Vickerman lauds crowd for bringing the energy

In the biggest moment of our season so far, the best fans in the league did not disappoint.

Across our four previous home games, we were yet to play a game that was decided by less than 16 points.

However, when that occasion finally presented itself on Sunday afternoon, the Melbourne United faithful provided the energy needed to help push us past the Adelaide 36ers.

Trailing by five points with less than two minutes remaining, the crowd locked in, getting loud when Milton Doyle first came off a screen and cashed in a tough three-pointer, before raising to another level on Jesse Edwards’ dunk to give us the lead.

While the 36ers may have thought they could quiet the arena following a three of their own to go back ahead by two, Tyson Walker’s last second long-bomb from the corner nearly blew the roof off John Cain Arena.

Following the game, Head Coach Dean Vickerman praised the crowd for their help in keeping the team perfect across the first nine games of the new season.

“The packed-out home crowd that was unbelievable in the last two minutes of the game, their noise level was amazing,” he said. 

“It was a close game, we made a big shot, it was fun playing against a great team like that and challenging ourselves defensively. 

“We just have to find a way after traveling back after road trips on how we can be a bit more efficient offensively… We keep putting the season into three-game lots, and that’s the type of game you want as a game three down the end of the year.”

With less than 48 hours to prepare for the game following a win over Cairns on Friday night, Vickerman said the challenge of composing a gameplan quickly will only help us in the long run.

“I think more than anything, (learning) how you travel and how you have limited preparation (helps),” he explained.

“Obviously the guys did a great job the other night and we were able to restrict some minutes and be as fresh as we possibly could be coming into this game.

“There were some things that we continue to tidy up and execute down the stretch a little bit better but you need close games to go through that.”

Fans will get their next opportunity to get loud once again ahead of the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday on Monday 3 November from 7:30pm.

Set to face the Sydney Kings and former United star Matthew Dellavedova, the contest is a can’t miss for sports fans.

Tickets are available via ticketek.com.au

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