Family Focus for Veteran Newley

By Pete Hooley

It’s fair to say there’s no such thing as an off-season for the majority of NBL players. Whether it’s playing NBL1 or taking up a short contract overseas, the grind never stops.

If anyone knows exactly the sacrifices basketballers make to get to the top level, and stay there, it’s Brad Newley. 

With playing stints across Europe, Greece, Turkey, Lithuania and Spain, and even being drafted by the Houston Rockets, he is well travelled. 

Newley's usual meticulous preparation meant, even at 36, and with more than 250 NBL games under his belt, he arrived in great shape before the NBL22 season with Melbourne United.

Newley performed, and performed well, playing a key role in a run to the finals. 

But one thing was missing ... while he was in Melbourne, Newley's family had stayed back in Sydney.

“The older I get, the more my focus has shifted from myself and towards family,” he told NBL.com.au's Pete Hooley. 

“Last season was the first time in a quite a while that I have been away from them, and to be perfectly honest, it had its challenges. It got pretty lonely at times.

“I’m so used to finishing training and going to pick the kids up or kick the footy. I’m a sociable guy and love my family, so it was a strange feeling at times. I had missed those moments.”

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Back in Melbourne for NBL23 and another crack at a championship, Newley has a new appreciation of the things that matter most. 

“I had just been away (from home) for six months, so when I got back home (to Sydney), I was in full-time Dad mode for the first six weeks,” he said.  

“It was really refreshing actually. I was attempting to make lunches, which I definitely need to work on a bit. I was coaching under-nine netball in the mornings and then having coffee with mums. It was kind of a fun way to switch off.” 

As Newley prepares for his 19th professional year, his family will be back by his side. 

His wife Brigid and their two kids have made the move down to Victoria to be together.

“I’ve come down earlier to Melbourne this time around, to really get my body right and prepare for the season,” he said. 

“Having the family come with me is awesome. It feels right again.

“We also just got our first family dog, Milo. So that’s probably been the toughest challenge of this off-season so far.

“I’m pretty useless with the training side of things there (with the dog), but it’s all enjoyable just to be around the kids during these moments.”

At 37-years-old, Newley is the second-oldest player in the league, only behind free agent Dave Barlow. But he’s certainly still got plenty to offer. 

Making the move to United just last year after a long stint at the Sydney Kings, he knew it was imperative he arrived in the best shape he could. 

“During lockdown, there was really nothing else for me to do but train,” Newley said. 

“It was a daily task just to make sure that whenever the season tipped off, I was fit and ready to go. 

“I also tried to switch that up with some tennis on the weekends. I found that to be a good way of keeping my body moving and something I really enjoy.”

Brad Newley representing Melbourne United in NBL22. 

As Melbourne nears the official start date for pre-season, Newley reflected on how his on-court responsibilites had transitioned during his career. 

“In the last four years I’ve really started to figure out what role I can play to have success and help a team,” he said. 

“It was a side of basketball that I first saw when I was in Europe all those years. It helped me understand how different pieces, no matter how big or small, can all have such a strong impact to help a team win.

“I’ve gone from being the key guy in the early stages in my career, to learning something a bit different overseas, to then being a key guy when I returned to the NBL and then transitioning to now.”

With Melbourne United losing some key pieces during this off-season, coach Dean Vickerman will no doubt be calling on his veteran influence to take the lead and set the example for the next generation. 

“I still just love playing the game of basketball,” Newley added. 

“So for me, it’s all about keeping my body healthy and fit, and being ready to do whatever it takes, whenever I’m asked too. 

“Whatever it takes to bring another championship to Melbourne.”

Brad Newley playing for the Australian Boomers in 2008.