Grand Final Game 5 Program

STAGE SET
FOR CG43
When Chris Goulding launches a threepointer
at Hisense Arena, the first few rows
of fans rise as one.
Time slows for the Melbourne faithful as they
follow the ball’s trajectory towards the rim.
There’s a sound that takes place too; a collective
gasp of anticipation.
For other players, United’s fans stand when the
ball goes in, but for ‘CG43’ that move takes place
early. It’s as if Goulding’s threes are somehow
more valuable and thus worth getting pumped
about in advance.
They love him.
They love his look. They love his swagger.
They love his crossovers, his step-backs and
his overblown celebrations. But most of all,
they love his three-point shooting.
Opposing fans, of course, can’t stand him.
Not all of them, sure, but a large percentage think
Goulding’s a ‘flopper’ and that his eye-catching
offensive game masks deficiencies elsewhere.
The truth is: Goulding has become a much more
well-rounded player this season. His defence has
been steadily improving over each of the past few
years, as has his passing and his ability to create
off the dribble.
His involvement in the national program has
had an obvious impact in those areas.
What’s been most impressive, however, has
been Goulding’s growth as a leader.
Voted by his teammates to be their captain, the
once-cocky superstar has become a leader of
men. He speaks up. He works with the coaches,
guides the youngsters and challenges the vets.
Throughout the Grand Final series Goulding has
been the guy re-focusing United whenever things
have turned against them. His scoring was crucial
during Game 1 – when Melbourne came from
behind to edge ahead in the series – but
his leadership was equally important.
“His drive to win this year has led him to a point
where friendship within the group hasn’t been
as important to him as it has been in other years.
Winning is the most important thing,” Melbourne
coach Dean Vickerman told media this week.
“So for [Chris] to challenge some of those
friendships by saying what he needed to say, he
just earnt a great deal of respect from the group.
“The actual friendship part has gotten stronger
because they know he’s going to be honest and
sometimes brutal about our performance.
“He’s also willing to put his own hand up and say,
‘Hey I didn’t do this well or I didn’t defend this well.’
He’s kept that same honesty with himself.
People have responded to the challenges that
he’s sent out.”
12 Game Day Program