Think Sakai is doe back so likely Elliot switches over.
Massive loss and downgrade however.
Massive loss and downgrade however.
YoungHeartHM wrote:
Francis de Vries out for 6 weeks with that calf injury suffered in the Finland game.
Big blow for them. Who even goes to LB in that Auckland squad now?
Sakai got injured early March, and they said a 5 week wait to recover from his pulled hammy. So if he's close to fit, Elliot across to the left.
Otherwise Girdwood-Reich has played a bit at full back? Young Vicelich to come in as a CB alongside Hall, if Pijnaker is still not fit?
If Corica was desperate he might shoe horn Liam Gillion into the up and down role.
Zac Zorocich I think has been the main LB in their OFC Pro League team, and played a bit of ALM at the Mariners.
But FDV is a huge cog in AFC's team. A massive out for them as the season finishes.
Edit - https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360958211/francis-de-vries-out-six-weeks-massive-hit-auckland-fc
While there’s no obvious replacement for de Vries at left back in the Auckland squad, captain Hiroki Sakai’s expected return could see Callan Elliot move over from the right.
Otherwise Girdwood-Reich has played a bit at full back? Young Vicelich to come in as a CB alongside Hall, if Pijnaker is still not fit?
If Corica was desperate he might shoe horn Liam Gillion into the up and down role.
Zac Zorocich I think has been the main LB in their OFC Pro League team, and played a bit of ALM at the Mariners.
But FDV is a huge cog in AFC's team. A massive out for them as the season finishes.
Edit - https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360958211/francis-de-vries-out-six-weeks-massive-hit-auckland-fc
While there’s no obvious replacement for de Vries at left back in the Auckland squad, captain Hiroki Sakai’s expected return could see Callan Elliot move over from the right.
It’s understood Sakai and centre back Nando Pijnaker would travel to Adelaide with the rest of the team on Wednesday after their own injury spells, providing Corica with extra defensive options.
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Half a Pint wrote:
Maybe we could get a friendly between the Wāhinix and Chelsea Women
I read somewhere that if Spurs gets relegated then the Auckland game is off because the Championship starts two weeks earlier than the EPL. Is that correct?
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Former England international and Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King is this week’s special guest on New Zealand football show The Unused Subs.
In town to promote July’s match between Spurs and A-League club Auckland FC, King watched the All Whites beat Chile 4-1 at Eden Park.
Now a club ambassador for Spurs, King caught up with show hosts Goran Paladin and Paul Ifill, who he played against at youth level.
Now a club ambassador for Spurs, King caught up with show hosts Goran Paladin and Paul Ifill, who he played against at youth level.
In the interview, King talks about:
- His days with Spurs, where he played 268 games.
- Memories of former clubmate and All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen.
- His impressions of other Kiwis in the English Premier League, including Chris Wood and Winston Reid.
- The latest ructions at Spurs, where manager Igor Tudor has left after only 44 days in the job.
- Whether Spurs will be in the EPL or the English Championship by the time they tour New Zealand and Australia in July.
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austin111 wrote:Half a Pint wrote:I read somewhere that if Spurs gets relegated then the Auckland game is off because the Championship starts two weeks earlier than the EPL. Is that correct?
Maybe we could get a friendly between the Wāhinix and Chelsea Women
possibly, championship starts the weekend of 14th August, EPL starts 22nd.
AFC vs Spurs is schduled for the 26th July, so plenty of time for them to travel home and be back for Championship kick off. You'll probably find most of their starting players wont travel anyway.
AFC vs Spurs is schduled for the 26th July, so plenty of time for them to travel home and be back for Championship kick off. You'll probably find most of their starting players wont travel anyway.
Queenslander 3x a year.
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It will be the Spurs v SFC (Jul 29th) and v Chelsea (Aug 1st) games in Australia that follow Auckland where the scheduling gets tight for an Aug 14th Championship KO
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Very upsetting that DeVries is injured.
So sorry for him personally, he comes across as a good man and player, and this was his big chance to get some time on the field at the World Cup.
Hope he comes right to take some part in the finals series of the A League
So sorry for him personally, he comes across as a good man and player, and this was his big chance to get some time on the field at the World Cup.
Hope he comes right to take some part in the finals series of the A League
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Endorsed by
Game to be played on Friday April 3, 2026
Adelaide United v Auckland FC
Coopers Stadium, Adelaide, 9.35pm (NZT)
Adelaide United v Auckland FC
Coopers Stadium, Adelaide, 9.35pm (NZT)
Squads
Adelaide United
3. Bart Vriends, 4. Panagiotis Kikianis, 7. Ryan Kitto, 9. Luka Jovanović, 10.Juan Muñiz, 12.Jonny Yull, 14.Jay Barnett, 17.Ben Folami, 19. Yaya Dukuly, 22. Joshua Smits, 23.luke Duzel, 35.brody Burkitt, 40.Ethan Cox, 42. Austin Ayoubi, 44. Ryan White, 52. Sotiri Phillis, 55. Ethan Alagich, 62. Fabian Talladira, 65. Joey Garuccio, 87.Anselmo de Moraes
3. Bart Vriends, 4. Panagiotis Kikianis, 7. Ryan Kitto, 9. Luka Jovanović, 10.Juan Muñiz, 12.Jonny Yull, 14.Jay Barnett, 17.Ben Folami, 19. Yaya Dukuly, 22. Joshua Smits, 23.luke Duzel, 35.brody Burkitt, 40.Ethan Cox, 42. Austin Ayoubi, 44. Ryan White, 52. Sotiri Phillis, 55. Ethan Alagich, 62. Fabian Talladira, 65. Joey Garuccio, 87.Anselmo de Moraes
In: 40. Ethan Cox, 62. Fabian Talladira.
Out: 13. Max Vartuli (omitted), 36. Panashe Madanha (omitted).
Unavailable: 11. Craig Goodwin (groin, long term), 18. Jake Najdovski (knee), 20. Dylan Pierias (knee, long term).
Out: 13. Max Vartuli (omitted), 36. Panashe Madanha (omitted).
Unavailable: 11. Craig Goodwin (groin, long term), 18. Jake Najdovski (knee), 20. Dylan Pierias (knee, long term).
Auckland FC (two to be omitted)
1. Michael Woud, 3. Jake Girdwood-Reich, 6. Louis Verstraete, 7. Cameron Howieson, 8. Felipe Gallegos, 9. Sam Cosgrove, 10. Guillermo May, 11. Marlee François, 12. Jimmy Hilton, 14. Liam Gillion, 17. Callan Elliot, 18. Finn Mckenlay, 21. Jesse Randall, 22. Jake Brimmer, 23. Dan Hall, 27. Logan Rogerson, 28. Bailey Ferguson, 35. Jonty Bidois, 52. Luka Vicelich, 77. Lachlan Brook.
1. Michael Woud, 3. Jake Girdwood-Reich, 6. Louis Verstraete, 7. Cameron Howieson, 8. Felipe Gallegos, 9. Sam Cosgrove, 10. Guillermo May, 11. Marlee François, 12. Jimmy Hilton, 14. Liam Gillion, 17. Callan Elliot, 18. Finn Mckenlay, 21. Jesse Randall, 22. Jake Brimmer, 23. Dan Hall, 27. Logan Rogerson, 28. Bailey Ferguson, 35. Jonty Bidois, 52. Luka Vicelich, 77. Lachlan Brook.
In: 2. Hiroki Sakai, 4. Nando Pijnaker,
Out: 15. Francis de Vries (calf injury),
Unavailable: 20. Oli Sail (long-term injury)
Out: 15. Francis de Vries (calf injury),
Unavailable: 20. Oli Sail (long-term injury)
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Well truely a make or break season game for AFC.
Win and the minor premiership still remains a very realistic option. Also will put a decent gap between them and Adelaide for the top two spot.
Lose and the possibility of a top two finish diminishes greatly as Adelaide gets within striking distance.
Win and the minor premiership still remains a very realistic option. Also will put a decent gap between them and Adelaide for the top two spot.
Lose and the possibility of a top two finish diminishes greatly as Adelaide gets within striking distance.
Auckland will rise once more
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Endorsed by
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/04/03/weve-got-something-up-our-sleeve-auckland-fc-coach-steve-corica/
Without ever-present full-back Francis de Vries missing through injury, Corica has acknowledged he’ll need to come up with a Plan B for the men’s A-League fixture at Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium.
Without ever-present full-back Francis de Vries missing through injury, Corica has acknowledged he’ll need to come up with a Plan B for the men’s A-League fixture at Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium.
“We obviously have to fill the void there for this game,” Corica told Auckland FC’s YouTube channel.
“We’ve got something up our sleeve,” he said.
Corica said the options included playing All Whites full-back Callan Elliot on the left or club captain Hiroki Sakai in that role.
Sakai has been named in the matchday squad as he rebuilds his fitness following hamstring problems.
“Or we can change the system a little bit,” Corica suggested.
Goalkeeper coach Jonathan Gould told Sport Nation that All Whites defender Nando Pijnaker was building in fitness after an ankle problem, and he could play on the left side of the defensive line, hinting that Corica could be looking at a back three.
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https://x.com/Moloney_Media/status/2041282300541870271
"We've got an unbelievable fan base that absolutely rivals some of the clubs of been at in the UK" - Sam Cosgrove
— Moloney Media (@Moloney_Media) April 6, 2026
The English striker has settled in perfectly at @fc_auckland, leading the Golden Boot race with 10 goals and playing a massive role in their push for silverware.… pic.twitter.com/ntWU5JcxSH
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RR wrote:
https://x.com/Moloney_Media/status/2041282300541870271
"We've got an unbelievable fan base that absolutely rivals some of the clubs of been at in the UK" - Sam Cosgrove
The English striker has settled in perfectly at @fc_auckland, leading the Golden Boot race with 10 goals and playing a massive role in their push for silverware.… pic.twitter.com/ntWU5JcxSH
— Moloney Media (@Moloney_Media) April 6, 2026
Yeah, that’ll be Carlisle then 😂
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https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360961286/injuries-mount-auckland-fc-michael-woud-and-guillermo-may-ruled-out
Auckland FC goalkeeper Michael Woud has been ruled out for up to three weeks after suffering a groin strain during a match warm-up.
Auckland FC goalkeeper Michael Woud has been ruled out for up to three weeks after suffering a groin strain during a match warm-up.
Woud injured his adductor while preparing for the side’s away game against Adelaide on Friday. Jimmy Hilton, a summer signing for the club, replaced him for the 1-1 draw. Hilton was expected to start in the next two matches, including Saturday’s fixture against Melbourne Victory at Go Media Stadium.
Uruguayan striker Guillermo May was also confirmed as unavailable for the upcoming Saturday game. May entered a mandatory eight-day stand-down period after receiving a head knock during the Friday night match. The club stated May was recovering well and progressing through a concussion protocol under observation.
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all of a sudden AFC have a keeper shortage, the reserve keeper did well in the last game it will be interesting if he can keep it up
Queenslander 3x a year.
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Endorsed by
theprof wrote:
all of a sudden AFC have a keeper shortage, the reserve keeper did well in the last game it will be interesting if he can keep it up
Hilton is effectively their 4th choice keeper, with Joe Knowles (3rd choice) also out after surgery. You also had former NZ age group rep Scott Morris retiring last year (recurring hip problem) after Auckland briefly signed him. So they really have been cursed re their GK stocks.
Presumably Oscar Mason is now the ALM reserve keeper and won't be flying to Fiji with their OFC Pro League squad.
Tickets now on sale to watch Spurs youth at Eden Park.
https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=FOF2026
Presumably Oscar Mason is now the ALM reserve keeper and won't be flying to Fiji with their OFC Pro League squad.
Tickets now on sale to watch Spurs youth at Eden Park.
https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=FOF2026
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The AL really needs to get its concussion protocole sorted out. May was obviously K.O. Everyone who watched that including the match commentators were horrified and surprised that they got him back on his feet and sent him back on the field. The doctor making the assessment has to be a neutral. Not an employee of the club. Is it going to take a tragedy before this is sorted out?
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Endorsed by
football in general needs to do more around concussions.
unlike most sports there is no independent doctor reviewing head knocks in or game - you're 100% right with May, he was out cold upon hitting the deck and should never have been allowed to play on.
unlike most sports there is no independent doctor reviewing head knocks in or game - you're 100% right with May, he was out cold upon hitting the deck and should never have been allowed to play on.
Queenslander 3x a year.
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Endorsed by
Okay can someone tell me because I am getting confused is the doctor who assess those who get head knocks club doctors or independents? Jason Pine and commentators from that game seem to think that doctor wasn't independent. But I am sure I heard on Round Ball podcast one of them was saying Corica told them after the post match press conference that doctor was independent (unless I'm wrong). So I am so confused
Either way I agree more needs to be done
Either way I agree more needs to be done
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Surely a club-backed doctor wouldn't want to send their own guys back into play under such conditions though? I mean clearly it's come back to bite them
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I don't think it is a case of Auckland FC having an Auckland based doctor that sees the players all the time at training and travels with the team incurring an airfare and two nights accomodation each time. More likely contracting an Adelaide based doctor for 1/2 a day on match day who does not know the player and gets to the player 30 seconds after the incident and has not had the benefit of seeing a TV replay.
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A confirmed absence for Saturday’s game is Uruguayan striker Guillermo May. Guillermo will be unavailable as part of the mandatory eight-day stand-down period following a head knock. Player welfare is of extremely high priority to the club with Guillermo under observation, recovering well and progressing through a Concussion Protocol.
The club would also like to emphasise that it strictly followed all available guidance when making the decision to allow the player to continue after the knock he received on Friday night. Guillermo passed his on-field concussion assessment and received approval to play from two doctors present as part of the APL-mandated medical team.
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Eli Jones comes in as reserve keeper ahead of Oscar Mason.
https://aleagues.com.au/news/ins-and-outs-round-24-aleague-men-team-news-match-information-team-news-tickets/
Auckland FC squad:
3. Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH, 6. Louis VERSTRAETE, 7. Cameron HOWIESON, 8. Felipe GALLEGOS, 9. Sam COSGROVE, 10. Guillermo MAY, 11. Marlee FRANÇOIS, 12. Jimmy HILTON, 14. Liam GILLION, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 18. Finn MCKENLAY, 21. Jesse RANDALL, 23. Dan HALL, 27. Logan ROGERSON, 28. Bailey FERGUSON, 35. Jonty BIDOIS, 50. Eli JONES, 52. Luka VICELICH, 57. Van FITZHARRIS 77. LACHLAN Brook
https://aleagues.com.au/news/ins-and-outs-round-24-aleague-men-team-news-match-information-team-news-tickets/
Auckland FC squad:
3. Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH, 6. Louis VERSTRAETE, 7. Cameron HOWIESON, 8. Felipe GALLEGOS, 9. Sam COSGROVE, 10. Guillermo MAY, 11. Marlee FRANÇOIS, 12. Jimmy HILTON, 14. Liam GILLION, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 18. Finn MCKENLAY, 21. Jesse RANDALL, 23. Dan HALL, 27. Logan ROGERSON, 28. Bailey FERGUSON, 35. Jonty BIDOIS, 50. Eli JONES, 52. Luka VICELICH, 57. Van FITZHARRIS 77. LACHLAN Brook
(Two to be omitted)
Ins: 50. Eli JONES, 57. Van FITZHARRIS
Outs: 15. Francis DE VRIES (calf), 1. Michael WOUD (groin), 22. Jake BRIMMER (calf)
Unavailable: 20. Oli SAIL (long-term injury)
Ins: 50. Eli JONES, 57. Van FITZHARRIS
Outs: 15. Francis DE VRIES (calf), 1. Michael WOUD (groin), 22. Jake BRIMMER (calf)
Unavailable: 20. Oli SAIL (long-term injury)
Melbourne Victory FC Squad:
2. Jason DAVIDSON, 3. Adama TRAORE, 4. Lachlan JACKSON, 5. Brendan HAMILL, 7. Reno PISCOPO, 8. Jordi VALADON, 9. Nikolaos VERGOS, 10. Denis GENREAU, 11. Clerismario SANTOS RODRIGUES, 14. Matthew GRIMALDI, 17. Nishan VELUPILLAY, 18. Franco LINO, 21. Roderick MIRANDA, 22. Joshua RAWLINS, 23. Keegan JELACIC, 25. Jack DUNCAN, 27. Louis D’ARRIGO, 29. Oliver DRAGICEVIC, 40. Jack WARSHAWSKY, 44. Charles NDUKA
(Two to be omitted)
Ins: 3. Adama TRAORE (promoted), 29. Oliver DRAGICEVIC (promoted)
Outs: 64. Juan MATA (injury)
Unavailable: 15. Sebastian ESPOSITO (concussion), 64. Juan MATA (injury)
Ins: 3. Adama TRAORE (promoted), 29. Oliver DRAGICEVIC (promoted)
Outs: 64. Juan MATA (injury)
Unavailable: 15. Sebastian ESPOSITO (concussion), 64. Juan MATA (injury)
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Yeah that would be a coup. It's unfortunate that none of NZ football's really big names apart from Wynton actually live in NZ.
Apart from 4 gamer Hay, none of the Kiwis who played in the EPL ever returned to Aotearoa. Wood has made it clear the UK will be his home once his playing career finishes.
Adds to the sport's profile, having some recognizable football figures in the country.
Apart from 4 gamer Hay, none of the Kiwis who played in the EPL ever returned to Aotearoa. Wood has made it clear the UK will be his home once his playing career finishes.
Adds to the sport's profile, having some recognizable football figures in the country.
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First game I've gotten to since the New Year, what with cricket season. A good game to watch but most disgusting niggly. I've never seen so many pushes in the back and outright grappling. Not sure what Corica got sent for but I can imagine!
Two Vuck goals from two mistakes by the young defence. Young Vicelich played all right apart from, you know. Hilton and Fitzwilliams also put in excellent shifts.
AFC remain vulnerable to the long ball + chase. They won't get far in the finals if they don't tighten up from this. Still, Lachy Brook filled the vital dead-ball role that de Vries usually plays.
(I saw a sticker on the way to Mt Smart that said "Lachy Brook - MILF Hunter" lol)
Two Vuck goals from two mistakes by the young defence. Young Vicelich played all right apart from, you know. Hilton and Fitzwilliams also put in excellent shifts.
AFC remain vulnerable to the long ball + chase. They won't get far in the finals if they don't tighten up from this. Still, Lachy Brook filled the vital dead-ball role that de Vries usually plays.
(I saw a sticker on the way to Mt Smart that said "Lachy Brook - MILF Hunter" lol)
Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009
This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads
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Endorsed by
2 independent Doctors according to the club liaison to the FRG.
He also said the doctors couldn't get access to the replays which didn't help.
He also said the doctors couldn't get access to the replays which didn't help.
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coochiee wrote:
Eli Jones comes in as reserve keeper ahead of Oscar Mason.
https://aleagues.com.au/news/ins-and-outs-round-24-aleague-men-team-news-match-information-team-news-tickets/
Auckland FC squad:
3. Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH, 6. Louis VERSTRAETE, 7. Cameron HOWIESON, 8. Felipe GALLEGOS, 9. Sam COSGROVE, 10. Guillermo MAY, 11. Marlee FRANÇOIS, 12. Jimmy HILTON, 14. Liam GILLION, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 18. Finn MCKENLAY, 21. Jesse RANDALL, 23. Dan HALL, 27. Logan ROGERSON, 28. Bailey FERGUSON, 35. Jonty BIDOIS, 50. Eli JONES, 52. Luka VICELICH, 57. Van FITZHARRIS 77. LACHLAN Brook
(Two to be omitted)
Ins: 50. Eli JONES, 57. Van FITZHARRIS
Outs: 15. Francis DE VRIES (calf), 1. Michael WOUD (groin), 22. Jake BRIMMER (calf)
Unavailable: 20. Oli SAIL (long-term injury)
Melbourne Victory FC Squad:
2. Jason DAVIDSON, 3. Adama TRAORE, 4. Lachlan JACKSON, 5. Brendan HAMILL, 7. Reno PISCOPO, 8. Jordi VALADON, 9. Nikolaos VERGOS, 10. Denis GENREAU, 11. Clerismario SANTOS RODRIGUES, 14. Matthew GRIMALDI, 17. Nishan VELUPILLAY, 18. Franco LINO, 21. Roderick MIRANDA, 22. Joshua RAWLINS, 23. Keegan JELACIC, 25. Jack DUNCAN, 27. Louis D’ARRIGO, 29. Oliver DRAGICEVIC, 40. Jack WARSHAWSKY, 44. Charles NDUKA
(Two to be omitted)
Ins: 3. Adama TRAORE (promoted), 29. Oliver DRAGICEVIC (promoted)
Outs: 64. Juan MATA (injury)
Unavailable: 15. Sebastian ESPOSITO (concussion), 64. Juan MATA (injury)
Oscar Mason isn't A-League Men eligible
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AFC's listed Ins and Outs look incorrect.
Pijnaker is obviously Out, and looks like Gillion has been called in from AFC II in Fiji?
Shame Kiwi Seth Clark still remains injured at the Mariners.
Auckland FC v Central Coast Mariners
Sunday, April 19 – Go Media Stadium – 1:00pm AEST
Pijnaker is obviously Out, and looks like Gillion has been called in from AFC II in Fiji?
Shame Kiwi Seth Clark still remains injured at the Mariners.
Auckland FC v Central Coast Mariners
Sunday, April 19 – Go Media Stadium – 1:00pm AEST
Auckland FC squad:
1. Michael WOUD, 3. Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH, 6. Louis VERSTRAETE, 7. Cameron HOWIESON, 8. Felipe GALLEGOS, 9. Sam COSGROVE, 10. Guillermo MAY, 11. Marlee FRANÇOIS, 12. Jimmy HILTON, 14. Liam GILLION, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 18. Finn MCKENLAY, 21. Jesse RANDALL, 23. Dan HALL, 27. Logan ROGERSON, 35. Jonty BIDOIS, 50. Eli JONES, 52. Luka VICELICH, 57. Van FITZHARRIS 77. LACHLAN Brook
1. Michael WOUD, 3. Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH, 6. Louis VERSTRAETE, 7. Cameron HOWIESON, 8. Felipe GALLEGOS, 9. Sam COSGROVE, 10. Guillermo MAY, 11. Marlee FRANÇOIS, 12. Jimmy HILTON, 14. Liam GILLION, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 18. Finn MCKENLAY, 21. Jesse RANDALL, 23. Dan HALL, 27. Logan ROGERSON, 35. Jonty BIDOIS, 50. Eli JONES, 52. Luka VICELICH, 57. Van FITZHARRIS 77. LACHLAN Brook
(One to be omitted)
Ins: 1. Michael WOUD,
Outs: 15. Francis DE VRIES (calf), 22. Jake BRIMMER (calf)
Unavailable: 20. Oli SAIL (long-term injury)
Ins: 1. Michael WOUD,
Outs: 15. Francis DE VRIES (calf), 22. Jake BRIMMER (calf)
Unavailable: 20. Oli SAIL (long-term injury)
Central Coast Mariners squad:
2. James DONACHIE, 3. Nathan PAULL, 5. Lucas MAURAGIS, 6. Haine EAMES, 7. Christian THEOHAROUS, 11. Sabit NGOR, 15. Storm ROUX, 16. Harrison STEELE, 18. Nathanael BLAIR, 22. Arthur DE LIMA, 23. Oliver LAVALE, 24. Diesel HERRINGTON, 26. Bradley TAPP, 30. Andrew REDMAYNE, 37. Bailey BRANDTMAN, 40. Dylan PERAIC-CULLEN, 43. Jacob NASSO, 45. Jesse MANTELL, 48, Chris DONNELL, 72. Ali AUGLAH
(Two to be omitted)
IN:
OUT:
UNAVAILABLE: 4. Trent SAINSBURY (not selected), 8. Alfie McCALMONT (injured), 10. Miguel DI PIZIO (injured), 17. Kaito TANIGUCHI (not selected) 20. Will KENNEDY (not selected), 21. Seth CLARK (injured)
IN:
OUT:
UNAVAILABLE: 4. Trent SAINSBURY (not selected), 8. Alfie McCALMONT (injured), 10. Miguel DI PIZIO (injured), 17. Kaito TANIGUCHI (not selected) 20. Will KENNEDY (not selected), 21. Seth CLARK (injured)
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Auckland FC has given up asking A-League referees to explain their decisions.
Instead, coach Steve Corica would speak to his players about how they reacted when they did not get the refereeing calls they expected as they headed into finals football.
For a few weeks Corica had been unhappy with what he believed was inconsistency in the officiating. So much so, he had an outburst that got him red carded for kicking an object on the sideline during a game in exasperation.
Players were also starting to voice their displeasure to the referees in recent weeks.
"They're starting to get frustrated from some of the decisions," Corica said of his team which were sitting second in the league ahead of the last game of the regular season.
"I think we can get a little bit carried away. We probably just need to concentrate on the game and not what the referees are doing and make sure we get the job done."
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