Melbourne United's quest to knock off NBL titleholders Perth has received a boost with star pair Chris Goulding and Casey Prather both making it through a fitness test to book a seat on the flight west.
Despite making it through a tough training session, the duo aren't confirmed to start on Friday night with the club saying they will make a decision on game day when the two unbeaten clubs square off.
Boomers sharpshooter Goulding missed the first two rounds of the season after having his appendix removed and import Prather injured his knee during their win over Adelaide last Saturday.
Prather has special incentive to play as he returns to Perth for the first time in a Melbourne strip after helping the Wildcats win two titles.
If they don't line-up in Perth they are set to play in Melbourne's first home game of the season against New Zealand on Sunday.
Goulding has shed four kilograms to be at his lightest in years but Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman said he lost the weight in a fitness campaign during the off-season rather than due to his illness.
"It was a focus for him in the off-season to come down a bit more and streamline himself," Vickerman said.
"He's certainly a lot lighter than he was last year and he looks good for it."
The coach said that Goulding hadn't lost any power with the weight and was stronger than last season.
Share
