Auckland Pride - Make Auckland Great Again

Auckland of course basically at full strength. Though I'm assuming Galloway is long term injured?


Brisbane Roar v Auckland FC
Sunday March 30 – Suncorp Stadium – 5pm AEDT

Brisbane Roar squad:
1. Macklin FREKE (GK), 6.Austin LUDWIK, 7. Rafael STRUICK, 8. Walid SHOUR, 10. Florin BERENGUER, 11. Asumah ABUBAKAR, 12.Lucas HERRINGTON, 13. Henry HORE, 14. Pearson KASAWAYA, 15. Hosine BIILITY, 17. Nathan AMANATIDIS, 18. Jacob BRAZETE, 19. Jack HINGERT, 21. Antonee BURKE-GILROY, 24. Sam KLEIN, 26. Jay O’SHEA (C), 27. Ben HALLORAN, 29. Matt ACTON (GK), 35. Louis ZABALA, 47. James DURRINGTON

(Two to be omitted)

Ins: 6.Austin LUDWIK (returns from injury)
Outs: 23.Keegan JELACIC (suspended)
Unavailable: 3. Corey BROWN (injured), 4. Ben WARLAND (injured)

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, 15. Francis DE VRIES, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 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: 4. Nando PIJNAKER, 6. Louis VERSTRAETE
Outs: 14. Liam GILLION, 18. Finn MCKENLAY
Unavailable: Nil

90% humidity today in SE QLD. Same forecast for tomorrow. Unusually high for this time of year. 

Will test AFC's ability to press all game. Subs will play a part tomorrow.

An article from Michael Burgess on Auckland FC contracts for next season:

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/auckland-fc-a-league-leaders-secure-majority-of-squad-for-next-season/ICPIHMI4IFCBHDN3G6ZPGZWU6Y/

Guillermo May, Jesse Randall and Tommy Smith have all signed on for Auckland again next season. Seems they had triggers in their contracts based on appearance numbers.

Logan Rogerson hasn't signed yet but it has been verbally agreed

They expect to start negotiations with Neydar Moreno in early April

For me one of the most interesting parts of this article is that it seems they have told Michael Woud he will be the starting keeper next season rather than looking for someone else to replace Paulsen:

“The way Michael has conducted himself and the way he’s handled himself, with Alex Paulsen coming in on loan has been exemplary across the whole group,” said McFLynn. “He’s been fantastic. His attitude’s been amazing. We told Michael it was going to be a one-year loan deal for Alex. We told Alex it was a one-year loan deal and he was going back after that. So culturally, we can’t go back on that now and we need to give Michael the opportunity, which he deserves. And with Alex, it’s been an absolute pleasure working with him day in and day out and helping him on his journey.”

That's an article by Michael Burgess not Phillip Rollo. If we are hoping to get Waine back, we had better hope Auckland & Shrewsbury come to an agreement to let Mata stay in Auckland. I could see Waine being tempted by the better team & money that Auckland could offer him, if they lose Max.

Half a Pint

An article from Phillip Rollo on Auckland FC contracts for next season:

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/auckland-fc-a-league-leaders-secure-majority-of-squad-for-next-season/ICPIHMI4IFCBHDN3G6ZPGZWU6Y/

Guillermo May, Jesse Randall and Tommy Smith have all signed on for Auckland again next season. Seems they had triggers in their contracts based on appearance numbers.

Logan Rogerson hasn't signed yet but it has been verbally agreed

They expect to start negotiations with Neydar Moreno in early April

For me one of the most interesting parts of this article is that it seems they have told Michael Woud he will be the starting keeper next season rather than looking for someone else to replace Paulsen:

“The way Michael has conducted himself and the way he’s handled himself, with Alex Paulsen coming in on loan has been exemplary across the whole group,” said McFLynn. “He’s been fantastic. His attitude’s been amazing. We told Michael it was going to be a one-year loan deal for Alex. We told Alex it was a one-year loan deal and he was going back after that. So culturally, we can’t go back on that now and we need to give Michael the opportunity, which he deserves. And with Alex, it’s been an absolute pleasure working with him day in and day out and helping him on his journey.”

imanixsupporter

That's an article by Michael Burgess not Phillip Rollo. If we are hoping to get Waine back, we had better hope Auckland & Shrewsbury come to an agreement to let Mata stay in Auckland. I could see Waine being tempted by the better team & money that Auckland could offer him, if they lose Max.

Half a Pint

An article from Phillip Rollo on Auckland FC contracts for next season:

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/auckland-fc-a-league-leaders-secure-majority-of-squad-for-next-season/ICPIHMI4IFCBHDN3G6ZPGZWU6Y/

Guillermo May, Jesse Randall and Tommy Smith have all signed on for Auckland again next season. Seems they had triggers in their contracts based on appearance numbers.

Logan Rogerson hasn't signed yet but it has been verbally agreed

They expect to start negotiations with Neydar Moreno in early April

For me one of the most interesting parts of this article is that it seems they have told Michael Woud he will be the starting keeper next season rather than looking for someone else to replace Paulsen:

“The way Michael has conducted himself and the way he’s handled himself, with Alex Paulsen coming in on loan has been exemplary across the whole group,” said McFLynn. “He’s been fantastic. His attitude’s been amazing. We told Michael it was going to be a one-year loan deal for Alex. We told Alex it was a one-year loan deal and he was going back after that. So culturally, we can’t go back on that now and we need to give Michael the opportunity, which he deserves. And with Alex, it’s been an absolute pleasure working with him day in and day out and helping him on his journey.”

Edited it now to say Michael Burgess! My bad I was reading a tweet by Phillip Rollo right before reading that article!

Interesting article. That was all preety low key the extension of those like May etc.

Hopefully the season does not end like a basket case as there doesn’t seem much wiggle room to play with next year in terms of new starting players and it looks like all imports will be returning. 

Despite the nice words about the back up goal keeper while they may let him start next year I wouldn’t be surprised if they got some serious competition like Sail to keep him honest 

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Auckland 7 clear, found the goals as needed toward the end of each half

Can't take their foot off the gas yet. Assuming Western win all their last games Auckland will still need 6 more wins to secure the premiership

Noah4thenix

Can't take their foot off the gas yet. Assuming Western win all their last games Auckland will still need 6 more wins to secure the premiership

Think you need to revise those maths a bit. 

For starters there are only 5 games left.

Ah, I forgot 29 matchdays doesn't mean everyone plays 29 games, lame. 3 wins to secure the season

city also not out of this. They have 4 home games left as well.

Honestly think the influence factor of Sakai on this Auckland team is massive - what a guy, showing my colours but Steven Gerrard like in the way he leads by action.

Went to the Auckland game at Suncorp. Man it was hot & sticky. Hard to comment on the game much, as spent alot of time chatting to the guys around me. Nice to be amongst Kiwis talking football. A gut buster from Sakai for his goal.

But alot of chatter AFC were conserving their energy and backing their bench for the 2nd half. Impossible really to play their normal high energy hard pressing game in that heat & humidity. Drinks breaks in each half.


Two Port guys pretty pissed leading the chants. Usual friction with a couple behind them, not familar with people standing at the football.

Sat beside a very keen AFC supporter now living on the Gold Coast. He knows alot of The Port guys, and said virtually every club in Auckland is represented. He was ex Metro & HNK Auckland Croatia. Others there with links to Western Springs, and Bay Olympic. But sounds like is basically half a dozen people from each 09 club, formed their own little fan group, travelling from the various clubrooms to Mt Smart together on game days. 

So yeah seems it's not all NZ's Bling FC, and Auckland have done a very good job bedding in with the Northern Region clubs. Better than the Phoenix with Central League clubs, is probably a fair comment. CEO Nick Becker dropped to chat to a few at HT.

coochiee

Went to the Auckland game at Suncorp. Man it was hot & sticky. Hard to comment on the game much, as spent alot of time chatting to the guys around me. Nice to be amongst Kiwis talking football. A gut buster from Sakai for his goal.

But alot of chatter AFC were conserving their energy and backing their bench for the 2nd half. Impossible really to play their normal high energy hard pressing game in that heat & humidity. Drinks breaks in each half.


Two Port guys pretty pissed leading the chants. Usual friction with a couple behind them, not familar with people standing at the football.

Sat beside a very keen AFC supporter now living on the Gold Coast. He knows alot of The Port guys, and said virtually every club in Auckland is represented. He was ex Metro & HNK Auckland Croatia. Others there with links to Western Springs, and Bay Olympic. But sounds like is basically half a dozen people from each 09 club, formed their own little fan group, travelling from the various clubrooms to Mt Smart together on game days. 

So yeah seems it's not all NZ's Bling FC, and Auckland have done a very good job bedding in with the Northern Region clubs. Better than the Phoenix with Central League clubs, is probably a fair comment. CEO Nick Becker dropped to chat to a few at HT.

Stefan Bebich?

Possibly. Virtual wave if he is reading this, because I think he does hop on here for a read. Goes by Esse?? Previously a Kingz fan. Certainly very passionate AFC supporter.

Either him or someone else (a Russell?) said they were at Ellerslie FC at some point as well.

coochiee

Possibly. Virtual wave if he is reading this, because I think he does hop on here for a read. Goes by Esse?? Previously a Kingz fan. Certainly very passionate AFC supporter.

Either him or someone else (a Russell?) said they were at Ellerslie FC at some point as well.

  yeah that's him - super man - a real shame he had to move to Aussie for the first season - would have been front and centre in the port each weekend at home! 

coochiee

Possibly. Virtual wave if he is reading this, because I think he does hop on here for a read. Goes by Esse?? Previously a Kingz fan. Certainly very passionate AFC supporter.

Either him or someone else (a Russell?) said they were at Ellerslie FC at some point as well.

yeah that's him - super man - a real shame he had to move to Aussie for the first season - would have been front and centre in the port each weekend at home!

Great defence wins you trophies.

Dan Hall has only played 8 games so dunno how they worked that out

But the point stands because the Hall/Pijnaker combo has only conceded once in 630 minutes & AFC have won 7/7 when both start

The one goal was scored by Kosta Barbarouses in Derby 2 https://t.co/w4H9oCSNwZ

— The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) April 1, 2025

Auckland FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday, 5th March – Go Media Stadium – 3pm AEDT

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, 15. Francis DE VRIES, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 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: 25. Neyder MORENO, 35. Jonty BIDOIS
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 14. Liam GILLION

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 
2.Gab CLEUR, 3.Alex GERSBACH, 4.Alex BONETIG, 6.Mohamed AL TAAY, 7.Zac SAPSFORD, 9.Marcus ANTONSSON, 13.Dean PELEKANOS, 14.Nicolas MILANOVIC, 17.Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 18.Oscar PRIESTMAN, 19.Jack CLISBY, 20.Lawrence THOMAS (GK), 21.Aydan HAMMOND, 22.Anthony PANTAZOPOULOUS, 23.Bozhidar KRAEV, 25.Joshua BRILLANTE, 26.Brandon BORRELLO, 28.Josh Laws, 30.Jordan HOLMES (GK), 64.Juan MATA

(Two to be omitted)
Ins: 6.Mohamed AL TAAY (returns from international duty), 21.Aydan HAMMOND (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 5.Dylan SCICLUNA (injured), 8.Jeong TAE-WOOK (injured)

What has happened to Gillion??

martinb

What has happened to Gillion??

He didn't pass the ball to Moreno for the tap in that time and to calm Moreno down Steve told him 'dont worry, he won't be playing anymore'.

Gonna be some news about fan behaviour coming out.

Some WSW fans on reddit claim someone from the port came into their section and got the shark beaten out of him. They also claim an AFC fan for "no reason" broke someone's jaw at half time.

Personally, I saw literally half the away bay empty on about the 15th minute mark. Sprinted out the tunnel with security guards as well. I also saw them throwing things basically nonstop and trying to have a go at the bay next door. Other's on reddit claim they were throwing things at children.

Definitely believe an AFC fan was dumb enough to head up there (given they did the same to Yellow Fever) so of course there's a guilty party there.

But generally some of the worse fan behaviour I've witnessed from the WSW fans. No wonder their standard home games have riot police.

But highlight is probably WSW using two flares on the disallowed goal lol

That may be the case but dont kid yourself from all reports some Auckland fans have just been itching to cause trouble. Was just a matter if time before someone obliged them.
Have been plenty of stores around about how unpleasant it has been as an away game.
Fully exoect Auckland to lay all the blame elswhere.

 

ballane

That may be the case but dont kid yourself from all reports some Auckland fans have just been itching to cause trouble. Was just a matter if time before someone obliged them.
Have been plenty of stores around about how unpleasant it has been as an away game.
Fully exoect Auckland to lay all the blame elswhere.

I agree some Auckland clowns have certainly gone looking for trouble and tonight is probably reality slapping those clowns in the face. But the truth is, I sit opposite that stand they were in, and every time I looked up WSW fans were throwing stuff and/or tussling with security guards. 

They looked a motley bunch on TV.

Just a shame that those guys didn’t have the opportunity to take in a warriors game while they were in town. 

Or UFC

Why aren't Moreno and Brimmer starting? Fitness? IMO this is costing points.
Also, François is bullied off the ball too often, and his passing is telegraphed; too predictable. Randall looks more effective for now 

April 5, 2025 

Wonder if it was the same moron that did it at the derby? 

While not condoning it - play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

nixin

Why aren't Moreno and Brimmer starting? Fitness? IMO this is costing points.
Also, François is bullied off the ball too often, and his passing is telegraphed; too predictable. Randall looks more effective for now 

Moreno is injured. Apparently should return next game at SFC

It seems one of the wsw fans was king hit.  The media are going to have a field day with this next week.  Perfect FC’s first real PR troubles?  (Might not be all their fault though)…

Didnt look likely for much of the first half, then forced a good press and snagged a goal. WSW were good for their goal but felt AFC were unlucky as they finished strongly. 6 clear at present

Screenshot_6-4-2025_74716_aleagues.com.au.jpg 99.75 KB

 

That table can’t be right. Western won last night.

It was quite interesting that Smith went on for an attacking player with 20 odd mins to go.

Coach ready to accept a point that early and thinks that approach is going to be enough to bring some silverware?

Admittedly however in the final 10, AFC were at their best with big chances created.

Apart from Matas bicycle kick, he stank up the place yesterday as did the Ausi left winger. He is just Gillion without the excitement value. Really needs Moreno back quickly. 

I actually hope they don’t resign Mata next year. The guy just doesn’t score goals. If he is a target man  he did squat yesterday on his shift.

So with all the teams at the top having four games to play, Western United's maximum points is 41 + 12 = 53. So Auckland need 8 from their last four to secure it.

Interestingly, the last match of the season is Western vs Auckland.

It really is possible that it’s gonna come down to Perfect FC’s last match of the season.  Thrilling.

20 Legend

So with all the teams at the top having four games to play, Western United's maximum points is 41 + 12 = 53. So Auckland need 8 from their last four to secure it.

Interestingly, the last match of the season is Western vs Auckland.

agree. Away bay has been a shambles both derbies, coming to the away zone looking for trouble. Was always going to be happen.   

The AFC fans seem arrogant as heck and spend more time giving it to the away fans than watching the game. 

ballane

That may be the case but dont kid yourself from all reports some Auckland fans have just been itching to cause trouble. Was just a matter if time before someone obliged them.
Have been plenty of stores around about how unpleasant it has been as an away game.
Fully exoect Auckland to lay all the blame elswhere.

There is a qualitative difference in aggro between AFC fans and Nix culture that's disappointing. Like, an AFC fan on Reddit was all like Nix fans deserved what they get for "coming into our supporters pub". In my experience, when travelling fans come into the YF's pub, they get shouted a round. I liked that culture.

Hard to tell what's going on, people are saying the AFC provocateur got king hit by RBB, others are saying the opposite happened

https://i.imgur.com/rO0FoaB.mp4

Some context on the Western Sydney rabble. Can’t see the middle aged port guys doing this in the return leg next season.

With their lead at only 5 points, they only need to collect two less points than Western United over the next 3 games to give themselves the opportunity to lose it on the final day. Their goal difference buffer of +3 right now is negligible, it would become -1 if Western United beat them 2-0.

And they have two very tough away games against Sydney and Victory up next. I'd be very worried as an AFC fan right now.

20 Legend

So with all the teams at the top having four games to play, Western United's maximum points is 41 + 12 = 53. So Auckland need 8 from their last four to secure it.

Interestingly, the last match of the season is Western vs Auckland.