Dalton’s inspirational return

Written by Melbourne United Media

Saturday was a fun night for Melbourne United.

Not only did the side snap its five-game losing streak, but one of the team’s most beloved members made their return after nearly nine months on the shelf.

Up big with two minutes remaining, Head Coach Dean Vickerman subbed in Cal Dalton for his first minutes since tearing his ACL in March.

Thrilled to simply take the court again, things only got better for Dalton, who cashed in on his first shot back, a three-pointer from the top of the arc, sending United’s bench, and the entirety of John Cain Arena into a frenzy.

Speaking after the game, Dalton said it was an emotional moment for him.

“It felt crazy, the crowd went wild,” he said.

“It’s been a really long eight months and 30 days… it was really emotional, tears came flowing when I got back to the locker room, it was really special.”

It was a tough rehab for the big-man, however never one to give up, Dalton made it his mission to come back better than before the injury.

“(The rehab) wasn’t exactly smooth, it was just about slowly chipping away at it every day.

“Around a month ago I started to turn the corner and started travelling really well and it’s just been smooth since then.”

The only slight downside to come from Dalton’s special moment was that he missed the reaction from his bench.

“I didn’t see the bench, I need to see some photos,” he laughed.

One of the players going crazy on the bench was Shea Ili, who has worked closely with Cal throughout his comeback, with the two often pairing up for shooting drills at training.

“He’s worked his butt off the whole off-season, so that was pretty cool to see. He’s the first one in the gym grinding, working on his rehab, putting in that work,” Ili said.

“He’s been out almost a year, so to be able to come out on court and hit a three is pretty special for him.”

United will hope to capture the momentum from Dalton’s special moment heading into their clash with the Perth Wildcats on Monday night at RAC Arena.

The game will be streamed live on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.