D2.0
Years ago
Well Done Melbourne United
Sure, we all like underdog stories and fairytale endings, but sometimes the best team gets it done.
And I honestly don't think you can dismiss MU as "stacked" as some say.
Yep, Landale has dominated this league, but MU were hardly the only team to bring in a Marquee. And whilst we know how good it was at WC and was supposedly on the brink of NBA, many pointed out that his recent spell in Europe had been ordinary.
MU lost their gun import PG, again, and this time didn't replace him. Opting instead to go with McCarron.
CG is 34, had become increasingly inconsistent, and last season was coming off the bench. His performance this season, and especially in the finals, is s huge part of their win.
McDaniel, despite his pedigree was a below average DP. Then last season he average I think maybe a point or 2 per game. But for Covid, he probably would have been looking for a new gig. ANd yet here he is starting in a GF.
Peatling? I didn't even know who he was before this season. And ok, they weren't the only team to unearth a great DP, but still, starting a DP in a GF series doesn't exactly scream "stacked" to me.
And JLA? Many were convinced he was a bust, yet he goes on to win 6th Man.
Baba I think was a great success, and hopefully portends many more, but even if you count him as an import MU still only had him & Hopson.
There were those who claimed that Vickerman only inherited teams, after his win with NZ and his first with MU. But you have to give him massive credit for what he built this season. Sure he had money, teams like Sydney, Perth, and Melbourne will always have more than Cairns, but he has still done exceptionally well.
I'm glad that Trev finally got acknowledged with Coty, but Vickerman was a worthy nominee this season.
And great to see the Melbourne v Perth rivalry rekindled.