It is the NBL rivalry that divides a city.
United v Phoenix. Blue v green. The establishment v the newbies.
In an NBL season where the two clubs sit in first and second on the ladder, there has never been a more anticipated Throwdown than Saturday’s clash at John Cain Arena.
And now Code Sports has given two of the clubs’ biggest fans the chance to tell us what they really think about the other.
South East Melbourne Phoenix fan – Lehmo
As someone who grew up on a farm in the mallee both family and community arevery important to me so the first time I dfdfdfwalked into a Phoenix home game with my wife and son I felt right at home and my son never realised that much fun could be had at a sporting event. Now that we are part of the Phoenix family we can’t wait for this weekend!
The SEM Phoenix v Melbourne United rivalry is electric:-
– A fierce rivalry by top class teams at the top end of the NBL ladder. There is no doubt they are the form teams of the competition so far this season
– Both teams are in a turf war competing for the hearts, minds and memberships of the Victorian public
– But when it comes to class these two sides have nothing in common ….
Phoenix is a team of the people, for the people and by the people whereas Melbourne United forgot its roots when it rebranded in a boardroom and thumbed its nose at the thousands of loyal Tigers fans.
If you are a chardonnay sipping Hollywood type who lives in Toorak Melbourne United will be all over you! If you enjoy a beer with your mates then Phoenix is for you.
If you like wearing a suit to sporting events then you’ll be right at home supporting United. If you dress like an everyday Aussie and like to crack out a singlet on a hot day then Phoenix is for you
If you want to support a team with 2 inexplicable mascots (a cat and a dog) that are totally unrelated to the team name then United might fill your cup.
If you want the no. 1 mascot in the comp that is a proven entertainer loved by kids and adults alike and who represents rebirth from its roots then Phoenix is for you
Do you want an “OK Boomer” in Chris Goulding or a Boomer who’s a hard as nails man of the people who is shooting the lights out this season like Nathan Sobey?
Do you want a ho-hum game day experience or the best entertainment product in the league? Then best you get yourself a scarf and a singlet, grab the family and get to a Phoenix game because the future is waiting for you and you’ll be welcomed with open arms!
Melbourne United fan – Tom Christie
As a diehard Melbourne United fan and host of the Bringing the Blue podcast, my opinion might be biased, but the proof is in the pudding. Melbourne United has reigned supreme over The South East Melbourne Phoenix since their inception in 2019, holding an overall ledger of 20–9. While the Phoenix haven’t yet proven to be the strongest rival on the court, the rivalry still shows no signs of cooling off.
Over the years, Phoenix players, coaches, and owners have made unprovoked comments about United and its stars — one could assume, mostly from a place of jealousy. And of course, the fans love to trade words on social media, keeping the rivalry as fiery as ever.
There’s something in the air every time a Throwdown rolls around — a battle for the city with both fan bases out in full force.
For Throwdowns hosted by the Phoenix, The United faithful have found a home in General Admission Section 62. It transforms into something only comparable to EuroLeague active support, with chanting and cheering for the full forty minutes.
Like all sports, rivalry brings the game to life — and the NBL is thriving because of it. I’ve been lucky enough to experience almost every venue around the country while travelling to watch United with my wife and close friends. The atmosphere is always electric when both teams are at their best, and that’s exactly what we can expect on Saturday night with a top-of-the-table clash on the horizon.
The stage is set — another city showdown awaits this weekend at John Cain Arena. United fans will once again paint the town blue, and if history is anything to go by, the men in blue will handle business on the court once more.
Carn the Slime!
Originally published as Southeast Melbourne Phoenix fan Lehmo and Melbourne United fan Tom Christie make their case ahead of Throwdown 30
