United set for major Play-In boost

Replacing a back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year is close to impossible, which is why Melbourne United is pushing hard to have Shea Ili back for next Thursday’s Play-In Qualifier.

Ili has endured a shocking run with injury this year, with a series of hamstring issues restricting him to just ten games.

In all, he’s played just 160 minutes across the entire season.

United still secured 20 wins with Ili sidelined for much of the campaign, but his anticipated return comes at the ideal time ahead of a do-or-die Final against Tasmania.

“The goal is to have him ready for this game,” Dean Vickerman said at Tuesday’s Finals Launch.

“He has a checkpoint today with some running. I like the way he's moved around so far in the things that he's done in his rehab.

“If he's ready, he's ready. If he's not, he's not. But the goal is to have him there.

“I think a spark for 12 to 15 minutes that can give Tyson (Walker) a little bit of rest would be amazing for us.”

Ili last played on February 12, when he suffered a low-grade left hamstring injury against Cairns.

United takes on Tasmania in the Play-In Qualifier on Thursday, March 5, desperate to keep their Championship hopes alive.