Local nucleus a major priority for MU

Written by Melbourne United Media

After a frantic few weeks of player signings, Melbourne United has quickly assembled one of the strongest local cores in recent memory heading into the NBL24 season.

Building on an elite base of Chris Goulding and Shea Ili, United have strengthened its roster with superstar talent in Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, who returns to the club after a year in China, and Luke Travers, who heads to MU after four seasons in Perth.

Add to this a stellar mix of youth and experience in Brad Newley, Flynn Cameron, Tanner Krebs and Kyle Bowen, Melbourne’s collection of Australian and New Zealand talent is unmatched.

Speaking on SEN 1116 yesterday, Brad Newley said looking at how Melbourne have produced in the past with similar roster constructions, he is confident ahead of what will be his 20th professional season.

LISTEN TO THE FULL CHAT HERE:

“You look back over the years, teams with strong Aussie cores tend to do pretty well,” he told Andrew Gaze and Andy Maher.

“The Championship team they (Melbourne United) had the year before I got here had a pretty strong Aussie nucleus with only going with the one import so I think that’s a template that Deano has had success with before and I think that may be what he’s looking at doing again.

“Personally my role is to just fit into the seams on and off the court and just be a good presence in the locker room.”

Newley, who is currently playing for the Frankston Blues in the NBL1 South, said it was an easy decision to return to Melbourne for another season.

The 309-game NBL veteran has appeared in every one of United fixtures over his two seasons with the club, and is excited to once again help his side achieve sustained success.

“You’re a long time retired, and I love playing this game and I’ve really enjoyed my team down here in Melbourne. 

“It wasn’t a real hard decision when they offered (the contract) up to me… what better to do than continue to play this great game at a professional level.”

To see Newley, along with the rest of United’s local core of stars, take the court next season, be sure to secure your seat by purchasing a membership today!

NBL24 Memberships are ON SALE NOW. As well as saving up to 40% on the price of walk-up tickets, members will receive exclusive merch discounts, access to Melbourne United Super Clinics, priority access to John Cain Arena for home games, access to member functions, post-game meet and greets and much more.