Auckland Pride - Make Auckland Great Again

zonknz

theprof

Doloras

Jesus wept, you don't have to make the poor guy choose

He's kinda already chosen by not backing the Nix during the derby, yes he's a sports "journo", commentator but he's a Wellingtonian, born and bred as I understand it, plays(ed) his footy for Tawa masters 1 team. So whilst I'd expect his comments to be impartial during the game I'd expect that he bleeds yellow and black and he'd be proud to state that. Instead he sits on the fence.
Just like Paddy Gower, he's clearly Nix all the way, but writes opinion pieces about both teams.

He's the main commentator, not the colour/pundit role. Of course he remains professionally neutral during a game!

Which as I've said is fine and expected. Outside of that it's pretty clear that his loyalties lie with whoever is paying the bills e.g his write ups in the herald stating AFC fanbase is the best ever and such hyperbole. no balance or lack of bias there. His bias is clearly to his paymaster.

He is still better by a mile than most AUS commentators, biased or not.

The Beach got a contract extension.

The beach was such a HIT it’s BACK!

Tomorrow, join the AFC Scavenger Hunt and Sandcastle Comp! 🏖️⚽

Complete the scavenger hunt in the Family Fun Zone and WIN epic prizes. Lots of hidden treasure along the way too! 🗺️✨

Show off your skills in our sandcastle competition 🏰🎉 pic.twitter.com/xczu8GSa3u

— Auckland FC (@fc_auckland) January 31, 2025

I wonder when some other contracts will be made and announced. The two defensive midfielders have two year contracts but the rest of the imports only one year. May must be top priority

AucklandPhoenix

I wonder when some other contracts will be made and announced. The two defensive midfielders have two year contracts but the rest of the imports only one year. May must be top priority

You'd think May's gotta stay. He convinced his brother to move over with him and everything. The desire's certainly there

https://theniche-cache.com/football/2025/1/31/exploring-how-auckland-fcs-kiwi-players-are-fuelling-their-success

These weren’t open goal signings... yet almost every single one of Auckland FC’s kiwi players has turned up as an improved version of themselves (and the one who didn’t got booted out). That’s good coaching, that’s good tactics, that’s good squad chemistry, that’s good leadership, the awesome enthusiastic support from the stands has definitely helped too. It’s also yet another dose of proof that there are plenty more footballers in New Zealand capable of playing professionally than are currently employed to do so. Don’t even worry about it. Auckland FC put their faith in that fact and now look where they are.

He analyses and writes well that guy.

While I suppose it is a good thing for New Zealand Football that AFC are doing so well, we haven't really started to see much benefit to the All Whites yet. 

de Vries has been given a chance to shine, but he is nothing on Nix product Cacace. Pijnaker has looked good but he has been a regular All White in recent years, though he has looked far more consistent and less likely to make a calamitous mishap these days now he is playing and training at a decent level for a change. Mata has looked alright as well, but he isn't going to be first choice or the future #9 for NZ unless Waine continues to struggle for game time overseas. Rogerson has already been a full time pro for years now too. Paulsen was made at the Nix. 

Meanwhile players like Gillion, Randall, Toomey have flattered to deceive and don't look like they are going to boss the league or earn a big overseas move anytime soon. I know it is very early days but it would help as a big Nix fan who has to suffer watching AFC do so well if they were bringing through actually exciting players like the Nix have with Kosta, Rojas, Cacace, Waine, Old, Surman, Paulsen. Let's hope they get a conveyer belt of exciting future All Whites going quick smart so that we don't have to resent them so much. 

They've been around for five minutes....

yes I understand that lol. Accidentally posted half my comment before finishing it

Buffon II

They've been around for five minutes....

Kosta was made at Brisbane. 

As per Buffon it's incredibly early. There has been like 2 FIFA windows (Oct & Nov last year) with AFC as a team. They haven't even got an Academy operating yet. Already Gillion (yes he last a long way to go) has catapulted from the National League into the AWs. 

Rogerson was completely off the radar in Armenia, but now he looks a useful national team squaddie. And alot of the Pijnaker angst has gone, now he's closer to home, and performing very well. FDV has resurrected a career that looked like dying. Even old man Tommy Smith looks fit & firing.

Really hope the South Island gets a team in the next few years, and other Kiwis who would otherwise never be given a chance, are unearthed in the ALM. With Kiwis treated as visa players at the Oz clubs, just so much harder to stay in the league if one of NZ clubs lets you go. Young Aussie players have 11 clubs they can freely move between.

https://x.com/fc_auckland/status/1885523466926882965?t=dtTRafQwRqng3tlAPV5-qg&s=19
Rogerson, Mata start.
Gallegos, Howieson benched.

Absolutely what Coochie said above. Except that Rogerson was getting minutes here and there and didn’t do too badly at the start of his contract imo. Plus he took the risk to go to Armenia because he wanted to be a professional footballer. That speaks to motivation and mentality. The kind that scores 98th minute goals.

And to me, Mata looks like a number 9. The most entertaining half of football they’ve put together is with him up front. I think he might get on a run at some point. Waine is a good player, but not playing. And his best attribute isn’t his play in the box. 

At the moment I think Mata is better at 9. You can see why they retained him without him scoring at Shrewsbury. He links play well and he’s a decent target man. He draws players and causes trouble. I think he’ll play better than he has so far.

And we’re seeing De Vries, the way we haven’t seen Wilkins. And he’s making combinations with other All Whites. 

All guys I’d love to have at the Nix right now. The main thing they’re doing is raising the profile of football in Auckland. They’re very visible and people wear their shirts. Bring on the bandwaggoners!

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As it stands. Adelaide need a win against Sydney
Great win by Auckland again

If Nando is out for a while, AFC desperately need to sign a kiwi or ausi centre back who is of a decent standard if we are going to win this league. Can’t see any kiwi ones you would want.

Jack Iredale who continuously crops up on these forums if not a kiwi is definitely an ausi. 

Currently at Hibs but hasn’t played much this season. Assuming he is not injured must be a phone call that Bill can make for a short three months loan at mates rates?

With de Vries playing so well (his delivery would be the best ive seen from any new zealander including Cacace) and Libby playing further forward at Empoli this may be odd but wonder if Baze would consider that. 

De Vris' delivery is the best I've seen for a while and probably premiership level.  The guy is a late bloomer and doing well, happy for him.  All whites left side is looking decent.

Logic says against a decent team, he is by far the most likely creator for our prize asset, so solely based upon that he should be in the team. 

Room can be made for Libby.

Safire

De Vris' delivery is the best I've seen for a while and probably premiership level.  The guy is a late bloomer and doing well, happy for him.  All whites left side is looking decent.

It helps that he has really improved on his physicality. In the first derby I thought he was asking for a red card. Now he is far more polished while still physical.

Think I'll stick with De Fries. Best chips in the league.

Mainland FC

Safire

De Vris' delivery is the best I've seen for a while and probably premiership level.  The guy is a late bloomer and doing well, happy for him.  All whites left side is looking decent.

It helps that he has really improved on his physicality. In the first derby I thought he was asking for a red card. Now he is far more polished while still physical.

I really like the cut of young François' jib. He has a lean and hungry look.

Lots of French speakers in and around The Port and T-AFC today for whatever reason.

Doloras

I really like the cut of young François' jib. He has a lean and hungry look.

Lots of French speakers in and around The Port and T-AFC today for whatever reason.

You a cougar D?

I know a few around here can't stand Auckland... but c'mon Macarthur must have the most unlikeable players in the league. Germain is a proper bellend.

Reflecting on AFC's success... perhaps one of their best qualities is playing pragmatic football... it suits the Auckland crowd. More than happy to play a ball long for a winger, put a cross in, etc, but it doesn't come across as wasteful. Verstraete, Brimmer, and May can produce some magic to recycle possession. But more than happy to look direct too. I think it's understated how much playing the kind of football that engages the crowd rubs off on a team.

20 Legend

I know a few around here can't stand Auckland... but c'mon Macarthur must have the most unlikeable players in the league. Germain is a proper bellend.

Uzkok and Brattan have their moments too. 

martinb

20 Legend

I know a few around here can't stand Auckland... but c'mon Macarthur must have the most unlikeable players in the league. Germain is a proper bellend.

Uzkok and Brattan have their moments too. 

Was Brattan the one who fell over claiming a foul, didn't get it, then ran 20 metres to kick Brimmer?? (For which the referee didn't give a yellow...)

I note that happened at least another two times. Once by Germain on Brimmer and someone else who tracked back 40 metres to shoulder May in the back.

AucklandPhoenix

While winning and a more attractive style helps, I think some of those players connect with the crowd and have more personality then the Nix.

Players like May, Moreno, Paulson, Sakai and even Brimmer and Smith have something about them and help fire up the crowd.

The Nix at the moment have Rufer, Kosta and daylight second. The players just do not have the personality of the Daniel’s, Sigmunds, Muscats, Durante and Ifillls before them. 

Well said. I noticed that at the Chch game. Many of our players seem quiet, polite, and focused on themselves. AFC's have a bit more of a rockstar mentality.

martinb

20 Legend

I know a few around here can't stand Auckland... but c'mon Macarthur must have the most unlikeable players in the league. Germain is a proper bellend.

Uzkok and Brattan have their moments too. 

 
Uskok for sure - I recall he was a menace in his first season for Western vs. the Nix. Jakolis an absolute shark-stirrer too. Some personalities in that team

IMG_0275.jpeg 2.84 MB

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/auckland-fc/auckland-fc-train-at-english-premier-league-level-leading-to-match-winning-late-goals/VP2KVKGDDZAVVL75XWNOSIYUC4/

Auckland FC’s head of medical and performance Elias Boukarim believes many of his players are currently competing at an English Premier League standard.

The master behind the teams' madness of scoring late goals told the Herald many players could “slot in” at that elite level.

“From an aerobic conditioning point of view, from a pure strength point of view, you get a lot of our players that would slot into [the Premier League], no problem.

“One of the biggest things you get with players at that next level, at the most elite level of football is they’re probably just that tiny bit faster, and their decision-making is that little bit quicker.

Boukarim believes their fitness and physicality levels are the reason the Black Knights have maintained their spot at the top of the A-League table.

Boukarim said part of that success is due to the “fantastic” relationship with English Premier League side, AFC Bournemouth.

He said he was in regular communication with Bournemouth’s Performance Manager, Jay Mellette, as the two clubs share the same owner, American billionaire, Bill Foley.

“We talk about our processes and our systems; We share benchmark data between what their players are doing, pre-season screening, where our guys are at, relative to theirs.

“It’s fantastic to have that relationship and comms, and anytime I need any level of support or vice versa, they’ve been unreal.

”That’s probably one of the most exciting things about coming [to Auckland] was being part of that kind of multi-club group

Bourkarim has spent more than a decade in the transtasman competition with Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.

Also new shiny toy syndrome ...

Buffon II

AucklandPhoenix

It’s a Herald article right?

The Herald are one of AFC’s partners.

He’s being paid by the Herald to write articles

so just selling his soul

Bit dramatic pal.

Fair credit to Auckland, they have the points on the board, First team to hit 10 wins in their first 15. They play 95 minute attacking football. Their fans are off to a good start.

There's nothing wrong in acknowledging when a club/team gets it right. I'm not happy that they are above the Nix but these things happen. The comment about a shiny new toy rings loud. IF Auckland can keep this up for a few seasons then they will have earned the right and the respect. Although their crowds are good, I am noticing more and more gaps in the stand the cameras face and the top tier of the port is fenced of to cram them in so to speak. This doesn't show up as badly as those piss poor yellow seats at Sky.

It took a few years at the Nix, but there is a hardcore 6,000. That's the base. When the team does well and plays nice footy, it goes up. The Nix has been a long term project and coming up to 18 years of existence. That is something to be proud of.

So let Auckland have their moments and enjoy them for what they currently are and are doing. It benefits New Zealand football, fans, players etc. It give the Nix a genuine rivalry and a marking stick in the sand. Likewise the Nix serve as one for AFC as they set about setting up a long term place, academy, even a Women's organisation too.  It is a win win for football fans.

Now for the next Nix game. Looking forward to it. Oh and Sky Stadium Trust, you charged $22 for a xcar park in December, why cant you keep it like that and fill it rather than reverting your absolute ripoff of $37??? That Trust is the biggest thorn in the Nix's arse and holding a lot of fans from attending with their charges.

Auckland is doing everything right. They are exiting winning team, maybe it’s there fitness, what ever. Very likely that they win the league. They are better than us on every level. Auckland pulled it of in there first season. Meanwhile we hope for a signing that brings us into playoffs and our games are 75% bore fest.

Doloras

martinb

That phrase will get the rivalry off to a start. The amount of obnoxious behavior associated with it…

I think the Auckland JAFAs should set themselves the goal of becoming the most obnoxious, loathed active support in the entire league. Worse than the RBB and the OSM put together.

Any chance you do Lotto numbers

As much as I’m a Nix supporter first and foremost, I’m stoked to see Auckland on-track to possibly be the first Kiwi team to win an Australian competition in football. Zooming out and looking at the game nationally that would be huge for NZ if it was to happen. I missed the game last night and I’m watching extended highlights now and they look all class so credit where it’s due.

If Auckland got to host the ALM Grand Final (which surely they would hold at Eden Park), would be a huge moment for the code.

And only a few months after the AWs have hopefully locked an appearance at next year's World Cup, at likely the same venue.

Throw in the Woodsman's brilliant EPL season, an upcoming 2nd ALW team, and possibly 2 new professional clubs in NZ with extra pro pathways (OFC league) - and you have football in NZ finally fulfilling it's potential.

Edit - https://aleagues.com.au/news/nando-pijnaker-dan-hall-injury-update-auckland-fc-steve-corica/

Corica will be hoping Pijnaker’s injury prognosis isn’t serious, having confirmed (Dan) Hall isn’t expected to return to play until March.

“Probably about five weeks (away),” Corica said.

“Probably for the Newcastle game (on March 9), I’m hoping. So whatever that is, four or five weeks.”

number8

Auckland is doing everything right. They are exiting winning team, maybe it’s there fitness, what ever. Very likely that they win the league. They are better than us on every level. Auckland pulled it of in there first season. Meanwhile we hope for a signing that brings us into playoffs and our games are 75% bore fest.

I remember our first season, the defence was like watching the Keystone Cops in action. Gifting goals galore. Fortunately Danbiel & Smeltz were doing or trying to do the business at the other end. Ross Aloise getting sent off in his last game is the stuff Legends were made of. And he is, our inaugral Captain.

number8

Auckland is doing everything right. They are exiting winning team, maybe it’s there fitness, what ever. Very likely that they win the league. They are better than us on every level. Auckland pulled it of in there first season. Meanwhile we hope for a signing that brings us into playoffs and our games are 75% bore fest.

I agree with all this. Plus off the pitch they have got it right too. The marketing etc.

I love the phoenix but feel like our marketing has been so average for years. Just no innovation ..

Also...

Bit of a random bbc article about Elliot. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx8pllvpv7o

LG

number8

Auckland is doing everything right. They are exiting winning team, maybe it’s there fitness, what ever. Very likely that they win the league. They are better than us on every level. Auckland pulled it of in there first season. Meanwhile we hope for a signing that brings us into playoffs and our games are 75% bore fest.

I remember our first season, the defence was like watching the Keystone Cops in action. Gifting goals galore. Fortunately Danbiel & Smeltz were doing or trying to do the business at the other end. Ross Aloise getting sent off in his last game is the stuff Legends were made of. And he is, our inaugral Captain.

Featuring Karl Dodd's pants which... didn't fit.