Auckland Pride - Make Auckland Great Again

Gareth Morgan to lead that bunch of urchin cat killers into battle.

Yipe I’d pay good money to watch that

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/12/23/all-white-callan-elliot-meets-the-panel-on-this-weeks-the-unused-subs-show/

According to the Guinness book of records

The largest water pistol fight involved 3,875 participants and was achieved by the University of California, Irvine at an event organised by NLA Sports (both USA) in Irvine, California, USA, on 24 September 2013. Students from the University of California, Irvine, were divided into two teams that wore the colors blue and gold respectively, fought a battle with water pistols that lasted twelve minutes

The Romans used to flood the coliseum and have naval battles. The modern drainage prevents that as an option at the Ring of Fire?

AucklandPhoenix

I don’t think it needs any special place and will just predominantly be carnage in the stands.

That is where I imagine most of the shooting will happen and is definitely something Wellington could do.

It does bring back my youth. 

Maybe vodka in water pistol may get past security on that day?

Surely they can’t be checking all water pistols and asking they are emptied?

They do water bottles
Vodka dosnt need to be in water pistols its normally in flasks. 🤫

ballane

AucklandPhoenix

I don’t think it needs any special place and will just predominantly be carnage in the stands.

That is where I imagine most of the shooting will happen and is definitely something Wellington could do.

It does bring back my youth. 

Maybe vodka in water pistol may get past security on that day?

Surely they can’t be checking all water pistols and asking they are emptied?

They do water bottles
Vodka dosnt need to be in water pistols its normally in flasks. 🤫

I don't get the we don't have the space comment - you have a large round stadium with a rectangle in the middle - so there is plenty of room at the ends and on the sides to do something for the kids - just needs a bit of creativity from the marketing department - you have to be careful of the grass so might limit you on what you can do but setting up a zone to have a water fight doesn't seem that hard.

EDIT: Also what I came here to say was Auckland FC's game postponed due to a dodgy pitch - gives the players Christmas with their families but a bit rough on anyone who had planned to travel over - plus now got to find another football fix during the festive period.

Peak A League.

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/12/24/unsafe-pitch-forces-auckland-fcs-a-league-clash-with-sydney-to-be-called-off/

An “unplayable” pitch has forced the postponement of this weekend’s top-of-the-table clash between men’s A-League leaders Auckland FC and Sydney.

The decision to call off the match follows a pitch inspection at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval, where the match was scheduled to be played on Saturday December 27, 2025.

“Ground staff at the venue changed the field of play from a winter to summer grass following Sydney FC’s last match at Leichhardt Oval against Melbourne Victory on November 22,” the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) said in a statement.

“A follow-up pitch inspection on Monday has found the playing surface to be in an unsatisfactory condition, with large patches of sand and mud, and it’s been declared unsafe for play.”

Having a look at transfer market two Solomon Islanders Iro and Boyers look to be up coming transfers for the OFC team. 

Don’t know however how reliable that is as a bit of Facebook stuff in October indicates some sort of placement with Auckland.

chopah

ballane

AucklandPhoenix

I don’t think it needs any special place and will just predominantly be carnage in the stands.

That is where I imagine most of the shooting will happen and is definitely something Wellington could do.

It does bring back my youth. 

Maybe vodka in water pistol may get past security on that day?

Surely they can’t be checking all water pistols and asking they are emptied?

They do water bottles
Vodka dosnt need to be in water pistols its normally in flasks. 🤫

I don't get the we don't have the space comment - you have a large round stadium with a rectangle in the middle - so there is plenty of room at the ends and on the sides to do something for the kids - just needs a bit of creativity from the marketing department - you have to be careful of the grass so might limit you on what you can do but setting up a zone to have a water fight doesn't seem that hard.

EDIT: Also what I came here to say was Auckland FC's game postponed due to a dodgy pitch - gives the players Christmas with their families but a bit rough on anyone who had planned to travel over - plus now got to find another football fix during the festive period.

And a fairly large concourse, inside and outside.

Vodka filled water pistols seem unlikely.

NEW YEAR’S DAY FUN AT GO MEDIA
It wouldn’t be the same if you didn’t get wet in an AFC vs. Newcastle fixture. Strictly for kids aged 6-12, the biggest water fight in the southern hemisphere* will be taking place in the car park by LilyWorld. Bring a towel, and wear something you don’t mind getting wet in. It starts at 3:45pm.

Auckland FC’s famous Tailgate is on again. DJ’s, BBQ’s, fun and games are happening. It’s a wonderful occasion that brings the football community closer together.

Should not have posted - the rich guys have wised up

Wellington has car parks right?

AucklandPhoenix

Should not have posted - the rich guys have wised up

Shame, let the adults have some fun too!! Tequila laced water pistols. Have duels from 10 feet apart.

It's been said many times, but man AFC seem fortunate re so few long term injuries through their first 2 seasons.

You have a recent All White in Liam Gillion who can't even make their match day squad. Another like the promising Finn Mckenlay, who might even go close to starting for the Nix.

The Jets will likely need another monsoon rain, to sneak a 2nd win at Mt Smart.


Squads
Auckland FC (two to be omitted)
1. Michael Woud, 2. Hiroki Sakai, 3. Jake Girdwood-Reich, 4. Nando Pijnaker, 6. Louis Verstraete, 7. Cameron Howieson, 8. Felipe Gallegos, 9. Sam Cosgrove, 10. Guillermo May, 11. Marlee François, 15. Francis de Vries, 17. Callan Elliot, 19. Oliver Middleton, 20. Oli Sail, 21. Jesse Randall, 22. Jake Brimmer, 23. Dan Hall, 27. Logan Rogerson, 35. Jonty Bidois, 77. Lachlan Brook.

Unavailable: None.

Newcastle Jets (two to be omitted)
1. James Delianov, 5. Joe Shaughnessy, 7. Eli Adams, 8. Lachlan Bayliss, 9. Lachlan Rose, 11. Ben Gibson, 13. Clayton Taylor, 14. Max Burgess, 17. Kosta Grozos, 18. Kota Mizunuma, 19. Alex Badolato, 22. Joel Bertolissio, 28. Will Dobson, 33. Mark Natta, 34. Meliwethu Nkomo, 37. Oli Cockle, 40. Jordan Baylis, 42. Max Cooper, 43. Xavier Bertoncello, 45. Christian Bracco.

Out: 23. Daniel Wilmering (injured).

Unavailable: 20. Alex Nassiep, 24. Alexandro Nunes, 25. Oscar Fryer, 21. Noah James, 39. Thomas Aquilina, 41. Lucas Scicluna.

I think you’re missing an angle here:

“Water-pistol fight for 6-12 year olds! All water laced with vodka! Enjoy the game in the knowledge the kids will be asleep straight after!”

Taking the whole family today. The water-fight sealed the deal for the Littlest Hooligan, who is Phoenix-till-she-dies and thus not that interested in the football.

coochiee

It's been said many times, but man AFC seem fortunate re so few long term injuries through their first 2 seasons.

You have a recent All White in Liam Gillion who can't even make their match day squad. Another like the promising Finn Mckenlay, who might even go close to starting for the Nix.

The Jets will likely need another monsoon rain, to sneak a 2nd win at Mt Smart.


Squads
Auckland FC (two to be omitted)
1. Michael Woud, 2. Hiroki Sakai, 3. Jake Girdwood-Reich, 4. Nando Pijnaker, 6. Louis Verstraete, 7. Cameron Howieson, 8. Felipe Gallegos, 9. Sam Cosgrove, 10. Guillermo May, 11. Marlee François, 15. Francis de Vries, 17. Callan Elliot, 19. Oliver Middleton, 20. Oli Sail, 21. Jesse Randall, 22. Jake Brimmer, 23. Dan Hall, 27. Logan Rogerson, 35. Jonty Bidois, 77. Lachlan Brook.

Unavailable: None.

Newcastle Jets (two to be omitted)
1. James Delianov, 5. Joe Shaughnessy, 7. Eli Adams, 8. Lachlan Bayliss, 9. Lachlan Rose, 11. Ben Gibson, 13. Clayton Taylor, 14. Max Burgess, 17. Kosta Grozos, 18. Kota Mizunuma, 19. Alex Badolato, 22. Joel Bertolissio, 28. Will Dobson, 33. Mark Natta, 34. Meliwethu Nkomo, 37. Oli Cockle, 40. Jordan Baylis, 42. Max Cooper, 43. Xavier Bertoncello, 45. Christian Bracco.

Out: 23. Daniel Wilmering (injured).

Unavailable: 20. Alex Nassiep, 24. Alexandro Nunes, 25. Oscar Fryer, 21. Noah James, 39. Thomas Aquilina, 41. Lucas Scicluna.

Brimmer out - might be an injury - have not seen any details.

Dull as a spoon confirmed on Commentary that he is out with a niggle

Football gods do have a sense of humour - AFC losing to a 9 man jets team.

imagine losing to 9 men and not changing the tactics!!!

chopah

Football gods do have a sense of humour - AFC losing to a 9 man jets team.

This Cup winning Jets team might be okay! If they can keep them together, potential to equal Roarcelona. But likely we’ll see players off overseas soon. 

theprof

imagine losing to 9 men and not changing the tactics!!!

 I mean they did change the tactics - it just didn't work... same thing I guess.

But Corica is a footballing savant! surely he knows how to beat 9 men?
Got to be gone! not good enough. 

(j/k)

theprof

But Corica is a footballing savant! surely he knows how to beat 9 men?
Got to be gone! not good enough. 

(j/k)

yeah that was my point about football gods having a sense of humor - but seriously Newcastle look pretty good everytime I see them - not sure if they are losing anyone in the window but if they can pick up a decent CB they could win the whole thing. Got a few injuries today though - might cost them.

Happy New Year Auckland.

Shark i love a cranky Corica

chopah

theprof

But Corica is a footballing savant! surely he knows how to beat 9 men?
Got to be gone! not good enough. 

(j/k)

yeah that was my point about football gods having a sense of humor - but seriously Newcastle look pretty good everytime I see them - not sure if they are losing anyone in the window but if they can pick up a decent CB they could win the whole thing. Got a few injuries today though - might cost them.

Yeah bloody shame that injury to Badolato looked nasty he was looking very promising.

Black knights lost at home, to Newcastle, against less men? LOL.

WanderingSheep

Black knights lost at home, to Newcastle, against less men? LOL.

 Really , unless your paid to do , so theres no reason for that sort of language here ...

FU BLU

WanderingSheep

Black knights lost at home, to Newcastle, against less men? LOL.

 Really , unless your paid to do , so theres no reason for that sort of language here ...

They don’t like it, which makes it grand in my eyes 👍

Thought I'd find you guys gloating. Well, the good news is that the Littlest Hooligan loved the waterfight lol.

I actually found myself getting angry in that game. Absolutely no game plan from AFC. Cross after cross into the box to nothing. And being beaten for pace by the Jets in virtually every contest. AFC's defence made two mistakes, which led to two goals, and Newcastle's defence were watertight.

AFC have been found out for lack of pace and lack of attacking cutting edge when the opposition don't gift them a mistake. Let's see how they recalibrate.

O, ye of little faith!

(But of course you’re right.)

I didn’t get to watch the game, only follow the live text commentary, but it does sound like it was Auckland’s to lose. Crazy how every stat was so in their favour yet they still came away empty-handed: I thought that was our party trick dammit.

There is a part of Doloras which is a true AFC fan! 
It can be done, a division of self. 

I don’t see any reason to joke about firing all of them. 

Other AFC fans and ourselves had no trouble ignoring Newcastle’s qualities as a team and demanding everyone at the Nix got sacked because they took a beating from a low table team. 

Corica, Hay, McFlynn and Becker out! 

Flat day all round. Crowd was decent sized but superrrrrr quiet. Can't recall anyone around me having a beer... felt like the players were the same.

To take a bite of some of the silly comments above... AFC made plenty of chances just couldn't put one away. Even so, Sakai said sorry for the team not working hard enough in the post-match interview - "it's not acceptable".

Oh lord what have I done now I'm gonna have to read a 12 paragraph response 

WanderingSheep

FU BLU

WanderingSheep

Black knights lost at home, to Newcastle, against less men? LOL.

 Really , unless your paid to do , so theres no reason for that sort of language here ...

They don’t like it, which makes it grand in my eyes 👍

 Their Trump loving paymaster loves it , which means your just kissing his arse...ah , why not if it floats your boat ,,, 

Auckland just experienced what the nix did in the derby when they went ahead then down to 9,  very frustrating. 

Dont think May and Brook work well on same pitch. Shape was very wrong today. Understand with Brimmer out they needed someone creative to play deeper but Corica  got his tactics wromg today and Hall just made an uncharacteristic blunder 

20 Legend

Oh lord what have I done now I'm gonna have to read a 12 paragraph response 

Lol. 
Nah you’re still top of the table and punching down. And like your Port colleagues, being able to read 12 paragraphs isn’t essential.

Still you were fairly classy after the second derby. 

Also #Coricaout. Sorry man, I enjoyed this one. It hit those two criticisms for the Nix of the derby and Newcastle losses, bang. 

We don’t get much.

I was discussing this very concept with one of the Little Corner of Yellow members, who’s a passionate Phoenix supporter but also supports CCM as his local team when they aren’t playing the Nix.

The word we came up with was polyteamory, or polyteamorous if you find yourself in need of an adjective.

Well that was a nice gift to start the new year. AFC....too much Xmas pudding. They looked well off the pace. The missed game against Sydney cost them momentum.
The Jets are a good watch and well worth the win. They have youngest squad in the comp. 
I wish someone could get the Nix youngsters performing as well as Milligan has with his kids. They are really good, especially their movement on attack. AFC were cut apart in the first 30 mins.

FU BLU

WanderingSheep

FU BLU

WanderingSheep

Black knights lost at home, to Newcastle, against less men? LOL.

 Really , unless your paid to do , so theres no reason for that sort of language here ...

They don’t like it, which makes it grand in my eyes 👍

 Their Trump loving paymaster loves it , which means your just kissing his arse...ah , why not if it floats your boat ,,, 

Not kissing any arse, just riling up their fans. Certainly no trumpy. Until another suitable name is available, black knights it is. More than open to suggestions!

WanderingSheep

FU BLU

WanderingSheep

FU BLU

WanderingSheep

Black knights lost at home, to Newcastle, against less men? LOL.

 Really , unless your paid to do , so theres no reason for that sort of language here ...

They don’t like it, which makes it grand in my eyes 👍

 Their Trump loving paymaster loves it , which means your just kissing his arse...ah , why not if it floats your boat ,,, 

Not kissing any arse, just riling up their fans. Certainly no trumpy. Until another suitable name is available, black knights it is. More than open to suggestions!

 Pucker up then ...