I don't get the inclusive vibe from these doods. Could be wrong but a private facebook group they can gatekeep doesn't help ease that 'fear', nor does them going on The Platform. coochiee
The Port chat to Devlin.
Fair play to them they sound like they getting well organised. Got a muso compiling chants, merch in planning etc. ACFC supporting them, but it's 'organic'.
Steve Bebic their main guy, seems a good inclusive dude. They are going to make some noise. 'It won't be an Auckland All Blacks crowd'.
In the interview it says the Port was created by a group of mates, who are Maori, Croatian, Kiwis etc. Also says they are open to everyone and that they don't consider themselves to be the only "fan group". They just want a great atmosphere at the stadium.
I think that is pretty inclusive.
Thanks, Stefan. Proof is in the pudding I guess.
I'm not Stefan. I do know him though. His family were part of the original Bloc 5 at the Kingz.
I don't get the inclusive vibe from these doods. Could be wrong but a private facebook group they can gatekeep doesn't help ease that 'fear', nor does them going on The Platform. coochiee
The Port chat to Devlin.
Fair play to them they sound like they getting well organised. Got a muso compiling chants, merch in planning etc. ACFC supporting them, but it's 'organic'.
Steve Bebic their main guy, seems a good inclusive dude. They are going to make some noise. 'It won't be an Auckland All Blacks crowd'.
In the interview it says the Port was created by a group of mates, who are Maori, Croatian, Kiwis etc. Also says they are open to everyone and that they don't consider themselves to be the only "fan group". They just want a great atmosphere at the stadium.
I think that is pretty inclusive.
Thanks, Stefan. Proof is in the pudding I guess.
I'm not Stefan. I do know him though. His family were part of the original Bloc 5 at the Kingz.
Am I mishearing but did the Port guys say specifically that Māori culture wouldn't be a feature of what they do? "You won't see the haka" etc?
You mis heard. It won't be an 'Auckland All Blacks' crowd. I thought that was a dig at sterile rugby crowds and their dull Black, Black, Black chants. They also said they don't welcome 'Ultra' type supporters - which means I guess they ain't looking to cause trouble on game days etc. They are aiming though for that European fan feel. I'm guessing their Bay 22 area will be standing only.
I listened to the interview about a week ago, but from the memory they said all are welcome in The Port, be you Croatian, Maori or whoever. Some harmless off the cuff remark like that. It was just Devlin interviewing 2 passionate fans - not trained media types. Was Bloc 5 at Kingz games a happy, fun, inclusive place?
I got the gist The Port (the name is slowly growing on me), is being set up with the best of intentions. They are just every day fans, who want to be loud & supportive of their new team. But they can't control any dickhead comments on the AFC Supporters FB page (not their specific FB page) or any dickheads in the crowd or who may even join them at Bay 22 at Mt Smart.
I guess once they get up their own website, they can try and police things better, get rid of any nasties. But it's early days, and I'm sure when Yellow Fever started they were a few at the ROF who went over the top & were told to either tone it down or piss off.
And yeah they welcome different fan groups starting up as well from what they say. The 09 is bigger & more multi cultural than the 04, plus the some of the local clubs pretty big, so yeah you could see different (maybe smaller) groups setting up. I'm sure a Fijian Indian bloc would form if Krishna signed!
Early days, wish them the best. The YF at one end, The Port or whoever at the other end - chanting songs at each other. These derbies could be the sporting event of the 2024/25 NZ summer. The ALM maybe at it's healthiest in NZ.
Some chatter they will make the first signing announcements post June 1st.
Lots of chat around about Oskar Zawada’s next move. I honestly hope he goes to Auckland FC. He’s been a great addition to the A-League and would be a terrific marquee signing for Auckland. And imagine the extra spice it’d add to the derbies! Come on Bill, get the chequebook out. pic.twitter.com/A3jKpv55FA
Last 5.5 years at Football Australia. Before that guess where? Hint an ALM club based in Australia. His Linkedin says he's been working at AFC since February, but maybe only just arrived in NZ??
I am wondering what the probability of both zawada and kravev signing would be.
It appears due to money issues the nix want only Kosta. Zawada is free to go and Kravev may also be too expensive if the nix are receiving 1 million less from the tv deal.
AFC have indicated that they are wanting to fill all their 5 import spots. Both players appear well settled in nz and particularly kravev. It seems an easy fit.
We all know the import spots can be a bit of a gamble and having those two, mature players with no dramas (lack of English, crazy wives, homesickness etc) would appear a safe bet to build the team around.
Both also well known to the NZ football public.
Then the other 3 can play out, maybe one marquee and the other two with an emphasis on younger players and using the Bournemouth scouting connection in places like Africa and South America.
Last 5.5 years at Football Australia. Before that guess where? Hint an ALM club based in Australia. His Linkedin says he's been working at AFC since February, but maybe only just arrived in NZ??
Maybe they wanted him basically undercover around the Northern League scene for a few months?? Now they have made all their local signings - just some off contract Aussie ALM guys & visa signings to go - happy to reveal his face??
Alrighty, who is signing up for the newsletter to take one for the team?
Done, as a NZ football fan. I'm excited to especially see what young NZ players they sign.
The Nix has become a closed shop for young Kiwis, unless you go through their Academy. Fair enough with the owners having to constantly prop up the club with their own cash. As Dome has explained they maximise transfer/solidarity payments the longer someone like Libby, Singh, Waine has been at the club. So they favour their Weenix kids.
But undoubtedly they have bypassed other young Kiwis good enough to play pro football, without having to leave NZ. Auckland FC now gives these kids a chance.
Based on rumours & some complete guesswork will have a punt at who Auckland FC might have signed
Strong prospects - Michael Woud, Francis de Vries, Tommy Smith, Callan Elliot, Cam Howieson, Marco Rojas, Joey Champness, Alex Greive, Myer Bevan. Young players - Stipe Ukich, Liam Gillion, Luis Toomey & Jesse Randall (13 in total)
Aussies - Dan Hall & Jake Brimmer.
Visas - Zawada & 4 others. Some probably on loan from Hibs, Lorient or Bournemouth. One big name ex top 5 European league (likey ex EPL) marquee signing - might take awhile to get over the line
Other prospects - Roy Krishna, Nikko Boxall, Kelvin Kalua, Conor Tracey, Jacob Mechell, Niko Kirwan, Nik Tzanev, Andre De Jong, Nando Pijnaker, Bill Tuiloma, Sarpreet Singh, Eli Just, Jack-Henry Sinclair, Logan Rogerson, James Musa, Kyle Adams, Moses Dyer, Adam Mitchell, Matt Ridenton, Kurtis Mogg, Monty Patterson, Noah Billingsley, Stefan Marinovic, Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi (spotted in NZ recently)
Other Young player prospects - Aaryan Raj, Josh Tollervey, Corban Piper, Marco Lorenz, Jackson Manuel, Zac Zoricich, Jonty Bidois, Campbell Strong, Adam Supyk, Charlie Beale, Joe Lee, Nathan Lobo, Norman Garbett, Oli Fay, Ben Wallace, Noah Karunaratne, Ryan Verney, Otto Ingham
So yeah covered a few options!! And no doubt still missed someone worthy. The other keeper to Woud could be anyone. Many like Patterson, TAHW, Billingsley etc very very much in the long shot category. Others like Tuiloma would need to somehow exit existing contracts, as it seems Myer Bevan is trying to do.
But is interesting that Corica has obviously been talking plenty to his old Walsall team mate Bazeley. No doubt a lot of that chat has been about the NZ U23 & U20 teams Bazeley coaches.
Then you also have Danny Hay coming in as an assistant. Hay a fan of Kevin Kalua as one example.
Alrighty, who is signing up for the newsletter to take one for the team?
Done, as a NZ football fan. I'm excited to especially see what young NZ players they sign.
The Nix has become a closed shop for young Kiwis, unless you go through their Academy. Fair enough with the owners having to constantly prop up the club with their own cash. As Dome has explained they maximise transfer/solidarity payments the longer someone like Libby, Singh, Waine has been at the club. So they favour their Weenix kids.
But undoubtedly they have bypassed other young Kiwis good enough to play pro football, without having to leave NZ. Auckland FC now gives these kids a chance.
Based on rumours & some complete guesswork will have a punt at who Auckland FC might have signed
Strong prospects - Michael Woud, Francis de Vries, Tommy Smith, Callan Elliot, Cam Howieson, Marco Rojas, Joey Champness, Alex Greive, Myer Bevan. Young players - Stipe Ukich, Luis Toomey & Jesse Randall (12 in total)
Aussies - Dan Hall & Jake Brimmer.
Visas - Zawada & 4 others. Some probably on loan from Hibs, Lorient or Bournemouth. One big name ex top 5 European league (likey ex EPL) marquee signing - might take awhile to get over the line
Other prospects - Roy Krishna, Nikko Boxall, Kelvin Kalua, Conor Tracey, Jacob Mechell, Niko Kirwan, Nik Tzanev, Andre De Jong, Nando Pijnaker, Bill Tuiloma, Sarpreet Singh, Eli Just, Jack-Henry Sinclair, Matt Ridenton, Kurtis Mogg, Monty Patterson, Noah Billingsley, Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi (spotted in NZ recently)
Other Young player prospects - Liam Gillon, Aaryan Raj, Josh Tollervey, Corban Piper, Marco Lorenz, Jackson Manuel, Zac Zoricich, Jonty Bidois, Campbell Strong, Adam Supyk, Charlie Beale, Joe Lee, Nathan Lobo, Oli Fay, Ben Wallace, Noah Karunaratne, Ryan Verney
So yeah covered a few options!! And no doubt still missed someone worthy. The other keeper to Woud could be anyone. Many like Patterson, TAHW, Billingsley etc very very much in the long shot category. But is interesting that Corica has obviously been talking plenty to his old Walsall team mate Bazeley. No doubt a lot of that chat has been about the NZ U23 & U20 teams Bazeley coaches.
Then you also have Danny Hay coming in as an assistant. Hay a fan of Kevin Kalua as one example.
Good as speculation and could be a bloody solid squad out of he gates.
Why not a fan trophy between the two sets of fans - the matriach of each fan base has to present the winner the trophy at the locals pub after the game etc.
Sounds like some sort Corporate box area? 'Club Level' whatever that means. Anyway they are going to get bigger crowds than the Kingz & Knights. Auckland version III may actually do alright.
We have SOLD OUT one of the most sought-after sections at our home ground already!
This is before opening to the public to purchase memberships...
Be sure to log in on the 4th of June and secure your membership for our first-ever season. pic.twitter.com/QitD4nWJRx
According to the maps they’ve used in the graphics it’s two players from Auckland, one from Wellington and one from Blenheim. Blenheim player must be Callan Elliot.
Edit: Scratch that, Cam Howieson is from Blenheim. Callan’s a Nelson boy.
