CG43 expecting ‘playoff like atmosphere’ across huge Round 15

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.