Newley eagerly awaits season opening Throwdown

In the NBL, there’s nothing quite like a Throwdown.

Built on the league’s fiercest rivalry, Melbourne United’s battles with South East Melbourne Phoenix go down each year as some of the most exciting and hard fought contests of the season.

For Brad Newley, who is set to enter his third season with MU, games against SEM are ones circled on the calendar every time the schedule comes out.

Across his time with United, Newley has played in eight Throwdowns, boasting a 5-3 record which includes the largest ever victory over the course of the rivalry; a 25-point drubbing dished out by Melbourne in Round 6 of NBL23.

Speaking on SEN, Newley spoke about his anticipation to take the court in another Throwdown to open United’s season on September 28 ahead of the AFL Grand Final.

LISTEN TO THE FULL CHAT HERE

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“It’s a big weekend of sport in Melbourne,” he told Dwayne Russell.

“It’s a lot of fun to be a part of those Throwdowns and I’m looking forward to the season opener.”

Now the league’s oldest player, the 309-game veteran showed no signs of slowing down in Melbourne's first game of their preseason, finishing with 11 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks against Cal Baptist University.

The 28-point win was the first chance for United fans to see new additions like Luke Travers, Tanner Krebs and Kyle Bowen up close, as well as Ariel Hukporti’s return to the court.

“It was a good night,” Newley said.

“All our new guys got to experience playing for United. Tanner (Krebs) was great, as were Kyle Bowen and (Luke Travers) as well. It was also great to have Ariel (Hukporti) back as well after his year out with an injury. It was good fun and we’ll keep building from there.”

Part of that building will include the addition of NBA and NBL Champion Ian Clark, who signed with the team at the start of August.

Newley believes the sharpshooting guard will bring elite energy to Melbourne’s NBL24 title chase.

“It’s slowly coming together, getting (Ian) Clark in is going to be great,” he explained.

"He can bring that energy to our first or second unit, wherever he comes from. I think he’ll do a great job for us, that role will be perfect.”

If you want to make sure you’re there for Throwdown XXI as United opens the season, lock in your seat by becoming a member today.

With Premium, Gold and Silver full season memberships fully sold out, you’ll have to get in quick to secure your seat for every home game at John Cain Arena this season.