buffer at the top of the ladder with wins over the Wildcats and Phoenix.
This factor is not lost on Goulding, who said games like these are almost worth two wins.
“It’s a really good opportunity for us because these games kind of count for double.
“When you’re playing teams that are so close to you on the ladder and teams that we presume will be in the playoff picture… if you can give them a loss while also grabbing a win, they kind of count for more than just the one game.”
Touching on the rivalries Melbourne shares with both Perth and SEM, Goulding said one is built on respect, while the other carries a little more “spice”.
“Everyone talks about over the past 10-15 years, (Perth) being the benchmark of the competition.
“If you want to win a championship, if you want to have success, you have to measure yourself against them. (The rivalry) is more respect based.
“There’s a bit of spice in the SEM stuff because you can say big brother, little brother, however you want to say it, they’re a brand new team trying to establish themselves in our state, and we’re the team that’s been here a little longer and have had some reasonable success of late.
“You throw in a little push and shove and some close games, the Throwdown is becoming a genuine rivalry.”
Watch United as they aim to extend their winning streak to six games LIVE at John Cain Arena on Thursday 10 March.
Tickets are available here, while three and five game memberships remain available here.
Following this, fans can tune in to Throwdown XV for FREE at home at 1pm on Sunday 13 March via 10 Peach and Kayo Freebies.

22 Oct
‘Competitive fire burning’ ahead of Cairns clash
Chris Goulding
Melbourne United

10 Oct
Goulding to make season debut against Taipans
Chris Goulding

17 Sep
Goulding, Ili, Bowen named as Club Captains for NBL26
Chris Goulding
Shea Ili

18 Aug
Goulding bringing global knowledge back to United
Chris Goulding

13 Aug
Goulding ready to embrace NBL26 alongside new teammates
Chris Goulding

10 Feb
Goulding named to All-NBL Second Team
Chris Goulding

13 Jan
Goulding moves into fourth all-time in three-point makes
Chris Goulding

24 Nov
10 threes for Goulding as Boomers qualify
Chris Goulding

21 Nov
Goulding torches Thailand in FIBA Qualifier
Chris Goulding

13 Nov
‘It was a fun night’ says Goulding following 46-point explosion
Chris Goulding

12 Nov
Vickerman breaks down ‘extraordinary’ Goulding performance
Chris Goulding

11 Nov
STAT WRAP - NBL25 Round 8
Chris Goulding

29 Oct
Goulding keen to 'keep this thing going' after double-win weekend
Chris Goulding

16 Sep
United stars dominate NewsCorp’s top-players list
Chris Goulding
Shea Ili

4 Jul
United stars lift Boomers, Ili falls to Slovenia
Chris Goulding

2 Jul
Goulding catches fire in Boomers victory
Chris Goulding
Support your team with the latest gear
Grab your latest team releases before they're gone.

Get the latest Team Updates
Breaking news & special offers. Direct to your inbox.
