Depth poised to shine leading into finals

Melbourne United’s depth has been lauded for much of the season, and will play an important role in the side’s run towards the Hungry Jack’s Finals according to Head Coach Dean Vickerman.

Speaking to media on Thursday afternoon, Vickerman touched on how crucial it is for United to have all players firing heading into the postseason.

“We want to make sure that everyone is in a great position and confident going into the finals,” he said.

“Getting everybody good minutes in Cairns, all 12 guys that hit the floor, we want to make sure we use everybody as well. 

“If you’re not playing at the highest level, someone on the bench wants those minutes, so I think there’s just a push from the group that you have to play at the highest intensity possible for the minutes that you’re out there, otherwise someone else is ready to go.”

These sentiments were echoed by veteran forward Brad Newley, who says this team reminds him of successful teams he’s been a part of internationally.

“(Our depth) is pretty impressive, it reminds me a lot of a couple of teams I played with overseas.

“We’ve got some pretty high calibre wings, some great wings and some good guards, it’s a luxury for Dean to be able to trust guys to be able to go as hard in the moments they’re on the floor.

“Everybody needs to be ready to play, everyone’s showing pretty good form at practice, so these next two games are a bit of a test for us mentally in terms of staying locked in, but I’m sure we’ve got the characters that will go and get the job done.”

See Melbourne's elite bench unit hit the court across Round 20 when United face the Brisbane Bullets on 16 April, and Cairns Taipans on 18 April.

Tickets for both games are available here.