Prepare for "a hell of a battle"

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

"It’s going to be probably one of the most intense games of the year so far."

With all eyes locked on to Friday night's top-of-the-table clash, both the Illawarra Hawks and Melbourne United are prepared for a dogfight.

Who could forget the emotion-charged clash in Round 6 that saw Justin Tatum unleash a tirade of comments, accusing United star Chris Goulding of "flopping"?

If this game was already looming as a mouthwatering clash, then consider that these teams are first and second on the NBL standings. If the Hawks win, they'll take top spot.

Speaking to Code Sports, Tatum said he was ready for a frosty reception at John Cain Arena on Friday night, even in Goulding's absence due to injury.

“I’m looking forward to it and I’m ready for it,” Tatum said.

“End of the day, it’s competitive, and I hope they see it the same way.

“I’ll take it, as long as it’s respectful, everything will be fine.”

United coach Dean Vickerman said he expected nothing short of Illawarra's best.

“We were fortunate enough to get a good win against them at their place, now coming into ours it’s going to be a hell of a battle,” he said.

“You just want to continue to test yourself. I think they’re a team that because of their offensive firepower and how hard they play the game ... they’re going to test you in many areas.

“I’m expecting them to be fired up and us to try to bounce back. It’s going to be probably one of the most intense games of the year so far.”

In Round 6 it was Melbourne who got an impressive five-point win over the Hawks in enemy territory, but the Hawks are primed and ready to turn the tables.

“Melbourne will be tough, but if I get a very aggressive, determined Hawks performance and we lose, I can cop that because we can build off that," Tatum told the Illawarra Mercury.”

United hosts Illawarra on Friday night at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.