BIO: Brad Newley was born in the Adelaide suburb of Lower Mitcham and began his basketball journey as a junior with the Forestville Eagles. During his primary school years, he lived in South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland, before settling on the Sunshine Coast where he attended Mountain Creek State High School. He later returned to Adelaide to complete his schooling at Pasadena High School, where he played alongside future NBA star Joe Ingles. Newley received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2003. He spent two years year there and played for the program’s state league team (2003, 2004).

FAMILY: Brad Newley is the son of Arthur Newley who played 21 games in the NBL.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Brad Newley made his NBL debut with the Townsville Crocodiles at 19 years of age. He scored two points in his first game.

After a difficult 2003/04 campaign, Townsville rebuilt its roster under head coach Ian Stacker. The Crocodiles farewelled Andrew Goodwin (retired), Peter Crawford (to Perth) and Mike Kelly (to Wollongong), while retaining Robert Rose, Kelvin Robertson, Adam Quick, Pat Reidy and Greg Vanderjagt. Stacker added imports Robert Brown and Casey Calvary, while also recruiting John Rillie (via West Sydney), Derek Moore (via Adelaide) and Brad Newley (via AIS).

Newley (16.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 35 games) arrived in Townsville after graduating from the AIS and quickly became one of the league’s most explosive young players. Used as a bench weapon for much of the season, he gave the Crocodiles scoring punch, athleticism and pace around the veteran core of Rillie, Rose, Brown and Calvary.

Townsville opened the season with a 114-111 win over Adelaide before struggling through the first month, dropping games to Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Wollongong. The Crocodiles began to turn their season around with wins over Brisbane (129-108), Melbourne (125-102) and Hunter (125-104), with Newley’s energy off the bench becoming an important part of the team’s climb up the ladder.

One of Newley’s best regular-season games came in a 117-108 road loss to New Zealand on 28 November, where he scored 25 points and added 3 rebounds while shooting 9-of-15 from the field and 5-of-9 from three-point range. He then delivered 26 points and 7 rebounds in a 134-128 road loss to Brisbane on 22 December, matching his early-season scoring high while showing the offensive upside that made him the league’s top rookie.

Newley later added another 26-point game in Townsville’s 109-101 win over Melbourne on 16 January, helping the Crocodiles extend their mid-season surge. He also produced 24 points and 6 rebounds in a 119-96 win over Sydney Spirit on 21 January as Townsville continued its charge toward the postseason.

Rillie (18.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists) led Townsville in scoring, rebounding and assists, while Calvary (17.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.8 blocks) and Brown (16.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) gave the Crocodiles a powerful import pairing. Newley, Rose (12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists), Robertson (10.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists), Moore (8.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks) and Reidy (8.6 points and 4.2 rebounds) rounded out a balanced rotation as Townsville finished third with a 19-13 record.

Newley became the first player in NBL history to win Rookie of the Year and Best Sixth Man in the same season, receiving the maximum 90 votes in Rookie of the Year voting and 64 votes in Best Sixth Man voting. After the awards, he said, “It just goes to show I made the right decision in coming up here… the coaching staff and the management up here stayed by their word and said I’d play and I’ve done that and had a pretty good year I think.”

Townsville also hosted the 2004/05 NBL All-Star Game at the Townsville Entertainment Centre, where Newley delivered the biggest showcase of his rookie season. He scored 35 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and handed out 7 assists in 29 minutes to win All-Star Game MVP as the Aussie All-Stars defeated the World All-Stars 156-140. Rillie (23 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists) also starred for the Aussies, while Brown (31 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists) led the World All-Stars and won the Dunk Competition.

Calvary earned All-NBL First Team honours and Rillie was named to the All-NBL Second Team, while Newley’s Rookie of the Year, Best Sixth Man and All-Star Game MVP sweep made his first NBL season one of the most decorated rookie campaigns in league history.

Townsville opened the playoffs with a 112-100 elimination final victory over Melbourne in front of 5,257 fans. Brown (22 points and 6 rebounds), Calvary (17 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Rillie (17 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals) and Robertson (17 points) led the Crocodiles, while Newley added 12 points and 4 rebounds. Mark Bradtke (19 points and 12 rebounds), Dave Thomas (15 points and 11 rebounds), Andrew Gaze (13 points) and Lanard Copeland (13 points) led Melbourne.

Game one of the semifinals saw Illawarra defeat Townsville 100-84 at WIN Entertainment Centre. Newley (17 points and 4 rebounds), Rillie (15 points and 6 rebounds), Brown (14 points and 8 rebounds) and Calvary (7 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 blocks) led the Crocodiles, while Mat Campbell (21 points), Glen Saville (19 points and 10 rebounds) and Darnell Mee (17 points, 7 rebounds, and 12 assists) led the Hawks.

The series shifted back to Townsville for game two, where the Crocodiles fell 109-105 to end their season. Newley (22 points and 6 rebounds), Calvary (20 points and 12 rebounds), Brown (16 points and 7 rebounds), Robertson (16 points) and Rillie (11 points and 9 rebounds) led Townsville, while Saville (24 points), Mike Kelly (20 points), Troy Pilon (19 points and 12 rebounds) and Adam Ballinger (13 points) led Illawarra.

2005/06
The Crocodiles entered the season with significant roster changes. Pat Reidy retired, while Derek Moore and import Robert Brown exited the team. Larry Abney was signed to replace Brown, bringing athleticism and rebounding, while veteran guard Damon Lowery (via Wollongong) was added for experience. Development player Michael Cedar was elevated to the main roster to inject youthful energy.

Brad Newley (19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.9 blocks) returned for his second NBL season and immediately re-established himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars. He opened the campaign with 24 points in a commanding 111–97 win over West Sydney, teaming with Abney and Casey Calvary to lead the Crocs offensively. Townsville surged to a 4–1 record on the back of Newley’s scoring punch, including a standout 27-point, 5-rebound effort in the 124–108 win over Perth and 22 points in a high-scoring 122–113 win over New Zealand.

From there, Newley’s consistency remained a highlight despite the team’s form collapsing. Townsville lost 12 of their next 14 games, dropping to 6–15 by mid-January. Newley remained productive throughout the slump, delivering 21 points and 11 rebounds against Sydney and 15 points on perfect free-throw shooting in a narrow 99–105 loss to Wollongong. On January 21, he produced a season-best 34 points (13-24 FG, 3-6 3PT, 5-7 FT) in a narrow 112–116 defeat to the Breakers in Waitakere.

He capped off the regular season with another strong performance in a 101–93 win over Adelaide, finishing with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Despite Newley’s efforts, the Crocodiles closed the year with losses to Perth (84–117), Hunter (104–109), and Cairns (90–107), ending with a 9–23 record and missing the playoffs.

Newley’s campaign was recognised league-wide as he was selected for the 2006 NBL All-Star Game in Adelaide and named to the All-NBL Second Team. His all-around output and scoring versatility cemented his status as one of the league’s most impactful young players.

John Rillie (15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals) added veteran stability in the backcourt, while Larry Abney (20.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists) was a double-double machine in his first year with Townsville. Casey Calvary (17.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks) offered consistent interior scoring and defence across 30 games.

Robert Rose (8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists) played a reduced role and retired at season’s end. Kelvin Robertson (7.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists), Greg Vanderjagt (6.3 points, 3.4 rebounds), and Damon Lowery (5.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists) rounded out the rotation, while rookies Cameron Tragardh (3.1 points) and Michael Cedar (2.6 points) saw developmental minutes.

Following the disappointing finish, head coach Ian Stacker’s contract was not renewed. Newley’s emergence remained the clear positive in a season otherwise marked by regression and missed opportunities.

2006/07
After initially declaring for the 2006 NBA Draft, Brad Newley later withdrew his name and returned to Townsville for a third NBL season. The Crocodiles underwent several offseason changes, with veteran Robert Rose (to Cairns) and and import Casey Calvary both exiting the club. In their place, the club signed Daniel Egan (via Brisbane) and American Jelani Gardner. Gardner averaged (15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists) across 14 games before being released mid-season and replaced by point guard EJ Rowland, who contributed (12.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.0 steals) in 21 games.

Brad Newley (22.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 steals) would become the Crocodiles’ leading scorer, forming a potent offensive trio with returning import Larry Abney (21.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals) and veteran guard John Rillie (19.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists). Together they propelled Townsville to a 19–14 record and fifth place finish on the ladder.

Kelvin Robertson (10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists) delivered a career-best campaign this season, while new recruit Daniel Egan (10.0 points, 4.8 rebounds) and Greg Vanderjagt (6.0 points, 5.5 rebounds) were the team’s main contributors off the bench.

Behind a dominant display from John Rillie (37 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists) and a solid effort from Newley (23 points), Townsville opened their playoff run by defeating Singapore (106–93) at home. However, in the following round, the Crocodiles were eliminated in a one game quarter-final face off with the Sydney Kings, falling 122–89 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Over the course of three seasons with the Crocodiles, Newley played 102 games and averaged (19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists) per game. Following the season, he initially agreed to a two-year deal with the Adelaide 36ers but instead re-entered the NBA Draft. Selected by the Houston Rockets, Newley opted to pursue a European career at the club’s request, marking the next phase in his professional journey.

SYDNEY KINGS
2016/17
The Sydney Kings entered the 2016/17 season determined to reclaim relevance both on the court and among Sydney’s basketball fans. Their first major move was signing Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze to a three-year deal as head coach.

Shortly after, the Kings convinced star import Kevin Lisch to reject a contract extension from the Illawarra Hawks and sign a lucrative three-year deal, making him the highest-paid player in the NBL. Gaze, along with Kings GM Jeff Van Groningen, aimed to rebuild the roster following a disappointing 6–22 record and last-place finish the previous season.

Key additions included two Australian Boomers. First, swingman Brad Newley (via Spain) was brought in, followed by Aleks Maric, whose physical, inside-focused playstyle earned him the nickname “Truck.” Lisch, Newley, and Maric joined a returning core featuring Tom Garlepp, Jason Cadee, Jeromie Hill, and Julian Khazzouh.

An additional roster boost came when Lisch gained Australian citizenship in March, opening three import slots for the Kings. The team opted not to re-sign previous imports Josh Childress and Al Harrington. Instead, they added Michael Bryson, Greg Whittington, and Josh Powell.

Powell’s signing proved pivotal when a quadriceps injury sidelined Khazzouh for the entire season. In the opening game, Kevin Lisch led the Kings with 20 points, but the team lost 77–73 to Brisbane. Sydney rebounded in Game 2 behind Powell’s debut, notching an 88–84 win over Illawarra. Momentum built quickly, with the Kings surging to a 3–1 record and topping the ladder early.

Brad Newley was central to the Kings’ resurgence, averaging (17.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals) across 28 games. On November 17, he erupted for a season-best 34 points (11-of-17 FG, 7-of-10 3PT) against Perth, adding 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. He delivered again on October 30 with 29 points (10-of-16 FG), 8 boards, and 2 assists in a home win over Brisbane, and followed up with another 29-point effort against Melbourne on November 26, shooting 10-of-15 from the floor and 4-of-6 from deep.

Michael Bryson (1.8 points, 1.0 rebound, and 0.8 assists) was eventually replaced by NBA veteran Steve Blake. While Blake (5.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists) brought experience, Sydney’s early chemistry faded, and the team fell from 8–3 to 11–8 by Christmas.

Injuries further derailed the campaign. Tony Tolovae’s season ended after one game, and Garrett Jackson was signed midseason from the state league. The Kings also added development prospect William McDowell-White (2.1 points, 0.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists), who had failed to gain NCAA clearance at Fresno State.

Despite a promising start, the Kings dropped nine of their last twelve games and failed to secure a playoff spot, finishing 13–15 and seventh overall. Under first-year coach Gaze, the team showed flashes but couldn’t sustain its early success.

Brad Newley’s consistency and veteran leadership were recognised with All-NBL Second Team honours, alongside teammate Kevin Lisch (16.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.9 steals), capping a strong return season for Newley on home soil.

2017/18
After missing the playoffs with a 13-15 record the previous season, Sydney entered Andrew Gaze’s second year as head coach with significant changes to the roster. Greg Whittington (to Sioux Falls), Josh Powell (to Venezuela), Aleks Maric (to Bahrain), Garrett Jackson (to Dandenong) and Craig Moller (to Melbourne) departed, while Steve Blake had already left during the previous season for family reasons. Brad Newley returned for the second season of the three-year deal he had signed in 2016, with Kevin Lisch, Jason Cadee and Tom Garlepp also retained. Todd Blanchfield (via Melbourne), Perry Ellis (via Greensboro), Travis Leslie (via Fort Wayne), Isaac Humphries (via Kentucky), Dane Pineau (via Saint Mary’s), Amritpal Singh (via India), Sam Daly (via Chaminade) and Adam Thoseby (via Knox) were added.

Before the regular season, Sydney became the first NBL team to travel to the United States to face an NBA team, losing 108-83 to the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 2.

Sydney opened the season against Adelaide at Qudos Bank Arena on October 7, where Brad (24 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) produced what would remain his highest scoring game of the season. Jason (16 points and 4 assists) and Kevin (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) provided support, while Ramone Moore (22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) led Adelaide to a 105-96 win.

Newley (11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 27 games) remained a regular starter, although his scoring dropped from 17.6 points per game the previous season.

Three games into the season, Lisch (11.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals across 11 games) tore his right calf and was expected to miss eight weeks before suffering another calf setback in December. Jeremy Kendle (6.8 points across 6 games, via Brisbane) was signed on October 18 as his injury replacement, leaving Sydney without its captain and primary ball-handler through much of a difficult opening half of the season.

Newley’s best all-around game came against Illawarra at Qudos Bank Arena on November 5, where Newley (18 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists) made 7 of 15 shots from the field. Perry (19 points and 10 rebounds) and Todd (14 points and 4 rebounds) provided support, but Rotnei Clarke (29 points) led Illawarra to a 93-83 win which dropped Sydney to 2-6.

The poor start led Sydney to overhaul its import group. Leslie (12.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 8 games, released) was cut as the Kings decided they had a greater need for a point guard and an inside presence. Reigning NBL MVP Jerome Randle (19.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists across 19 games, via Bahcesehir) was signed for the remainder of the season, ending Kendle’s temporary stay, while former NBA centre Jeremy Tyler (13.3 points and 5.8 rebounds across 11 games, via China) was brought in to strengthen Sydney’s rebounding and interior play.

Newley produced another strong performance against Melbourne at Hisense Arena on December 11, where Newley (18 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) made four of seven three-pointers, but United defeated Sydney 95-69. Perry (16 points and 5 rebounds) and Tyler (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) were Sydney’s other leading performers, while Chris Goulding (23 points and 6 rebounds) led Melbourne, with Tyler ending the game on the bench after tangling with Goulding in the closing minutes.

Tyler’s stint became another issue for the Kings, with contemporary reports describing him as a distraction and claiming he had missed numerous training sessions and struggled to control his emotions during games. Sydney released Tyler on January 9 with eight games remaining and decided to use the remainder of the season to assess its young frontcourt. Managing director Jeff Van Groningen said, “At this time we are keen to look closely at some of the young big men both on our roster.” The move created greater opportunities for Humphries (6.9 points and 3.7 rebounds across 26 games) and Pineau (2.9 points across 24 games).

Newley dealt with a back niggle in early January but continued playing and the injury did not cost him a game. His only absence came against Perth on January 19, when he remained in Sydney with his wife and daughter as they awaited the birth of their second child, before returning for the rematch two days later.

After losing 16 of their opening 21 games, Sydney improved following Lisch’s return in January. Ellis (14.8 points and 5.8 rebounds across 27 games) led the Kings in total scoring, while Cadee (11.1 points and 3.3 assists across 28 games) and Blanchfield (9.1 points and 4 rebounds across 25 games) were other major contributors alongside Newley. Randle became the first player since Andrew Gaze in 1989 to lead the NBL in both scoring and assists and was named to the All-NBL Second Team, while Humphries was named NBL Rookie of the Year. Despite its late-season improvement, Sydney missed the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season.

Sydney closed the season against New Zealand at Qudos Bank Arena on February 18, where Newley (10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) helped the Kings recover from a six-point half-time deficit to defeat the Breakers 101-86. Cadee (30 points and 3 assists) and Blanchfield (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block) led Sydney, while Jordan Ngatai (17 points) was New Zealand’s leading scorer as the Kings outscored the Breakers 33-18 in the fourth quarter, collected their sixth win from the final seven games and finished seventh with an 11-17 record.

2018/19
Sydney entered the season looking to improve on an 11-17 record and seventh-place finish which had seen the Kings miss the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season. Andrew Gaze returned for a third season as coach, while Todd Blanchfield (to Illawarra), Jason Cadee (to Brisbane), Perry Ellis (to Cantù), Tom Garlepp (retired) and Isaac Humphries departed. Sydney retained Jerome Randle and Kevin Lisch and strengthened the roster with Andrew Bogut following 13 seasons in the NBA, Daniel Kickert (via Brisbane), David Wear (via Osaka Evessa), Deng Deng (via McKinnon), Kyle Adnam (via Melbourne) and Tom Wilson (via Melbourne). The Kings also became the first team to utilise the NBL’s new Next Stars program, signing McDonald’s All-American Brian Bowen as he prepared for the NBA Draft.

The veteran forward entered the third season of the three-year deal he had signed with Sydney in 2016 and returned from the 2018 Commonwealth Games with a gold medal after helping Australia win the tournament on the Gold Coast.

Sydney travelled to Hawaii to face the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBLxNBA series on September 30, where he scored 8 points as the Kings remained competitive for much of the game before losing 110-91, with Randle (25 points) and Lisch (16 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists) leading Sydney.

Sydney opened the regular season against Adelaide at Qudos Bank Arena on October 13, where Newley (9 points and 5 rebounds) started but the Kings were beaten 94-83, with Randle (28 points and 7 assists) and Kickert (14 points) leading Sydney while Daniel Johnson (22 points and 10 rebounds) led Adelaide.

Newley (10.8 points and 4.6 rebounds across 30 games) started every game and remained an important part of Sydney’s wing rotation, providing rebounding, experience and scoring alongside the Kings’ more heavily used offensive options. Unlike the previous season, where injuries had interrupted his year, he played all 30 regular-season and playoff games and did not miss a game through injury.

One of his first major performances came in Adelaide on October 19, where Newley (23 points and 5 rebounds) made 7-of-13 shots and three three-pointers in a 106-101 loss to the 36ers. Randle (17 points) and Bogut (16 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks) provided support, while Adris De León (21 points and 6 assists) led Adelaide.

Newley’s best scoring game came against Adelaide at Titanium Security Arena on November 10, where Newley (26 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) made 11-of-18 shots and four three-pointers as Sydney defeated the 36ers 93-81 and snapped an 11-game losing streak against Adelaide. Randle (23 points and 5 assists) and Lisch (20 points) helped the Kings improve to 4-3, while Harry Froling (23 points and 7 rebounds) led Adelaide.

Another strong performance came against top-of-the-table Perth at Qudos Bank Arena on December 6, where Newley (16 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists) starred at both ends of the floor and played aggressive defence as Sydney defeated the Wildcats 77-72. Lisch (16 points) and Bogut (10 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks) provided support, while Nick Kay (17 points and 8 rebounds) led a Perth team playing without Bryce Cotton.

Sydney added Ray Turner (via Bendigo) in January to provide additional rebounding and frontcourt depth behind Bogut, who had dealt with back tightness earlier in the season, with Turner (4.5 points across 10 games) remaining with the Kings through the playoffs.

Randle (17.9 points and 4.2 assists across 29 games) led Sydney in scoring and was named to the All-NBL Second Team, while Lisch (14.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals across 29 games) remained a key two-way guard. Bogut (11.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.7 blocks across 30 games) anchored the interior, winning the Andrew Gaze Trophy as NBL MVP, the league’s Best Defensive Player award and All-NBL First Team honours. Kickert (9.4 points across 30 games), Wear (6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds across 30 games), Adnam (6.7 points across 30 games) and Bowen (6.3 points and 3.2 rebounds across 30 games) provided the remaining major support.

Sydney completed the regular season against Cairns on February 16, where Newley (19 points and 6 rebounds) led the Kings in scoring as they defeated the Taipans 89-84 at Qudos Bank Arena. Lisch (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Bogut (12 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks) helped Sydney win without the injured Randle, while Melo Trimble (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Cairns. The victory completed an 18-10 regular season and Sydney ultimately finished third, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

Before the semifinals began, it was confirmed Gaze would leave Sydney at the completion of the season, with the Kings drawing defending champion Melbourne United in the opening round.

Melbourne opened the semifinals at Melbourne Arena with a 95-73 win, with Newley (17 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) leading Sydney while Lisch (13 points) and Randle (13 points) provided support. Ware (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists) and DJ Kennedy (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals) led Melbourne to a 1-0 series lead.

Game two moved to Qudos Bank Arena, where Newley (9 points and 5 rebounds), Lisch (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists), Adnam (13 points) and Bogut (10 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) led Sydney, but Melbourne won 90-76 to complete the semifinal sweep behind Ware (30 points and 5 rebounds) and Goulding (23 points).

2019/20
After returning to the playoffs but being swept by Melbourne in the 2019 semifinals, Sydney moved on from coach Andrew Gaze and signed Australian Boomers assistant Will Weaver as head coach. Kevin Lisch was re-signed to a multi-year contract and Craig Moller (via Melbourne) returned on a two-year deal, while imports Jerome Randle (to Adelaide) and David Wear (not re-signed) were replaced by Casper Ware (via Melbourne) and Jae’Sean Tate (via Antwerp). Shaun Bruce (via Adelaide), Lucas Walker (via Cairns) and rookie Jordan Hunter (via Saint Mary’s) were also added, while Brazilian guard Didi Louzada joined through the NBL’s Next Stars program after his draft rights were acquired by the New Orleans Pelicans. The veteran swingman returned for his fourth season in purple and gold.

Sydney opened the season in Cairns on October 4, where Newley (10 points and 4 rebounds) helped the Kings defeat the Taipans 79-71. Ware (23 points and 5 assists) and Lisch (18 points) led Sydney offensively, while Kouat Noi (14 points and 12 rebounds) was Cairns’ best.

Newley (11.5 points and 4.4 rebounds across 34 games) played every game during the regular season and playoffs, remaining a dependable veteran wing throughout Sydney’s minor-premiership run. The Kings were not as fortunate elsewhere, with Lisch (8.7 points across 13 games) fracturing his left ankle in Round 2 and initially being ruled out for two months. Deshon Taylor (via Adelaide) was signed as an injury replacement, while Moller (6.1 points and 3.5 rebounds across 17 games) played the opening 11 games before a right ankle injury forced him to miss the next 16.

One of Newley’s strongest all-around games came in Adelaide on November 2, where Newley (15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) helped Sydney come from behind to defeat the 36ers 98-96 in overtime and improve to 6-0. Bogut (18 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Louzada (17 points and 5 rebounds) led the Kings in scoring, while Randle (23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) was Adelaide’s best.

Newley continued his strong start six days later in Brisbane, where Newley (20 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal) shot 7-of-9 from the field and made all four of his three-point attempts as Sydney defeated the Bullets 95-85. The Kings trailed 60-47 at halftime before holding Brisbane to 25 points in the second half, with Newley active in the passing lanes as Sydney took control. Tate (18 points) and Ware (17 points and 5 assists) provided support, while Lamar Patterson (22 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) led Brisbane.

On November 27, with Sydney sitting at 10-1, the Kings strengthened the roster further by signing Xavier Cooks (via Strasbourg) to a two-year deal after his release from the French club, with Kuany Kuany (released) waived to create the roster spot.

Newley’s 200th NBL game came against Perth at Qudos Bank Arena on December 28, where Newley (5 points and 3 rebounds) played 28 minutes as the Wildcats defeated Sydney 98-85. Ware (33 points) led the Kings, while Bryce Cotton (39 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) carried Perth.

Newley’s best game of the season came against Adelaide at Qudos Bank Arena on January 4, where Newley (20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) shot 6-of-11 from the field and made three three-pointers as Sydney defeated the 36ers 91-77. Adelaide scored the opening five points of the third quarter before Sydney responded with a 24-8 run to take control, with Tate (20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) joining Newley in leading the Kings and Bogut (13 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) controlling the middle, while Randle (24 points and 6 assists) led Adelaide.

During the campaign, Newley also reached 100 appearances for Sydney, becoming the 24th player in franchise history to play 100 games for the Kings, and collected his 500th rebound for the club.

Sydney closed the regular season against Illawarra on February 14, where Newley (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) came off the bench as the Kings defeated the Hawks 98-82. Tate (19 points and 5 rebounds) and Ware (19 points and 3 assists) led Sydney, while Sunday Dech (26 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) was Illawarra’s best. The victory completed a 20-8 regular season and gave Sydney the minor premiership, with the Kings becoming the first team in NBL history to sit on top of the ladder from the opening round through to the end of the regular season.

Ware (17.9 points and 3.7 assists across 34 games) led Sydney in scoring, while Tate (16.8 points and 5.9 rebounds across 34 games) was named to the All-NBL First Team and won the Kings’ club MVP. Louzada (9.8 points and 3.5 rebounds across 26 games), Bogut (8.5 points and 8.8 rebounds across 31 games), Kickert (7.9 points across 34 games), Bruce (7.1 points across 34 games), Cooks (6.7 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 20 games) and Taylor (6.6 points across 22 games) gave Weaver one of the league’s deepest rotations, with Ware and Bogut selected to the All-NBL Second Team. Sydney also led the NBL in defensive efficiency, defensive rebounding percentage, defensive field-goal percentage and blocked shots.

Sydney opened its semifinal series against Melbourne at Qudos Bank Arena on February 29, where Newley (17 points and 5 rebounds) came off the bench and played a major role as the Kings recovered from a 16-point deficit inside the final seven minutes to win 86-80. Tate (23 points and 5 rebounds) and Cooks (13 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) helped Sydney finish the game on a 24-2 run, while Melo Trimble (34 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Shawn Long (23 points and 10 rebounds) led Melbourne.

Game two moved to Melbourne Arena, where Newley (2 points and 6 rebounds) and Sydney were overwhelmed as United won 125-80 and forced a deciding game three. Tate (18 points and 6 rebounds) and Louzada (10 points and 3 steals) led the Kings, while Long (26 points and 11 rebounds), Trimble (21 points) and Stanton Kidd (18 points and 4 rebounds) powered Melbourne to the 45-point victory.

With Cooks suggesting Newley replace him in the starting lineup for game three at Qudos Bank Arena, Newley (6 points and 3 rebounds) returned to the starting five as Sydney defeated Melbourne 89-87 and reached its first Grand Final since 2008. Tate (20 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block), Ware (15 points and 4 rebounds) and Cooks (14 points and 9 rebounds) led the Kings, while Lisch (6 points and 4 assists) hit a crucial three-pointer late. Chris Goulding (19 points and 3 assists) and Mitch McCarron (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led Melbourne.

The Grand Final opened against defending champion Perth at Qudos Bank Arena on March 8, where Newley (4 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal) started as the Wildcats escaped with an 88-86 victory. Bogut (18 points) and Lisch (17 points) led Sydney, while Cotton (32 points and 6 rebounds) and Nick Kay (14 points and 6 rebounds) led Perth.

With the remainder of the series closed to the general public because of the growing COVID-19 outbreak, game two moved to RAC Arena on March 13, where Newley (9 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) contributed across the board as Sydney responded with a 97-83 victory. Tate (20 points), Bogut (19 points and 14 rebounds) and Lisch (19 points) led the Kings, while Cotton (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Kay (17 points and 7 rebounds) were Perth’s best as Sydney levelled the series 1-1.

Game three returned to Qudos Bank Arena on March 15, where Newley (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal) produced his highest-scoring game of the postseason as Sydney attempted to recover from a 39-20 second-quarter deficit, with Newley hitting two three-pointers and attacking the basket as the Kings fought their way back into the game. Tate (20 points and 6 rebounds) and Lisch (16 points) provided support, but Perth won 111-96 behind Cotton (31 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Kay (30 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists), who combined for 61 points to give the Wildcats a 2-1 series lead.

“I broke down.”

Dual Olympian Brad Newley shared the moment he realised it was time for him to say a fond farewell to the NBL ?

Read more: https://t.co/boh34EDLX3 pic.twitter.com/CqqBMn2N0r

— NBL (@NBL) February 15, 2024

Prior to game four, Sydney withdrew from the series amid the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, with player welfare, travel restrictions and the ability of international players to return to their families overseas among the concerns. Reflecting later on how close Sydney had come, Newley said, “That was probably the closest in my prime to getting to a championship. You think back and what could’ve been.” The remaining games were cancelled and Perth was subsequently awarded the championship with its 2-1 series lead, while Cotton was named Grand Final MVP after averaging 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across the three games.

2020/21
Sydney faced significant roster turnover after finishing runners-up to Perth in the COVID-induced conclusion to the 2020 Grand Final. All-NBL First Team forward Jae’Sean Tate (to Houston) and head coach Will Weaver (to Houston) both departed for the NBA, while Kevin Lisch (retired), Andrew Bogut (retired) and Lucas Walker (retired) also left. Kings assistant Adam Forde was promoted to head coach and added import Jarell Martin, rookie Dejan Vasiljevic (via Miami University) and Angus Glover (via Illawarra). During the preseason, Sydney lost Xavier Cooks to a foot injury expected to sideline him for three to four months and signed Tom Vodanovich (via New Zealand) as an injury replacement just before their opening game.

Sydney opened the season against Cairns at the Cairns Pop-Up Arena on January 16, where Newley (14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) made six of nine shots and two three-pointers, including a triple which gave Sydney a five-point lead with just over three minutes remaining. Ware (18 points and 3 assists), Vasiljevic (15 points and 4 rebounds), Martin (11 points and 8 rebounds) and Hunter (9 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks) provided support, while Machado (17 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal) led Cairns as the Taipans recovered to win 87-86 after Ware missed a contested shot at the buzzer.

Newley (6.4 points and 3.7 rebounds across 34 games) returned for his fifth season with Sydney and moved into a reduced role following four seasons as one of the Kings’ main offensive players. He came off the bench in 30 of his 34 appearances while providing the younger roster with experience and leadership as Sydney attempted to replace several veterans from the previous season.

Sydney struggled early while its new roster adjusted to the changes, losing three of its first four games and falling to seventh place. The team’s injury problems also continued when Glover (3.5 points across 2 games) suffered a partial ACL sprain in his right knee against Cairns and did not play again during the season. COVID-related travel restrictions eventually saw the league relocate to Melbourne for the NBL Cup, where Sydney went 4-4 before consecutive home victories helped the Kings move into the top four by Round 12.

Newley’s best game came in Sydney’s rematch with Cairns at the Cairns Pop-Up Arena on January 23, where Newley (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal) made seven of 14 shots and scored nine points in the opening quarter as Sydney defeated the Taipans 99-91. Ware (22 points and 3 steals) and Martin (22 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Kings alongside him, while Oliver (27 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) led Cairns. The victory was Forde’s first as an NBL head coach and the 500th win in Sydney Kings history, while Newley’s early scoring helped the Kings lead from midway through the opening quarter and collect their first win of the season.

Newley played an important defensive role against Cairns at Qudos Bank Arena on March 21, where Newley (2 points and 2 steals) intercepted Machado’s pass on the final possession and ran out the clock as Sydney held on for a 75-73 victory. Martin (16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks), Ware (16 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Vasiljevic (11 points and 6 rebounds) led Sydney, while Machado (21 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals) led Cairns. The victory extended Sydney’s winning streak to three games and moved the Kings above .500 for the first time at 9-8.

Against South East Melbourne at Qudos Bank Arena on April 15, Newley (17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) made seven of 10 shots and repeatedly attacked the basket as an undermanned Sydney defeated the Phoenix 97-90 and snapped a two-game losing streak. Louzada (28 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block), Kickert (17 points) and Hunter (11 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 blocks) joined Newley in filling the void after Martin was a late withdrawal with knee soreness and Vasiljevic had already been ruled out for the season, while Mauriohooho-Le’afa (29 points and 3 steals), Moore (19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and Creek (17 points and 6 rebounds) led South East Melbourne.

A plantar fascia injury then forced Newley to miss Sydney’s games against Melbourne on May 2 and Adelaide on May 9, the only two games he missed during the season. He returned against Brisbane on May 13, where Newley (4 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal) played 23 minutes as Sydney fell to the Bullets 93-70, with Hunter (15 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Martin (13 points and 7 rebounds) leading the Kings, while Drmic (28 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) led Brisbane. “The injury I had this year was quite minor and I only missed a couple of weeks,” Newley said.

Martin (17.9 points and 7 rebounds across 28 games) narrowly led Sydney in scoring ahead of Ware (17.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists across 36 games), while Vasiljevic (15.4 points and 3.6 rebounds across 21 games) emerged as one of the league’s leading rookies before rupturing his Achilles in April and missing the remainder of the season. Cooks (10.3 points and 5.1 rebounds across 8 games) returned from his preseason foot injury late in the season, while Hunter (9 points and 6.3 rebounds across 36 games), Louzada (8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds across 20 games), Bruce (6.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 35 games), Moller (6.4 points and 5.7 rebounds across 36 games), Kickert (6 points across 26 games) and Vodanovich (5 points across 36 games) were Sydney’s other main contributors. Louzada left Sydney (to New Orleans) in April to join the Pelicans, while Jarrad Weeks (via New Zealand) was signed as an injury replacement for Glover.

Ware was selected to the All-NBL Second Team and won both the Kings’ Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards, Martin was named Members’ Player of the Year, Moller received the Coaches’ Award and Bruce and Hunter shared Players’ Player honours. Hunter finished runner-up to Sam Froling for the NBL’s Most Improved Player award, while Vasiljevic finished runner-up to Josh Giddey for Rookie of the Year.

Sydney’s limitations were primarily its perimeter shooting, with the Kings making only 33.4 percent of their three-pointers, among the poorest marks in the league, while they finished 8-10 away from home. After moving firmly inside the top four, five losses across seven games, including two defeats by more than 20 points, pushed Sydney outside the playoff positions before the Kings recovered to win their final three games.

Sydney closed the regular season against Brisbane at Qudos Bank Arena on June 5, where Newley (9 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal) celebrated his 250th NBL game as the Kings defeated the Bullets 83-82. Martin (28 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals), Ware (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists), Kickert (10 points) and Cooks (9 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Sydney, while Sobey (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists) led Brisbane. The victory completed Sydney’s three-game winning streak, but the Kings finished fifth with a 19-17 record and missed the playoffs.

MELBOURNE UNITED
2021/22
After winning the 2021 championship, Melbourne entered the new season without leading scorer Jock Landale (to San Antonio), starting point guard Mitch McCarron (to Adelaide) and import Scotty Hopson. Dean Vickerman retained Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, David Barlow and Shea Ili, welcomed Jack White back after recovering from a ruptured Achilles and added Matthew Dellavedova (via Cleveland), Dion Prewster (via Wellington), Caleb Agada (via Hapoel Be’er Sheva), Callum Dalton (via Brisbane) and Next Star Ariel Hukporti (via Nevėžis).

After Sydney decided not to re-sign Brad Newley, the dual Olympian considered joining his hometown Adelaide 36ers before signing a one-year deal with Melbourne United. “Newley is a true veteran of basketball in our country,” Vickerman said.

Newley started Melbourne’s opening game at Qudos Bank Arena on December 5 and scored the first basket with a three-pointer against his former team. Newley (6 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist), Lual-Acuil Jr (12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) and Agada (11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block) led an undermanned United side, but Jaylen Adams (15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) helped Sydney win 79-74.

Newley (4 points across 31 games) moved to the bench from Melbourne’s third game and provided experience, rebounding and energy in a reduced role. He appeared in all 28 regular-season games and all three semifinals and did not miss a game through injury, illness or COVID protocols. After opening the season 0-2, United won three consecutive games to close December, went 5-1 during a January played entirely away from home and won four of five games in February to sit first with a 12-4 record.

Newley’s best all-round game came in Melbourne’s home opener against South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena on December 12, where Newley (8 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists) grabbed his season-high in rebounds as United recovered from an 18-point deficit and briefly moved ahead during the fourth quarter. Dellavedova (19 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Lual-Acuil Jr (17 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 7 blocks) led Melbourne, but Zhou Qi (22 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 7 blocks) controlled the paint as the Phoenix won 94-86.

Newley’s best scoring game came against Adelaide at John Cain Arena on March 20, where Newley (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block) provided nine first-half points off the bench before making another two three-pointers during the third quarter as Melbourne won 101-74. Lual-Acuil Jr (15 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Hukporti (11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) supported Newley, while Daniel Johnson (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block) led Adelaide. United’s bench scored 48 points with Agada unavailable in COVID protocols.

After Dalton (1.3 points across 6 games) suffered a season-ending ACL tear during training, Melbourne brought back Baba (3.9 points across 10 games; via Texas Legends) for the remainder of the season.

Lual-Acuil Jr (16.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks across 30 games) led Melbourne in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots, finished third in league MVP voting, earned All-NBL First Team honours and was named United’s club MVP. Goulding (15.1 points across 28 games) and Dellavedova (10.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists across 30 games) were selected to the All-NBL Second Team, while Agada (12.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 29 games), White (9.3 points and 7.1 rebounds across 26 games), Ili (8.7 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals across 31 games) and Hukporti (6.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 30 games) completed Melbourne’s main rotation. Ili won the NBL Best Sixth Man award and received United’s Defensive Player of the Year and SHARE awards.

Melbourne closed the regular season at MyState Bank Arena on April 23, where Newley (8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal), Agada (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Lual-Acuil Jr (12 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) led United, but MiKyle McIntosh (20 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) helped Tasmania win 83-61. Melbourne finished first with a 20-8 record.

Melbourne opened the semifinals at John Cain Arena with a 74-63 win over Tasmania, with Newley (2 rebounds and 1 steal) playing six minutes as Agada (16 points and 7 rebounds), Lual-Acuil Jr (15 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 blocks) and Dellavedova (11 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) led United, while Adams (16 points and 5 rebounds) and Jack McVeigh (15 points and 4 rebounds) led the JackJumpers.

Game two moved to MyState Bank Arena, where Newley (1 rebound) played nine minutes as Goulding (18 points), Agada (14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Lual-Acuil Jr (13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks) led Melbourne. McVeigh (15 points), McIntosh (13 points) and Josh Magette (12 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals) helped Tasmania win 79-72 and force a deciding game.

Goulding injured his calf during warm-ups and was ruled out shortly before game three at John Cain Arena. Newley (3 points) made one of Melbourne’s six three-pointers, while Ili (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists), Lual-Acuil Jr (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and White (14 points and 15 rebounds) led United. Adams (30 points), McVeigh (16 points) and Magette (9 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) led Tasmania as Melbourne made six of 29 three-pointers and the JackJumpers won 76-73.

2022/23
Melbourne entered NBL23 after finishing the previous regular season first with a 20-8 record before losing the deciding semifinal against Tasmania without injured captain Chris Goulding. Jo Lual-Acuil (to China), Caleb Agada (to Prometey), Jack White (to Denver) and Matthew Dellavedova (to Sacramento) exited, with White and Dellavedova receiving NBA opportunities despite being contracted and leaving coach Dean Vickerman scrambling for replacements late in the off-season. Goulding, Shea Ili, Ariel Hukporti and Brad Newley returned, while Isaac Humphries (via Adelaide), Xavier Rathan-Mayes (via Illawarra), Rayjon Tucker, Jordan Caroline (via Trento), Makuach Maluach (via Darwin) and development player Joshua Duach were added. David Barlow also reversed his retirement decision and returned to the playing roster.

The veteran forward re-signed for a second season with Melbourne on May 18, returning on another one-year deal as an experienced option behind United’s younger wings. “I’ve loved every minute of my time in Melbourne on and off the court,” he said, with the opportunity to chase the championship that had eluded him motivating his return.

Melbourne’s frontcourt plans changed when Next Star Hukporti ruptured his Achilles during the NBL Blitz and was ruled out for the season. With several other big men unavailable at different stages, the veteran wing was required to defend larger forwards, move between the three and four positions and occasionally provide undersized frontcourt minutes.

Melbourne opened the season at John Cain Arena on October 2, where Rathan-Mayes (33 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Goulding (24 points and 2 steals) and Tucker (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) led United to a 101-97 overtime victory against New Zealand, while Dererk Pardon (23 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks) was the Breakers’ best.

Newley (4.6 points across 28 games) appeared in every regular-season game and made one start, with his reduced production reflecting a smaller bench role rather than injury. He averaged 14 minutes while providing experienced defence, ball movement and the flexibility to play multiple positions during a season disrupted by injuries and roster changes.

Caroline (5.5 points and 6.2 rebounds across 6 games; to Manresa) was released in November after Hukporti’s injury changed Melbourne’s roster requirements, with recognised centre Marcus Lee (via Manresa) signed as his replacement. United later fell to 5-10 following five consecutive losses before changes to the rotation and improved player availability helped Melbourne recover.

Newley played his 300th NBL game against Illawarra at John Cain Arena on December 18, finishing with 3 points as Melbourne defeated the Hawks 88-77. Goulding (25 points), Mason Peatling (19 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 block) and Humphries (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block) led United, while Michael Frazier II (27 points and 3 assists) was Illawarra’s best.

Prior to Chris Goulding & Brad Newley’s milestone game on Sunday afternoon some special moments took place inside the locker room.

In this video we take you behind the scenes of that moment.@BradNewley | @ChrisGoulding43 | @IanStacker | @DavidBarlow | @shili___ pic.twitter.com/LEztIcxOuf

— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) December 20, 2022

Newley made his only start in Australia’s first professional sporting fixture played on Christmas Day, finishing with 0 points and 3 rebounds as Sydney defeated Melbourne 101-80 before 7,012 fans at Qudos Bank Arena. Tucker (31 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Humphries (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 blocks) led an undermanned United side missing Goulding through illness, while Xavier Cooks (24 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) was dominant for the Kings in a game watched by more than 300,000 television viewers.

Newley’s best game came in Christchurch on January 12, where he made six of nine shots and finished with 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 block as Melbourne held New Zealand to its lowest score of the season and won 77-65. Rathan-Mayes (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Goulding (14 points) supported him, while Jarrell Brantley (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) led the Breakers as United collected its third consecutive victory. “We didn’t have the best start to the season and a lot of things happened because of that. Here we are back at .500, but we’re not satisfied,” Newley said.

Tucker (18.1 points and 6.1 rebounds across 28 games) and Goulding (17.1 points across 27 games) led Melbourne offensively, while Rathan-Mayes (14.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 28 games), Humphries (9.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks across 23 games), Ili (8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists across 14 games), Lee (8.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks across 17 games) and Peatling (5.3 points and 4.3 rebounds across 18 games) were the other major contributors. Goulding received All-NBL Second Team honours and Melbourne’s Most Valuable Player award, while Lee was named the club’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Humphries publicly came out as gay during the season, becoming the first openly gay player in NBL history, with Melbourne helping introduce the league’s inaugural Champion Pride Round. United recovered from its 5-10 start to win 10 of its final 13 games, although Melbourne became the first team coached by Vickerman to finish outside the league’s top five for defensive rating.

After the season, Newley signed another one-year deal with Melbourne for NBL24, extending his career into an 11th NBL season.

Melbourne entered its final game needing to defeat Adelaide and receive a favourable result from Sydney’s game against Perth to qualify for the play-in tournament. Newley (9 points and 3 rebounds), Tucker (31 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block) and Goulding (23 points and 2 steals) helped United defeat the 36ers 116-107 before 10,175 fans at John Cain Arena, while Antonius Cleveland (30 points and 6 rebounds) was Adelaide’s best. Perth then defeated Sydney 96-84 to claim sixth place on points percentage, leaving Melbourne seventh with a 15-13 record.

2023/24
Melbourne entered NBL24 after winning 11 of its final 14 games the previous season but finishing seventh at 15-13 and missing the postseason on percentage. Isaac Humphries (to Adelaide), Mason Peatling (to Illawarra), David Okwera (to Perth), Makuach Maluach (to Sydney), Marcus Lee (to Tasmania), Lachlan Barker (to Tasmania), Rayjon Tucker (to Italy), Xavier Rathan-Mayes (to Turkey), Joshua Duach and David Barlow (retired) departed, while Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Ariel Hukporti and Brad Newley returned. Coach Dean Vickerman brought Matthew Dellavedova (via Sacramento) and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (via China) back to Melbourne while adding Ian Clark (via Adelaide), Luke Travers (via Perth), Tanner Krebs (via Brisbane), Flynn Cameron (via UC Riverside), Kyle Bowen (via Saint Mary’s) and Campbell Blogg (via Sandringham). Rob Loe (via New Zealand) joined as an injury replacement after Lual-Acuil Jr suffered a wrist injury before the season.

The veteran re-signed on a one-year deal for his 11th NBL season and 20th professional campaign, with his experience expected to help Melbourne’s collection of young forwards.

“I want to help get us back to where we should be and that’s towards the top of the NBL ladder,” he said.

Melbourne opened the season against South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena on September 28, where Newley (2 points) played the final 1:18 as United defeated the Phoenix 82-67. Travers (20 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Dellavedova (17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led Melbourne, while Ben Ayre (17 points and 2 rebounds) was South East Melbourne’s leading scorer.

Newley (0.9 points across 18 games) appeared in a greatly reduced role, averaging 2.4 minutes and primarily helping mentor Travers, Krebs, Bowen and Melbourne’s younger training players. In February, he announced he would retire at the completion of United’s campaign and bring his 20-year professional career to an end.

“I’m needed more now off the court than I am on it and I feel now that I’m ready to step away,” Newley said.

Newley’s best game came against Tasmania at MyState Bank Arena on January 19, where Newley (3 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) played a season-high 7:10 during a 107-86 loss. Goulding (16 points) and Clark (15 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals) led Melbourne, while Jordon Crawford (25 points and 5 assists) and Jack McVeigh (23 points and 4 rebounds) carried Tasmania.

Four days after announcing his retirement, Newley was given his first start of the season on his 39th birthday against Illawarra at John Cain Arena. The sold-out crowd welcomed him onto the court before Newley (2 points) scored the opening basket and played 3:13 as Melbourne won 92-87. Goulding (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Dellavedova (17 points and 5 assists) led United, while Justin Robinson (14 points and 5 assists) was Illawarra’s best. Melbourne finished first with a 20-8 record, three wins clear of the competition.

Goulding (16.9 points across 36 games) and Lual-Acuil Jr (14.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 29 games) led Melbourne’s offence, while Clark (13.6 points across 30 games), Dellavedova (12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists across 30 games), Travers (12.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 33 games) and Ili (10.7 points and 3.7 assists across 34 games) completed the main group. Hukporti (7.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 36 games), Loe (5.5 points and 4.5 rebounds across 8 games) and Krebs (5.3 points across 36 games) provided further depth. Goulding earned All-NBL First Team honours, Lual-Acuil Jr was selected to the All-NBL Second Team, Ili won Defensive Player of the Year, Clark received Best Sixth Man and Vickerman was named Coach of the Year.

Melbourne defeated Illawarra 115-106 in overtime to open the semifinals, lost game two 113-108 in overtime and won the deciding game 100-94 to advance to the Grand Final. Newley did not take the court during the series.

The Grand Final series opened at John Cain Arena, where Goulding (22 points and 4 rebounds), Lual-Acuil Jr (20 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Clark (18 points and 6 rebounds) led Melbourne to a 104-81 win over Tasmania. Newley (2 points and 1 block) played the final 53 seconds in what proved to be the last appearance of his professional career.

Tasmania levelled the series with an 82-77 win in Hobart before McVeigh (18 points and 12 rebounds) made a long three-pointer at the buzzer to give the JackJumpers a 93-91 game-three victory and a 2-1 series lead.

Melbourne forced a deciding game with an 88-86 win in Hobart, but Crawford (32 points and 6 rebounds), McVeigh (14 points and 8 rebounds), Magnay (11 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Doyle (11 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals) led Tasmania to an 83-81 game-five victory and its first championship. Newley did not take the court in the final four games.

Brad Newley played eleven seasons across three NBL teams. This included the Townsville Crocodiles, Sydney Kings and Melbourne United. He averaged 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2 assists in 326 NBL games.