Who do we want to see in a white shirt?

It's the mess behind him that resulted in him not scoring much of late.

Hence why he should consider a move...

Kosta won't get picked up by any Aussie club. He's an import to them. 

Elemenop

Kosta won't get picked up by any Aussie club. He's an import to them. 

The Jets (one or zero imports this season), Roar or CCM might. But would he really want to go to any of them.

But at 36 next Feb, I doubt either of his prior clubs SFC or VUC would be interested. He was pretty average in his last (injury plagued) season at Sydney

Also he's playing centrally at the Nix, when he was more a wide forward at other ALM clubs prior?? Scoring goals and playing centrally I think increases his AWs chances, ie less competition at backup striker.

Mata pushing his way into the line up has seen AFC score more goals. He’s been a handful in the area and created space for Moreno and Rogerson and taken responsibilities away from May so he can hit those worldies. 

I see Mata and Wood as the two similar 9s who operate best in the box. I see Waine, Kosta, McCowatt, Singh, Garbett, Old and Just as competing for more mobile forward positions. Waine, Kosta and McCowatt can also cover 9, but they aren’t out muscling defenders in quite the same way, for all their guile. 

If you want them chasing a through ball in behind, hitting any kind of cross or running at a defense then column b, if they’re mostly on the receiving end of delivery into the box column a. 

Surely the squad for the fiji game will be named soon?

Elemenop

Surely the squad for the fiji game will be named soon?

Friday or early next week you'd think.

Old & now Just (missed St Polten's last game) likely in some doubt. 

Fijians must be playing their Northern League club warmup games soon. In camp in Christchurch before that from memory.

Fiji v Auck Utd tonight. V Eastern Subs Sunday.

Elemenop

Surely the squad for the fiji game will be named soon?

 Early next week

Will be nice to focus on the All Whites for a little bit with how poor the Nix have been.

Might be the least interesting squad naming of all time though. Definitely won't be any bolters. I expect it'll be a 24 man squad again, just like November, and I expect at least 22 of the November squad will keep their places. Gillion will be dropped, Ben Waine might be. Garbett potentially vulnerable too, but I think it would be too big a call to drop him for the semi/final when he has been so important for us over the past 18 months. 

Mata a very good chance of coming in, and maybe Randall & Howieson could get recalls. 

I'd be extremely surprised to see any other ins or outs. Old isn't fit enough yet. Kirwan and Wilkins probably haven't done quite enough to unseat any of our fullbacks from November. 

Edit: subject to player fitness, fingers crossed no injuries between now and the end of the coming weekend etc

No it won't be the most interesting AWs selection. Bazeley will play it safe, as he should. Any experimentation (Libby at LW?) will happen in the following 12 mths, in the lead up to June 2026.

But WC excitement will begin to kick in, once the team get the job done against New Caledonia or Taihiti at Eden Park on March 24th. Only 15 days away.

Then next year's big event will come sharply into focus, and some real anticipation start to build.

Maybe with the form the Jets are in, Ingham could be somewhere near a recall? He's a key, senior player for them. But maybe their run has come too late for consideration for this window. And as already discussed, probably not the time to mix up things right now. 

Yeah but the Jets run of good form has been without Ingham. Today was his first ALM game in 3 months (since 7th Dec). He's been out injured, and only played 7 matches all season. 

Bazeley yes did pick him 12 months ago for that 2 game tourney in Egypt. Wilkins, Payne & Kirwan all injured, and Roux being overlooked.

Oh lol, didn't know he had been injured. Pay almost no attention to A-League games not featuring NZ teams

Gray has been great in the National League, 5 clean sheets out of 11 games

Another rare start for Ryan Thomas today (god I pray I don’t jinx him), would really love to see him back in white for the upcoming friendly games and dare I say it….. the World Cup. But if he’s in who do you drop? For me personally we (usually) take 5 center backs, so for me I’d be dropping a CB for him, most likely Smith if it was me choosing the team or if not smith Pjanker obviously this is as long as the other CB are not injured and still playing up that next lvl. Yes Bindon is playing at a on paper lower lvl (right now) but I think everyone realises the guy is just top tier.
I’m also starting to buy into (and it pains me to say it) De’vries at left back with Libby playing up higher…. The service wood would get with those two and Thomas would be spectacular. 

YellowAndBlack

Another rare start for Ryan Thomas today (god I pray I don’t jinx him), would really love to see him back in white for the upcoming friendly games and dare I say it….. the World Cup. But if he’s in who do you drop? For me personally we (usually) take 5 center backs, so for me I’d be dropping a CB for him, most likely Smith if it was me choosing the team or if not smith Pjanker obviously this is as long as the other CB are not injured and still playing up that next lvl. Yes Bindon is playing at a on paper lower lvl (right now) but I think everyone realises the guy is just top tier.
I’m also starting to buy into (and it pains me to say it) De’vries at left back with Libby playing up higher…. The service wood would get with those two and Thomas would be spectacular. 

I think he's got a plan... build his mins this season and be ready for the world cup. 💪 

World Cup XI?

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Friar Tuck

World Cup XI?

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I like this team!

Crocombe as keeper unless Paulsen can show good development next season or crocombe collapses in a heap. Paulsen is not too far off but still has some learning to do and needs to go through the grinder for some more polishing. He'd be my bench keeper as things stand

Need someone better than Payne. He is a weak link

You may see Bindon go out right and Pinjanker come in.

Gives us a left sided CB and I think PJ's ability to switch will be hard to resist for the coaches. 

Would Bindon be a step up on Payne at RB?

MetalLegNZ

You may see Bindon go out right and Pinjanker come in.

Gives us a left sided CB and I think PJ's ability to switch will be hard to resist for the coaches. 

Would Bindon be a step up on Payne at RB?

Bindon has to start at CB for me. He can play either right or left sided, but mainly plays left sided for Reading I think. 

Pijnaker and Surman should be pushing for Boxall’s spot in my opinion.

Payne definitely the weak link, but the other options are Roux, Elliot, Sheridan, Wilkins, Kirwan and Ingham, none of whom are an improvement at present (maybe Roux).

My hope for the future is that Sheridan and Ronan Wynne kick on to good levels.

I'll be honest, I've been extremely impressed by Elliot for Auckland. Wasn't sad to see him leave us at all. But he hasn't shown any hints of the defensive frailties he would always display for us and looks as good if not better going forwards (I know, small sample size of minutes etc). Just a shame Sakai is ahead of him.

Last year I was all for playing Bindon at RB, especially when Payne was injured.

But young Tyler is on a fast track to be our best CB (maybe ever). Yes he plays on the left at Reading mostly. He should stay at CB for the AWs

Sheridan and Ronan Wynne are the ones to watch re future RBs. Wilkins if he can forge a good injury free run, will put pressure on Roux & Payne. Kirwan also in the mix.

coochiee

Last year I was all for playing Bindon at RB, especially when Payne was injured.

But young Tyler is on a fast track to be our best CB (maybe ever). Yes he plays on the left at Reading mostly. He should stay at CB for the AWs

Sheridan and Ronan Wynne are the ones to watch re future RBs. Wilkins if he can forge a good injury free run, will put pressure on Roux & Payne. Kirwan also in the mix.

Bang on, Cooch. Would make no sense to play him at RB, by the time the WC starts I expect he'll be wildly clear of every other CB we have. Wood, Cacace, Bindon and Stamenic will be the pillars of that squad.

Others mentioned it long before me. Mrs Mils especially, when I was defending Bazeley picking Bindon at RB. But I was wrong, and it would be a mistake for Baze to do that again. I think he knows that. 

But hey someone commented on Nelsen playing his early AWs games as a full back. And Bindon was only what 18 when he debuted. It wasn't a bad idea to introduce him to international football on the right flank.

However he's easily made the most progress of any AW in the last 12-18 mths. The ex Nix trio Old, Surman & Paulsen likely the next biggest movers

Currently you'd probably go Boxall (still in top form in the MLS) & Tyler together. Pijnaker doing well in the ALM, but still prone to mistakes that could cost us in big games. And Surman when available will push Boxy for that starting RCB spot. Maybe is time Smith got an off field coaching/mentoring role, and Ryan Thomas was brought back in after 6 years absent!

Payne was terrible last night - his passing was bang average and his decision making no better.

Based on form he surely can't be our number 1 RB currently??

MetalLegNZ

Payne was terrible last night - his passing was bang average and his decision making no better.

Based on form he surely can't be our number 1 RB currently??

But who's playing better at the moment? 

Roux only got 10 mins off the bench for the Mariners against Auckland. Elliott mostly a sub for AFC, and will be whenever Sakai or 2 of Smith, Hall & Pijnaker are fit. Ingham just returned to the Jets after a long injury layoff.

Kirwan & Willkins better to stay in Europe.

Payne doesn't look that happy at the moment. He will be looking forward to getting away from the Nix for a week, I expect and into AWs camp. Wouldn't surprise if he plays well in a white shirt for these 2 games.

coochiee

MetalLegNZ

Payne was terrible last night - his passing was bang average and his decision making no better.

Based on form he surely can't be our number 1 RB currently??

But who's playing better at the moment? 

Roux only got 10 mins off the bench for the Mariners against Auckland. Elliott mostly a sub for AFC, and will be whenever Sakai or 2 of Smith, Hall & Pijnaker are fit. Ingham just returned to the Jets after a long injury layoff.

Kirwan & Willkins better to stay in Europe.

Payne doesn't look that happy at the moment. He will be looking forward to getting away from the Nix for a week, I expect and into AWs camp. Wouldn't surprise if he plays well in a white shirt for these 2 games.

Recall eliott to the squad and if payne looks poor in first AW game then give young callan a start in the final

MetalLegNZ

Payne was terrible last night - his passing was bang average and his decision making no better.

Based on form he surely can't be our number 1 RB currently??

in his defence, in that team structure, you look up and you see next to no one. and because the Phoenix centre midfielders were so passive when we had the ball, there just weren't passing avenues available. you could see payne getting frustrated.

i share your concerns about his form, but there are mitigating circumstances in regards to what's happening around him. he's been injured and has come back in to a non-functioning team.

MetalLegNZ

Payne was terrible last night - his passing was bang average and his decision making no better.

Based on form he surely can't be our number 1 RB currently??

 I've been saying for a while that in the All Whites RB is our weak link. Could we move to a back 3? Chuck in 3 strong midfielders - Rufer/Stam/Bell? 

Elemenop

MetalLegNZ

Payne was terrible last night - his passing was bang average and his decision making no better.

Based on form he surely can't be our number 1 RB currently??

 I've been saying for a while that in the All Whites RB is our weak link. Could we move to a back 3? Chuck in 3 strong midfielders - Rufer/Stam/Bell? 

You're not wrong that RB is probably our weakest position - as far as depth or lack thereof. Bu, if you went to a back three, who would you have on the wings in the middle five? Libby could easily do the job and track back in defence when required - but again the RM (RWB) is difficult to fill if Payne is not avalable.

theprof

Elemenop

MetalLegNZ

Payne was terrible last night - his passing was bang average and his decision making no better.

Based on form he surely can't be our number 1 RB currently??

 I've been saying for a while that in the All Whites RB is our weak link. Could we move to a back 3? Chuck in 3 strong midfielders - Rufer/Stam/Bell? 

You're not wrong that RB is probably our weakest position - as far as depth or lack thereof. Bu, if you went to a back three, who would you have on the wings in the middle five? Libby could easily do the job and track back in defence when required - but again the RM (RWB) is difficult to fill if Payne is not avalable.

Yeah I think despite his comparative skill level to the rest of a full strength All Whites XI, Payne should still start in either a back 4 or 5 (my preference is a 4).

Long term of course the hope is that someone like Callan Elliot, Matt Sheridan, Ronan Wynne, Xuan Loke, Jacob Borgnis etc will kick on and reach a similar level to the rest of the XI. 

But I think Payne is a totally serviceable and solid player for the time being.

Hutcho137

🇦🇺🇳🇿 Ben Gibson (Newcastle Jets) is being monitored by New Zealand ahead of their September fixtures vs Australia. Eligible through his Kiwi-born mother, Gibson scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists last season. One to watch 👀. pic.twitter.com/5XNZElVX4e

— Diaspora Football (@DiasporaFut) July 21, 2025

Is he a striker? If so i'd jump at him in the squad. We need more viable options behind Wood/Kosta and Waine.

Elemenop

Hutcho137

🇦🇺🇳🇿 Ben Gibson (Newcastle Jets) is being monitored by New Zealand ahead of their September fixtures vs Australia. Eligible through his Kiwi-born mother, Gibson scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists last season. One to watch 👀. pic.twitter.com/5XNZElVX4e

— Diaspora Football (@DiasporaFut) July 21, 2025

Is he a striker? If so i'd jump at him in the squad. We need more viable options behind Wood/Kosta and Waine.

He is a Matt Simon regen. Looks like him & plays the same way, Tho haven't seen the aggro streak from him yet.

RR

Elemenop

Hutcho137

🇦🇺🇳🇿 Ben Gibson (Newcastle Jets) is being monitored by New Zealand ahead of their September fixtures vs Australia. Eligible through his Kiwi-born mother, Gibson scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists last season. One to watch 👀. pic.twitter.com/5XNZElVX4e

— Diaspora Football (@DiasporaFut) July 21, 2025

Is he a striker? If so i'd jump at him in the squad. We need more viable options behind Wood/Kosta and Waine.

He is a Matt Simon regen. Looks like him & plays the same way, Tho haven't seen the aggro streak from him yet.

Can we get Simon Elliott, Steve Sumner, Wyton Rufer and Ryan Nelsen regens too?

With four club captains in the squad (Rufer, Bell, Boxall and now Thomas) plus Libby and Wood who have previously skippered the team i wonder who we think should be the captain by the time we get to the world cup?

Rovers return

With four club captains in the squad (Rufer, Bell, Boxall and now Thomas) plus Libby and Wood who have previously skippered the team i wonder who we think should be the captain by the time we get to the world cup?

Chris Wood and it’s not even a question. Libby and Thomas vice captains.

The level of our squad has come a long way when you set it out like this:

AWs 2025.png 320.62 KB

Won't be long until we have a genuine powerhouse club up there I reckon, question is just who will it be?