Auckland Pride - Make Auckland Great Again

They need to get May and Rogerson back into that starting team pronto for Francois and Randall.

Maybe bring those two on late when their pace can be used against a tiring defence.

Ridiculous that neither of the two top scorers from last season were not starting on the pitch and playing the majority of minutes.

Jessie Merino

theprof

Cosgrove looked pretty average to be fair, bit of a flat track bully. Certaiinly gonna see a few cards this season.

I thought the whole team looked pretty average. Industrial football. The Nix on song v Perth a far better watch. November 8 could be a belter.

Think it was more two good teams that didn't want to blink first. Probably more befitting of a first leg knockout tie, but we got it last night in a regular season match instead. 

Perth are a lot easier to open up, and therefore look better against going forward.

Doloras

Good to see Woud not making a massive howler for once

I wonder how he is viewed within the camp, he made a great save and no-one gave him a high 5, pat on the back etc, in fact no-one came anywhere near him, I seem recall things being different with Paulsen.

dunnix

The amount of Betcha ads attached to Auckland broadcasts is gross. Pretty glad the Nix don't have a partnership like that. Did we ever?

I think while Betcha are an AFC sponsor they are also a broadcast sponsor with Sky so you might see those same ads in a nix broadcast.

corica said on piney's show that he and sail get on really well. No idea about the rest of the squad

Dougie Rydal

Doloras

Good to see Woud not making a massive howler for once

I wonder how he is viewed within the camp, he made a great save and no-one gave him a high 5, pat on the back etc, in fact no-one came anywhere near him, I seem recall things being different with Paulsen.

Dougie Rydal

Doloras

Good to see Woud not making a massive howler for once

I wonder how he is viewed within the camp, he made a great save and no-one gave him a high 5, pat on the back etc, in fact no-one came anywhere near him, I seem recall things being different with Paulsen.

difference between a young keeper and an old hand!

AucklandPhoenix

They need to get May and Rogerson back into that starting team pronto for Francois and Randall.

Maybe bring those two on late when their pace can be used against a tiring defence.

Ridiculous that neither of the two top scorers from last season were not starting on the pitch and playing the majority of minutes.

Francois & Randall had games that anyone would want to forget. So bad that it let the rest of the team down big time.  Still first game of the season and they got a point. That Victory didn't win with all their new signings as the commentators seemed determined to crow about, suggests once again, AFC will be difficult to break down, but a bit limp up front.

AucklandPhoenix

They need to get May and Rogerson back into that starting team pronto for Francois and Randall.

Maybe bring those two on late when their pace can be used against a tiring defence.

Ridiculous that neither of the two top scorers from last season were not starting on the pitch and playing the majority of minutes.

And you’ve released Moreno who was just one goal behind- so none of your top 3 from last season start

Feel like the team’s a bit more Sydney and a bit less Auckland this year, and potentially the worse for it hopefully.

Those excellent crosses from FDV went mostly to nobody in the box, with Francois and Randall not quite anticipating them.  
I thought that May (once he came on) looked as forlorn as our Kosta last season, just with a few chances.
I thought either Cosgrove was either not ready for this level of opposition, or was not game ready, as my impression of him in this game was that he seemed "all hat and no cattle".  A lot of attitude but not enough getting into the box. Eze could offer him an example.
However even if takes a while longer for Auckland to click into gear this season, as opposed to that imperious debut last year, they will have enough quality and good coaching to be comfortably a top four team at the end of the regular season.  

Can see Cosgrove and James banging heads in the Derby. Either to get a yellow probably a good bet.

Mainland FC

Those excellent crosses from FDV went mostly to nobody in the box, with Francois and Randall not quite anticipating them.  
I thought that May (once he came on) looked as forlorn as our Kosta last season, just with a few chances.
I thought either Cosgrove was not ready for this level of opposition, as my impression of him in this game was that he seemed "all hat and no cattle".  A lot of attitude but not enough getting into the box. Eze could offer him an example.
However even if takes a while longer for Auckland to click into gear this season, as opposed to that imperious debut last year, they will have enough quality and good coaching to be comfortably a top four team at the end of the regular season.  

 The comment guy kept raving about Cosgrove. I was wondering if we were watching the same game

dunnix

The amount of Betcha ads attached to Auckland broadcasts is gross. Pretty glad the Nix don't have a partnership like that. Did we ever?

Saw this a few days ago. It's clearly a bit of ribbing, but still a questionable marketing strategy imo, considering you're taking the piss out of the 3rd largest populous city in the country. Can imagine it would rub people the wrong way if played into too much.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1a18dy5V7M/

karlpetersson

dunnix

The amount of Betcha ads attached to Auckland broadcasts is gross. Pretty glad the Nix don't have a partnership like that. Did we ever?

Saw this a few days ago. It's clearly a bit of ribbing, but still a questionable marketing strategy imo, considering you're taking the piss out of the 3rd largest populous city in the country. Can imagine it would rub people the wrong way if played into too much.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1a18dy5V7M/

I'm more pissed off that I can't use Bet365 anymore if im being honest.

F*** Entain.

karlpetersson

dunnix

The amount of Betcha ads attached to Auckland broadcasts is gross. Pretty glad the Nix don't have a partnership like that. Did we ever?

Saw this a few days ago. It's clearly a bit of ribbing, but still a questionable marketing strategy imo, considering you're taking the piss out of the 3rd largest populous city in the country. Can imagine it would rub people the wrong way if played into too much.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1a18dy5V7M/

 yeah I hadn't seen this before - I know it might upset some people but I would genuinely enjoy a similar clip about Auckland from the rest of NZ POV (of which I'm sure there are heaps) so I guess it's not really a problem. 

Finn McKenlay. Tried hard at the U20s WC, and played every minute so Greeny must rate him.

Wasn't in the match day squad against VUC, and playing in the OFC League might be his lot this summer.

Has a UK passport, so that might come in handy as his career progresses.
I think young central mid fielders need time to develop. See early years Rufer and now Conchie (had a good game in Perth).

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/10/22/profile-finn-mckenlay-the-young-midfielder-on-the-rise-with-auckland-fc/

Squads have been named for Auckland FC’s first home game of the men’s A-League season.

Auckland FC will host Western Sydney Wanderers at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart at 5pm (NZT) on Saturday.

Squads
Auckland FC (two to be omitted)
1. Michael Woud, 2. Hiroki Sakai, 3. Jake Girdwood-Reich, 6. Louis Verstraete, 7. Cameron Howieson, 9. Sam Cosgrove, 10. Guillermo May, 11. Marlee François, 14. Liam Gillion, 15. Francis de Vries, 16. Adama Coulibaly, 17. Callan Elliot, 18. Finn McKenlay, 20. Oli Sail, 21. Jesse Randall, 22. Jake Brimmer, 23. Dan Hall, 27. Logan Rogerson, 43. Ryan Mackay, 77. Lachlan Brook.

In: 16. Adama Coulibaly, 18. Finn McKenlay.
Unavailable: Nando Pijnaker (injured), 8. Felipe Gallegos (injured).

Western Sydney Wanderers (two to be omitted)
2. Gabriel Cleur, 3. Alexander Gersbach, 4. Alexander Bonetig, 5. Dylan Scicluna, 6. Mohamed Al-Taay, 8. Steven Ugarkovic, 9. Kosta Barbarouses, 17. Jarrod Carluccio, 19. Ruon Tongyik, 20. Lawrence Thomas, 21. Aydan Hammond, 22. Anthony Pantazopoulos, 23. Bozhidar Kraev, 25. Joshua Brillante, 26. Brandon Borrello, 31. Aidan Simmons, 32. Angus Thurgate, 39. Awan Lual, 40. Tristan Vidackovic, 45. Alou Kuol.

In: 6. Mohamed Al-taay, 17. Jarrod Carluccio, 40. Tristan Vidackovic.
Out: 30. Jordan Holmes (illness)

Will be very interesting to see crowds this season.

Picking a downturn. 

15k odd for game one. Obviously sell out for Nix and thereafter between 10 and 13k range for the other games. 

Still decent for the league. 

I think this weekend will be low - weather average, and the usual Auckland long weekend exodus.

20 Legend

I think this weekend will be low - weather average, and the usual Auckland long weekend exodus.

So you reckon all those 000's of buyers of the shirt are going to go wear it at the mall and the beach instead

theprof

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360864913/burger-chain-created-worlds-largest-youtuber-appear-auckland-fc-games

In the past I’ve facetiously suggested that if they insist on the BK branding we should refer to them as Burger Kingz. Shark just got real.

Jets put 5 past Victory and AFC couldnt even get one. Surely Rogerson and May need to be starting today 

AFC field their strongest starting XI for the first time ever. 
No François (how did he get in and stay in??). Brook and Randall both start.
Only question mark is Cosgrove, because he's new.
Just my opinion, obviously; now watch them get thrashed.

Big call when Nando and Logan aren't in there 

Edit: and Gallegos

How satisfying would it be to see Kotsa score tonight.

This why I like Randall as a WC bolter. He’s underestimated by opponents and still has that undeterred instinct for goal where he’ll try things. Here a Smeltzy like jig to the right and shoot. 

There’s just a little more to him than opponents suspect, including strength and shooting skills and that might get a tournament goal! 

Cosgrove continues to look like a meat axe.

Auckland win 1 -0, Randall bounces back after some misses last week. Not pretty but 3 points taken. 

..of the available players. Otherwise, I kinda agree, those three and Elliot definitely pushing to start. I prefer Brimmer to Gallegos, but it's close.
Also Cosgrove should not start, based on today and his track record in League 1.
So Rogerson starts at LW, and Randall moves up front.

imanixsupporter

Big call when Nando and Logan aren't in there 

Edit: and Gallegos

Meat axes are useful ...

martinb

This why I like Randall as a WC bolter. He’s underestimated by opponents and still has that undeterred instinct for goal where he’ll try things. Here a Smeltzy like jig to the right and shoot. 

There’s just a little more to him than opponents suspect, including strength and shooting skills and that might get a tournament goal! 

Cosgrove continues to look like a meat axe.

 

AucklandPhoenix

Will be very interesting to see crowds this season.

Picking a downturn. 

15k odd for game one. Obviously sell out for Nix and thereafter between 10 and 13k range for the other games. 

Still decent for the league. 

14,676. 

First things first: they've now got bratwurst vans at Mt Smart. And they're delicious.

Auckland FC are not quite "there" yet. De Vries is a legitimate giant; Woud continues not to make his trademark howlers; Randall got his just rewards. And I am *really* impressed by Lachlan Brook. Some incredible runs and ball control.

Everyone who looked good last season still looked good, but I think the edge up top that Moreno brought hasn't been replaced. I join the broad masses in agreeing that Cosgrove seems a waste of space so far.

AFC *should* have got 2 or 3 in the 20-45 minute, when WSW were totally at sea, and I think that almost came back to bite them near the end. A lot of people weren't impressed with Borello but I had my heart in my mouth every time he got the ball. And near the end even Kosta got a couple of half-chances, including trying to milk a penalty ("GET UP KOSTA" was the chant). I don't know who's doing his hair these days but he looks like 5 years older.

Some people were yelling about De Vries' boot contact with Thomas's head, but there was nothing it, he was clearly trying to pull out. I've gotten a few unintentional kicks to the head in that situation, and credit to Thomas for the bravery to go down at all.

There appeared to be about 2 members of the RBB there with a banner. No biffo. 

Agree AFC are not quite there yet. But they have 4 points from 2 games. I bet they wished they had kept Mata. At least hes an athlete...his link play with May was a feature of last season. May looks a little lost. It would be interesting to see them in a game where they go a goal or two down and have to go all out on attack.

FU BLU

Meat axes are useful ...

martinb

This why I like Randall as a WC bolter. He’s underestimated by opponents and still has that undeterred instinct for goal where he’ll try things. Here a Smeltzy like jig to the right and shoot. 

There’s just a little more to him than opponents suspect, including strength and shooting skills and that might get a tournament goal! 

Cosgrove continues to look like a meat axe.

 

For cleaving meat at a butcher’s, not for playing number 9 in a professional football team. IMO. 

Looks with Alex gone Sam is quickly inheriting the tag of most hated AFC player from Nix fans.

😂

I don't think observing that the bloke has looked like a donkey so far qualifies as hate

AucklandPhoenix

Looks with Alex gone Sam is quickly inheriting the tag of most hated AFC player from Nix fans.

😂

Not sure Alex was hated by Nix fans most i know still appreciate and like him. What most didnt like was the under hand way he ended at AFC announced before the approriate rule had even been changed.

I agree, I think it was an artificial hate. 

Nah if you watched the AFC doco Paulsen was either genuinely upset about how Nix fans treated him or pretended to be to serve the documentary narrative. Lost a bit of respect for him for that. It is natural to boo a former player who shows up at a bitter rival the very next season, even if it wasn't necessarily AP's choice to go there. But AP was acting all cut up about it and got wholeheartedly into the us v them thing AFC had about the Nix, even though the Nix gave him his career. Get a grip buddy