The United faithful welcomed back for Grand Final

Melbourne United last played at John Cain Arena on May 16 and since then the team has been grinding on the road, working towards the ultimate goal of claiming an NBL Championship.

Despite the literal roadblocks that have stood in their way, United has never lost sight of that goal and now, almost six weeks later, they have returned home for a blockbuster Grand Final Game Three with a chance to clinch the 2021 Hungry Jack's NBL Championship in front of the United faithful.

With Wednesday’s announcement that capacity will be set at 5,000 spectators, it’s time to make John Cain Arena a fortress once again. After weeks on the road and playing in enemy territory, your team needs you to get loud, Melbourne!

There’s nothing like the roar of a Melbourne crowd when Chris Goulding drains a signature triple or Jock Landale slams home a monster dunk. With the Championship up for grabs on Friday night, you’ll want to be at John Cain Arena to experience the thrill and excitement firsthand.

There really is nothing like it!

Melbourne United CEO Vince Crivelli put into words what it will mean to play in front of fans on Friday night.

“By finishing the regular season atop of the NBL ladder, our team won the right to home court advantage in the finals. Due to the most recent lockdown, we have had to play all five our finals games so far interstate, so we are really pleased to finally be able to play a finals game in front of our fans, in our home stadium.

“Melbourne fans have been doing it tough over the past 18 months, and this most recent lockdown has been no exception. Hopefully they can get to the game of Friday night and witness Melbourne United attempt to claim a second Championship.”

Whilst on the road, Melbourne has been playing incredible, team-first basketball and their record over that period speaks for itself; 10 wins and just two losses across seven regular season games and five post-season matchups.

What’s been most impressive is that each and every time the squad steps on the floor, you never know who is going to be ‘the guy’. Different players have stepped up all season long and that’s been vital to the team’s success.

On any given night it could be Jock Landale dominating on both ends of the court, Mitch McCarron setting the tone with his relentless attack, Chris Goulding shooting the lights out, Scotty Hopson or Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. bringing the heat from the second unit, Yudai Baba or Sam McDaniel playing stifling defence.

Dean Vickerman has his team humming along and with roles clearly defined, every player knows what is expected of them. This has resulted in beautiful basketball with ball movement making life hell for opposition defences to try to contain.

Having claimed Game One and Game Two in Perth, in front of a raucous Red Army, it’s time to return the favour and make as much noise as possible. Melbourne players thrive off the energy of a rocking John Cain Arena crowd, and your voice will be needed on Friday night.

The Perth Wildcats have been a tough opponent through the first two games of the series and that will again be the case in Game Three. They’re a proud organisation and won’t go down without a fight.

The likes of John Mooney, Todd Blanchfield and Mitch Norton have all shone throughout the first two encounters and they’ll be keys again in Game Three.

It’s been a long six weeks without United basketball in Melbourne, but the loyalty of the United faithful hasn’t wavered and now is your chance to be there on what could be a historic night.

It’s time to unite, Melbourne!