Auckland Pride - Make Auckland Great Again

AucklandPhoenix

The fact no Adelaide player appealed for it should have been a dead give away.

No player appealed and Alagich got straight up and jogged back to the play, maybe it should be like cricket where you actually have to appeal for a dismissal to be given out 🤷‍♂️

Dougie Rydal

AucklandPhoenix

The fact no Adelaide player appealed for it should have been a dead give away.

No player appealed and Alagich got straight up and jogged back to the play, maybe it should be like cricket where you actually have to appeal for a dismissal to be given out 🤷‍♂️

As if players need more reason to play act!

There is a good idea in there though. Perhaps instead of a player appeal, let the coach or captain have the ability to challenge the play and send it to VAR. 

billyspleen75

Dougie Rydal

AucklandPhoenix

The fact no Adelaide player appealed for it should have been a dead give away.

No player appealed and Alagich got straight up and jogged back to the play, maybe it should be like cricket where you actually have to appeal for a dismissal to be given out 🤷‍♂️

As if players need more reason to play act!

There is a good idea in there though. Perhaps instead of a player appeal, let the coach or captain have the ability to challenge the play and send it to VAR. 

That is one of the changes infront of IFAB at the moment.

Doloras

Looks like the crowd were absolutely right to boo the refs

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/auckland-fc/review-panel-finds-first-adelaide-penalty-against-auckland-fc-should-not-have-been-awarded/TAGMAPRDOVE2RNBDNAVWGQUDKE/

So, Auckland got dicked by the VAR applying "not enough contact" for the cynical shirt pull in the first leg in Adelaide, and got dicked again by VAR ignoring that same rule in Auckland.

Swing those round the correct way and Adelaide is back in 6th and Auckland is 12 points clear - that's fairly significant implications.

VAR takes a lot of passion out of football when goals are scored.

Watching live not so much as you tend to get caught up in the moment but on television there is a fist pump and then a sense of trepidation as you wonder if it’s going to go to VAR

Wish it would go

20 Legend

Doloras

Looks like the crowd were absolutely right to boo the refs

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/auckland-fc/review-panel-finds-first-adelaide-penalty-against-auckland-fc-should-not-have-been-awarded/TAGMAPRDOVE2RNBDNAVWGQUDKE/

So, Auckland got dicked by the VAR applying "not enough contact" for the cynical shirt pull in the first leg in Adelaide, and got dicked again by VAR ignoring that same rule in Auckland.

Swing those round the correct way and Adelaide is back in 6th and Auckland is 12 points clear - that's fairly significant implications.

Also got away with not getting a red for Pijnaker last week which I would imagine would've had significant implications for this match (not so much for the Nix match though probably).

Without Pijnaker I'm not sure I would have as much faith in the defence.

But yeah, the real issue is that VAR seems to be making significant mistakes weekly all over the league - which is something that it is supposed to be designed to get rid of! 

20 Legend

Doloras

Looks like the crowd were absolutely right to boo the refs

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/auckland-fc/review-panel-finds-first-adelaide-penalty-against-auckland-fc-should-not-have-been-awarded/TAGMAPRDOVE2RNBDNAVWGQUDKE/

So, Auckland got dicked by the VAR applying "not enough contact" for the cynical shirt pull in the first leg in Adelaide, and got dicked again by VAR ignoring that same rule in Auckland.

Swing those round the correct way and Adelaide is back in 6th and Auckland is 12 points clear - that's fairly significant implications.

AFC also got lucky against MAC, when Moreno clearly felled someone in the box a few weeks back. Clear pen

As someone else said it's just general officiating incompetence, not any anti-Nix/AFC/NZ bias.

I'm sure all the clubs this season would have had their 'we waz robbed' moments. Only if you watch every single ALM game, could you then say there is any bias in favour or against your club.

Half a Pint

20 Legend

Doloras

Looks like the crowd were absolutely right to boo the refs

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/auckland-fc/review-panel-finds-first-adelaide-penalty-against-auckland-fc-should-not-have-been-awarded/TAGMAPRDOVE2RNBDNAVWGQUDKE/

So, Auckland got dicked by the VAR applying "not enough contact" for the cynical shirt pull in the first leg in Adelaide, and got dicked again by VAR ignoring that same rule in Auckland.

Swing those round the correct way and Adelaide is back in 6th and Auckland is 12 points clear - that's fairly significant implications.

Also got away with not getting a red for Pijnaker last week which I would imagine would've had significant implications for this match (not so much for the Nix match though probably).

Without Pijnaker I'm not sure I would have as much faith in the defence.

But yeah, the real issue is that VAR seems to be making significant mistakes weekly all over the league - which is something that it is supposed to be designed to get rid of! 

It's not even mistakes that are the issue, it's the differing opinions on what constitutes a foul, yellow or red card. So many different interpretations each week. Two almost identical incidents can be reffed differently - both on field and by VAR. Until that changes VAR and refs will make 'mistakes' and cost teams points.
The way the laws are applied need to be adjusted to remove any grey/ambiguity when it comes to force etc.

Yep exactly. If most refs are unsure of or disagree about what constitutes a foul, a yellow, a pen and a red under these new guidelines about contact then that’s something that needs urgent attention. 

Haven't read this threat for a while. 

But clearly impressed by the team on the field.

BUT moreso impressed by the general running of the club. A beach at the games...  A slide! Ferris Wheel! 

They are actually making it an exciting day out. We just have the windy walk from the railway station to the stadium to look forward to. Then the $10 beers. We need to up our marketing/comms and general excitement around the club... 

If it’s any consolation beers are 11 bucks at the AFC games

Buffon II

Auckland also got shafted against Adelaide and Melbourne City away but they have also had contentious decisions go their way against Sydney, MacArthur and the Nix at home.

Decisions often even themselves out over the course of a season.

Maybe A-League officiating is just dogshark.

Welcome to the A League AFC. The Nix have been on the receiving end of some BS calls for near 18 years and now you can understand why we moan. You guys are upset for good reason. Yet this is a common occurrence.

AucklandPhoenix

If it’s any consolation beers are 11 bucks at the AFC games

Daylight robbery

Noah4thenix

AucklandPhoenix

If it’s any consolation beers are 11 bucks at the AFC games

Daylight robbery

More expensive at Sky so it is a consolation. $12.50

Newcastle Jets squad: 
1. Ryan SCOTT, 4. Phillip ČANČAR, 6. Matthew SCARCELLA, 7. Eli ADAMS, 9. Lachlan ROSE, 10. WELLISSOL, 13. Clayton TAYLOR, 14. Dane INGHAM, 15. Aleksandar ŠUŠNJAR, 17. Kosta GROZOS, 18. Kota MIZUNUMA, 19. Callum TIMMINS, 20. Charles M’MOMBWA, 21. Noah JAMES, 23. Daniel WILMERING, 28. Will DOBSON, 29. Justin VIDIĆ, 33. Mark NATTA, 37. Lachlan BAYLISS, 39. Thomas AQUILINA

(Two to be omitted)
Ins: 4. Phillip ČANČAR, 14. Dane INGHAM

Outs: 22. Ben GIBSON 24. Alex NUNES, 44. Ben VAN DORSSEN, 45. Christian BRACCO, 66. Zac BOWLING.

Unavailable: 11. Jacob DOWSE, 25. Oscar FRYER

Auckland FC squad:
1. Michael WOUD, 2. Hiroki SAKAI, 4. Nando PIJNAKER, 5. Tommy SMITH, 6. Louis VERSTRAETE, 7. Cameron HOWIESON, 8. Luis TOOMEY, 9. Max MATA, 10. Guillermo MAY, 11. Marlee FRANÇOIS, 12. Alex PAULSEN, 14. Liam GILLION, 15. Francis DE VRIES, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 21. Jesse RANDALL, 22. Jake BRIMMER, 25. Neyder MORENO, 27. Logan ROGERSON, 28. Luis Felipe GALLEGOS

(Two to be omitted)
Ins: 35. Jonty BIDOIS
Outs: 18. Finn McKENLAY
Unavailable: 23. Dan HALL

Draw tonight. Came back nicely from a goal down and attacked the whole game. 6 points clear with a game in hand

Screenshot_9-3-2025_224743_aleagues.com.au.jpeg 330.71 KB

AFC paid for their slow start. Could have been 2-0 down after 20 mins. Paulsens penalty seemed to kick start their game. Newcastle caught AFC out by quick transition and fast attackers. Pjinaker and Verstrate suspended next match. AFC only two points from last two games. The run to the end of the season is going to be interesting

Good chance to get 6 pts, next 2 games. Hosting CCM this weekend, FIFA international break, then the Roar in Brissy 30th March. 

Late March the worst of summer heat & humidity is over in SE QLD.

With Nando out, hopefully Dan Hall is available.

Seem to remember some time ago that he was due to be available around the Newcastle game, which has obviously just passed.

If up to it would be a good opportunity to get him back in the starting line up and the following game move Smith out for Nando. 

Smith has done a decent job but his lack of pace still worries me and we want our best centre backs both in the team as soon as possible.

Watched a replay of the Newcastle game. Thought AFC played preety well and even with a man down for 20 mins could have got 3 points.

Next two games against teams outside the 6 crucial to get 6 points if they want to win the plate as they have a tough run after that. 

Would really like them to get May signed up for next season over the international break. He is crucial to that side and one of the more irreplaceable players. 

AucklandPhoenix

With Nando out, hopefully Dan Hall is available.

Seem to remember some time ago that he was due to be available around the Newcastle game, which has obviously just passed.

If up to it would be a good opportunity to get him back in the starting line up and the following game move Smith out for Nando. 

Smith has done a decent job but his lack of pace still worries me and we want our best centre backs both in the team as soon as possible.

Watched a replay of the Newcastle game. Thought AFC played preety well and even with a man down for 20 mins could have got 3 points.

Next two games against teams outside the 6 crucial to get 6 points if they want to win the plate as they have a tough run after that. 

Would really like them to get May signed up for next season over the international break. He is crucial to that side and one of the more irreplaceable players. 

 

Danny Hall played for the reserves in a friendly over the weekend.
  

What is the reliable source of contract information?
There are inconsistencies between the list Voerman posted in a stuff article last year and what transfermarkt says. 

Wikipedia for the 2024-2025 AFC season lists the contract lengths and everything seems to marry up with what people say from time to time. Think it is club edited so seems to be the best source.

Basically need to make a decision soon about May and Moreno. All other imports are signed for next season. 

Does anyone else think our game is a bit broken when the highest risk to player safety that match wasn't the red card challenge but the goal keeper diving into Randall's head... and it doesn't even get a mention? If "today's game" is about player safety, surely we should be taking a more extreme line on completely missing the ball and instead taking a player out?

(For the record, I'm not disagreeing with the red at all.)

Otherwise, sick strike from Eli Adams.

Maybe, but unless AFC are a bunch of thugs, the number of yellow cards, red cards and penalties for and against will be interesting at seasons end.

20 games in and no penalties for a team that has more touches in the box then most is interesting. 

Would like to know who the penalty taker is before the second season. 

AucklandPhoenix

Maybe, but unless AFC are a bunch of thugs, the number of yellow cards, red cards and penalties for and against will be interesting at seasons end.

20 games in and no penalties for a team that has more touches in the box then most is interesting. 

Would like to know who the penalty taker is before the second season. 

I'd guess it's a 3 way tussle between May, Moreno & Pijnaker.

Wait until rugby views the football crowds for the All Whites this month, and potentially Auckland FC hosting finals games in May.

Nix fans are downbeat at the moment, but football as a whole has never been stronger in NZ. If they do get to host the Grand Final (if) I can see AFC taking the game to Eden Park, and getting 40,000. Dare to dream with a fine dry night and the right marketing, maybe even a 50K sell out.

From memory similar sized cities like Adealide, Perth & Brisbane have all sold out ALM finals when hosting. All the casuals jump in.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360608868/no-silver-bullet-super-rugby-pacific-boss-jack-mesley-how-supercharge-crowds

The New Zealand football derby game between Auckland FC and the Phoenix should be a major wake-up call for everyone at NZ Rugby. 

The roughest wins the tussle you reckon?

Jessie Merino

AucklandPhoenix

Maybe, but unless AFC are a bunch of thugs, the number of yellow cards, red cards and penalties for and against will be interesting at seasons end.

20 games in and no penalties for a team that has more touches in the box then most is interesting. 

Would like to know who the penalty taker is before the second season. 

I'd guess it's a 3 way tussle between May, Moreno & Pijnaker.

coochiee

Wait until rugby views the football crowds for the All Whites this month, and potentially Auckland FC hosting finals games in May.

Nix fans are downbeat at the moment, but football as a whole has never been stronger in NZ. If they do get to host the Grand Final (if) I can see AFC taking the game to Eden Park, and getting 40,000. Dare to dream with a fine dry night and the right marketing, maybe even a 50K sell out.

From memory similar sized cities like Adealide, Perth & Brisbane have all sold out ALM finals when hosting. All the casuals jump in.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360608868/no-silver-bullet-super-rugby-pacific-boss-jack-mesley-how-supercharge-crowds

The New Zealand football derby game between Auckland FC and the Phoenix should be a major wake-up call for everyone at NZ Rugby. 

TBH that guy was involved in the A League and seemed to achieve SFA. I’m more then happy to have him steer rugby listlessly while kiwi football comes on in leaps and bounds.

I actually think AFC could fill Eden park for a grand final. It would be the hottest ticket in town. AFC is super trendy at the moment. Look at how Auckland repeatedly sold  out the Park for the women’s WC.
If I was a rugby boss I would be more worried about League than football. The Warriors are the biggest draw card in town. The Pacifica population should be rugby, but they are turning their backs on the game. Not surprising really. The live atmosphere at most rugby games is dire.

Two of the remaining three home games will be interesting. First time some direct competition from the warriors at Mt Smart with them playing on a Friday at home and AFC playing on a Sunday arvo at home, verses their traditional Saturday spot. Happens two times before the end of the season. 

Think the AFC management and Warriors will be looking closely at this and wondering how any cross over of band wagon fans will work verses the dollars in the pockets. 

Be interesting with AFC the current hottest bandwagon ticket in town.

AucklandPhoenix

Two of the remaining three home games will be interesting. First time some direct competition from the warriors at Mt Smart with them playing on a Friday at home and AFC playing on a Sunday arvo at home, verses their traditional Saturday spot. Happens two times before the end of the season. 

Think the AFC management and Warriors will be looking closely at this and wondering how any cross over of band wagon fans will work verses the dollars in the pockets. 

Be interesting with AFC the current hottest bandwagon ticket in town.

I went to the AFC v Nix sold out game last month and also went to a Warriors game last year (sold out ) - VASTLY different crowd demographics.

austin111

I actually think AFC could fill Eden park for a grand final. It would be the hottest ticket in town. AFC is super trendy at the moment. Look at how Auckland repeatedly sold  out the Park for the women’s WC.
If I was a rugby boss I would be more worried about League than football. The Warriors are the biggest draw card in town. The Pacifica population should be rugby, but they are turning their backs on the game. Not surprising really. The live atmosphere at most rugby games is dire.

the chat about Eden Park for a possible final won't go away - but the FRG are really clear that we don't think that would be a good move - just pop a bit of extra seating into Mt Smart and make it an absolute fortress, club seem to be on board with this.

The Reds took the GF they hosted to the 54k Adelaide Oval, and the Glory to the 61k Optus ground. They sold both out. Tix yes do become the hottest item in town

Football will have some momentum with AWs barring a disaster qualifying for the World Cup at EP

AFC’s owners maybe the wealthiest in the ALM, but it’s still a business they are running. 20k more tickets at average $40. Potential to bring in new fans. Make it kids under 10 go free or something  

Just saying

coochiee

The Reds took the GF they hosted to the 54k Adelaide Oval, and the Glory to the 61k Optus ground. They sold both out. Tix yes do become the hottest item in town

Football will have some momentum with AWs barring a disaster qualifying for the World Cup at EP

AFC’s owners maybe the wealthiest in the ALM, but it’s still a business they are running. 20k more tickets at average $40. Potential to bring in new fans. Make it kids under 10 go free or something  

Just saying

APL get the money for finals games rather than the clubs, so it won't really make a difference to Auckland FC moneywise. 

So I guess it'd about convincing the APL to go for the option where they make less money... 

Yeah forgot about the APL taking all the finals cash. But by being at Eden Park you also give fans from the wider upper North a real chance to get to the Grand Final.

If you live in Ellerslie you probably get to Penrose for most games. Likely have a season ticket, so priority tickets for the GF.

But if you are an Auckland FC fan in Kerkeri, the Tron, Tauranga, Taupo or Edgecimbe you may go to 1-2 games a season. You will need some luck to get a ticket for a GF at 30K Mt Smart. It will sell out maybe in the first day of open ticket sales. Even if they add some temp seating. 

Basically there will be some very disappointed proper football fans (esp outside of Auckland), including lots of kids. That would be a shame. A chockful Eden Park would really highlight the potential of the sport in NZ.

Realise this is all cart before the horse. Auckland maybe knocked in their 2 legged semi, or not finish top of the log. 

Pijnaker gets suspended, and Dan Hall returns from long term injury. They are a jammy bunch ain't they.

Mata is back as well.

Auckland FC v Central Coast Mariners
Sunday, March 16 – Go Media Stadium – 3pm AEDT

Auckland FC squad:
1. Michael WOUD, 2. Hiroki SAKAI, 5. Tommy SMITH, 7. Cameron HOWIESON, 8. Luis TOOMEY, 9. Max MATA, 10. Guillermo MAY, 11. Marlee FRANÇOIS, 12. Alex PAULSEN, 14. Liam GILLION, 15. Francis DE VRIES, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 18. Finn MCKENLAY, 21. Jesse RANDALL, 22. Jake BRIMMER, 23. Dan HALL, 25. Neyder MORENO, 27. Logan ROGERSON, 28. Luis Felipe GALLEGOS, 35. Jonty BIDOIS

(Two to be omitted)
Ins: 9. Max MATA, 14. Liam GILLION, 18. Finn MCKENLAY, 23. Dan HALL
Outs: 4. Nando PIJNAKER (suspended), 6. Louis VERSTRAETE (suspended)
Unavailable: 4. Nando PIJNAKER (suspended), 6. Louis VERSTRAETE (suspended)

Central Coast Mariners squad: 
3. Brian KALTAK, 4. Trent SAINSBURY, 7. Christian THEOHAROUS, 8. Alfie McCALMONT, 9. Alou KUOL, 10. Mikael DOKA, 11 Vitor FEIJAO, 12. Lucas MAURAGIS, 15. Storm ROUX, 16. Harry STEELE, 21. Abdul FAISAL, 23. Miguel DI PIZIO, 24. Diesel HERRINGTON, 27. Sasha KUZEVSKI, 29. Nico DUARTE, 30. Jack WARSHAWSKY, 33. Nathan PAULL, 36. Haine EAMES, 37. Bailey BRANDTMAN, 40. Dylan PERAIC-CULLEN

(Two to be omitted)
Ins: 8. Alfie McCALMONT, 9. Alou KUOL
Outs: 1. Adam PAVLESIC, 35. Arthur DE LIMA

coochiee

Yeah forgot about the APL taking all the finals cash. But by being at Eden Park you also give fans from the wider upper North a real chance to get to the Grand Final.

If you live in Ellerslie you probably get to Penrose for most games. Likely have a season ticket, so priority tickets for the GF.

But if you are an Auckland FC fan in Kerkeri, the Tron, Tauranga, Taupo or Edgecimbe you may go to 1-2 games a season. You will need some luck to get a ticket for a GF at 30K Mt Smart. It will sell out maybe in the first day of open ticket sales. Even if they add some temp seating. 

Basically there will be some very disappointed proper football fans (esp outside of Auckland), including lots of kids. That would be a shame. A chockful Eden Park would really highlight the potential of the sport in NZ.

Realise this is all cart before the horse. Auckland maybe knocked in their 2 legged semi, or not finish top of the log. 

I get all that - but honestly eden park just doesn't have the atmosphere for me - Mt Smart is perfect and has shown it pumps for a big game.  the worst scenario is you take the game to Eden Park and it doesn't sell out, Mt Smart definitely will.

Yeah if the club is on board with keeping it at Mt Smart (should they qualify for the Grand Final of course) then it would be hard for the APL to pull rank considering they let the Mariners host it last year at a stadium smaller than Mt Smart. I imagine the APL would need the club on board to justify moving it.

But who knows, it can be hard to predict what the APL will do

You would think AFC would be open to it.

They know for the derby they can sell out. You would think they would also do for the semi.

After 14 games at Mt Smart they would have made it their home. 

What they would be wanting to know is what is the limit, can we pull 45,000 to a major game?

The All Whites game would likely be watched with interest even though I don’t think that will sell well.

They would want anyone who wants to come to come to the big final game. Aucklanders, northlanders, the tron etc etc. 

Great chance to sell more merch as well.

The kiwis should be used to Eden park by then as well.

Even though Eden park gets a lot of bad press, when it’s full, it does rock

At one point last season, wasn't there a chance the Nix wouldn't be able to host the GF at the ROF? That's if the Nix won their semi, but the Mariners lost theirs. A Garden Show already booked at the ROF.

So the APL saying the Nix would have to take the GF to Eden Park, if that scenario unfolded.