Auckland Pride - Make Auckland Great Again

Napier Phoenix

Why? For the sake of balance? Bulls**t, they are treacherous dogs and if I was running the Port, they would be out on their ear.

ballane

Think it needs to be pointed out there were also Port people in with White Noise

Fudge me calm down mate. It’s a bit weird and daft to actively decide to “support” Australia against New Zealand but they’ve not committed a crime have they?

Yeah it's all a little bizarre and makes them seem like weird blokes but I don't think we're going to see a schism in the Port, or anyone really too upset about it at all by the time the season rolls around.

Nelfoos

Yeah it's all a little bizarre and makes them seem like weird blokes but I don't think we're going to see a schism in the Port, or anyone really too upset about it at all by the time the season rolls around.

Surely we are going to chant the sh- out of this forever? Tie me kangaroo down, Port!

And the deleting posts for embarrassment is a bit of crap entitled fan culture too. 

I can now say a few Port members have contacted me to say they are pretty angry about what these other guys did on Tuesday night. A small minority that they were.

I mean wasn't there once a small group of YF fans (The Terrace?) who left or got told to leave, because their values didn't align. In a bunch of humans not everyone is going to think the same! Well outside Nth Korea.


Anyway in other AFC related stuff, they make another new signing for their Reserves. Bit of football talent now coming out of Tauranga, and battle lines being drawn perhaps between the Nix (south of Taupo?) and AFC, re what ALM club, National team NZU17 youngsters sign for.

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/09/11/auckland-fc-sign-tauranga-midfielder-for-mens-national-league-campaign/

Auckland FC Reserves have signed New Zealand age-group international midfielder Van Fitzharris ahead of the upcoming Men’s National League season.

coochiee

I can now say a few Port members have contacted me to say they are pretty angry about what these other guys did on Tuesday night. A small minority that they were.

I mean wasn't there once a small group of YF fans (The Terrace?) who left or got told to leave, because their values didn't align. In a bunch of humans not everyone is going to think the same! Well outside Nth Korea.


Anyway in other AFC related stuff, they make another new signing for their Reserves. Bit of football talent now coming out of Tauranga, and battle lines being drawn perhaps between the Nix (south of Taupo?) and AFC, re what ALM club, National team NZU17 youngsters sign for.

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/09/11/auckland-fc-sign-tauranga-midfielder-for-mens-national-league-campaign/

Auckland FC Reserves have signed New Zealand age-group international midfielder Van Fitzharris ahead of the upcoming Men’s National League season.

Van Fitzharris (16) moves from Northern League club Tauranga City after spending more than a decade developing through the Bay of Plenty’s football pathways.

Corica certainly developed somewhat of a reputation for not prioritising the development of youth at SFC, which saw a lot of talent move to get more first team minutes, quite a list: https://sydneyfc.com/academy-graduates/

Those Port blokes went fishing and clearly they've snagged some fish

20 Legend

Those Port blokes went fishing and clearly they've snagged some fish

Well if that’s their game, it’s an extraordinarily dumb game. Like more than a few things about them. 

Buffon II

Napier Phoenix

Why? For the sake of balance? Bulls**t, they are treacherous dogs and if I was running the Port, they would be out on their ear.

ballane

Think it needs to be pointed out there were also Port people in with White Noise

Fudge me calm down mate. It’s a bit weird and daft to actively decide to “support” Australia against New Zealand but they’ve not committed a crime have they?

It does seem like a storm in a social media teacup tbh.

To Ballane's point, there were obvious Port members around me in the AW active zone and they were backing our lads as loudly as anyone. Doesn't make me want to out-chant them at the next derby any less, but on the night they were putting country ahead of club just like the Nix supporters were.

Buffon II

Napier Phoenix

Why? For the sake of balance? Bulls**t, they are treacherous dogs and if I was running the Port, they would be out on their ear.

ballane

Think it needs to be pointed out there were also Port people in with White Noise

Fudge me calm down mate. It’s a bit weird and daft to actively decide to “support” Australia against New Zealand but they’ve not committed a crime have they?

Cant figure out why im included in being told to "calm down" simply stating what was obvious whats wrong with that. 

ballane

Buffon II

Napier Phoenix

Why? For the sake of balance? Bulls**t, they are treacherous dogs and if I was running the Port, they would be out on their ear.

ballane

Think it needs to be pointed out there were also Port people in with White Noise

Fudge me calm down mate. It’s a bit weird and daft to actively decide to “support” Australia against New Zealand but they’ve not committed a crime have they?

Cant figure out why im included in being told to "calm down" simply stating what was obvious whats wrong with that. 

I couldn't figure out how to remove your quote.

Apologies ballane certainly wasn't aimed at you.

ballane

Buffon II

Napier Phoenix

Why? For the sake of balance? Bulls**t, they are treacherous dogs and if I was running the Port, they would be out on their ear.

ballane

Think it needs to be pointed out there were also Port people in with White Noise

Fudge me calm down mate. It’s a bit weird and daft to actively decide to “support” Australia against New Zealand but they’ve not committed a crime have they?

Cant figure out why im included in being told to "calm down" simply stating what was obvious whats wrong with that. 

You don't happen to have a moustache, curly hair and wear a tracksuit?

theprof

Napier Phoenix

Why? For the sake of balance? Bulls**t, they are treacherous dogs and if I was running the Port, they would be out on their ear.

ballane

Think it needs to be pointed out there were also Port people in with White Noise

agree, except it seems the ones running the port are the very same brits in the Aussie cheering squad.

Gee, it would be great if there were organised AFC support who weren't associated with those people

oh wait :D

Another good signing from Auckland, Seems weird he's gone to Auckland rather than Sydney but I guess Corica did give him his first minutes in the A-League though he wasn't a starter till the season after he got sacked.

Him and Brook both would've been really good signings for us, annoying to see Auckland doing the better business than us again.

🚨🇦🇺 OFFICIAL | Auckland FC have signed Jake Girwood-Reich (21) on a season-long loan deal. ⚫️🔵⚡️ pic.twitter.com/RWGJLSFoO8

— AusFootHQ (@ALeagueHQ) September 12, 2025

Considering he was sold by Sydney for 1.2 million to St Louis, fantastic bit of business. That’s two Aussies now sold for decent money to MLS clubs, who haven’t kicked on but will be great signings for the A league.

While predominantly a defensive midfielder, can play centre back while Nando is injured.

Having Corica as coach with his contacts is definitely paying off.

Great for AFC’s title hopes but not such great news for the development of NZU20 midfielders Middleton and McKenlay

Therein lies a significant difference between the two NZ clubs

He'll almost definitely be playing CB. Pijnaker is gonna miss the first 4-6 weeks of the season.

I guess they could still sign Max Mata as he is a free agent?

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/09/17/auckland-fc-coach-steve-corica-why-we-signed-jake-girdwood-reich/

Head coach Steve Corica says latest signing Jake Girdwood-Reich will help replace All White Tommy Smith at the centre of Auckland FC’s defence.

“We have brought Jake in to play at centre back, but he can also play as a number six or at right-back,” Corica said of the club’s fifth pre-season signing.

“With Tommy’s departure, we needed cover at the back. Jake’s arrival will provide that and strengthen the team. I am looking forward to working with him again.”

Corica was head coach at A-League rivals Sydney when he gave Girdwood-Reich his first team debut in the 2022-23 season. Girdwood-Recih made 45 appearances for Sydney before moving to the United States last year, for a transfer fee reported to exceed NZ$1.45 million.

“Steve has supported me a lot during my career, giving me a chance and trusting me when I was still a teenager,” Girdwood-Reich said.

“Saying that, I realise at 21 I still have a lot to learn, so being back in the A-League and back with Steve at Auckland FC is a great place to do that.”

Australian-born Girdwood-Reich has arrived at Auckland FC on a season-long loan from Major League Soccer franchise St Louis City, who have retained an option to recall him by January 1, 2026.

New Zealand international Tommy Smith (35) left Auckland FC at the end of the last Isuzu UTE A-League season to join English National League club Braintree Town.

Corica said Girdwood-Reich’s arrival will provide Auckland FC with competition across the back line.

“He’s a good passer of the ball; quick, strong and will set a great example to the other young players,” Corica says.


Auckland FC are unlikely to make any more signings ahead of their season opener against Melbourne Victory on Saturday October 25, 2025.

“Jake’s is the last signing we’ll make in this window. The team are looking strong, ready to compete and most importantly, ready to win,” Corica said.

While the proof will be in the early season results on the whole a good transfer window.

Alex out, replaced by Sail. Obviously a downgrade but potentially NZ’s third keeper replacing the number 2 at the World Cup.

It’s the other transfers which I think in combination are an upgrade.

Cosgrove brings a higher pedigree then Mata

Brook, I believe will be a starter and more creative and consistent then Moreno

Girward-Reich, is in my opinion a vast upgrade on Smith.

Cut some dead wood in Galloway and Toomey.

Think they still need a back up left back but that will likely come from their reserve team. Mata still an option as a back up to Cosgrove if his rehab goes well. Someone said he was in NZ - any ideas if he is rehabilitating with AFC?


 

Lads I keep seeing AFC reels popping up on my insta and it's disgusting how much better their socials are. We need to up our game.

Monto

Lads I keep seeing AFC reels popping up on my insta and it's disgusting how much better their socials are. We need to up our game.

you're feed is giving you what it thinks you want, the Nix post stuff regularly and its al good.

try searching for the nix socials instead of AFC?

theprof

Monto

Lads I keep seeing AFC reels popping up on my insta and it's disgusting how much better their socials are. We need to up our game.

you're feed is giving you what it thinks you want, the Nix post stuff regularly and its al good.

try searching for the nix socials instead of AFC?

Nah, I see all our stuff too. It's pretty generic social media managed stuff without a huge amount of personality.

Their stuff is legit funny, whoever they hired as their socials manager is doing a bang up job.

Monto

theprof

Monto

Lads I keep seeing AFC reels popping up on my insta and it's disgusting how much better their socials are. We need to up our game.

you're feed is giving you what it thinks you want, the Nix post stuff regularly and its al good.

try searching for the nix socials instead of AFC?

Nah, I see all our stuff too. It's pretty generic social media managed stuff without a huge amount of personality.

Their stuff is legit funny, whoever they hired as their socials manager is doing a bang up job.

Fair enough, I'm not looking for my footy teams socials to make me laugh, I just want to be informed. Plenty of other funny things around for sharks and giggs

theprof

Monto

theprof

Monto

Lads I keep seeing AFC reels popping up on my insta and it's disgusting how much better their socials are. We need to up our game.

you're feed is giving you what it thinks you want, the Nix post stuff regularly and its al good.

try searching for the nix socials instead of AFC?

Nah, I see all our stuff too. It's pretty generic social media managed stuff without a huge amount of personality.

Their stuff is legit funny, whoever they hired as their socials manager is doing a bang up job.

Fair enough, I'm not looking for my footy teams socials to make me laugh, I just want to be informed. Plenty of other funny things around for sharks and giggs

Perhaps you're not their target demographic.

Monto

Lads I keep seeing AFC reels popping up on my insta and it's disgusting how much better their socials are. We need to up our game.

Both team’s Twitter feeds are very poor though. Auckland’s in particular is extremely inconsistent, slow, sparse and pales in comparison to their FB/Insta (even their reserves pages are great)

mrsmiis

Monto

Lads I keep seeing AFC reels popping up on my insta and it's disgusting how much better their socials are. We need to up our game.

Both team’s Twitter feeds are very poor though. Auckland’s in particular is extremely inconsistent, slow, sparse and pales in comparison to their FB/Insta (even their reserves pages are great)

I'll take your word for that as I don't have Twitter.

Could it be that the Twitter is low effort due to shifting demographics? I don't have TikTok but I wonder if either teams have decent ones to appeal to the zoomers

I get Facebook and instagram feeds from both clubs and the AFC one is significantly better at sharing news.

An example would be this preseason friendly this weekend against Birkenhead. That has had a lot of social media posts trying to get people to the game.

Now, the Nix have a preseason friendly I have gathered from this forum but I haven’t seen any social media advertising about that.

Now it may be because I live in Auckland but I doubt it.

Please tell me you Wellington guys if you have been alerted.

AucklandPhoenix

I get Facebook and instagram feeds from both clubs and the AFC one is significantly better at sharing news.

An example would be this preseason friendly this weekend against Birkenhead. That has had a lot of social media posts trying to get people to the game.

Now, the Nix have a preseason friendly I have gathered from this forum but I haven’t seen any social media advertising about that.

Now it may be because I live in Auckland but I doubt it.

Please tell me you Wellington guys if you have been alerted.

yep multiple times, its part of the clubs open day at NZCIS. I've seen posts and emails relating to it over the last few weeks

mrsmiis

Monto

Lads I keep seeing AFC reels popping up on my insta and it's disgusting how much better their socials are. We need to up our game.

Both team’s Twitter feeds are very poor though. Auckland’s in particular is extremely inconsistent, slow, sparse and pales in comparison to their FB/Insta (even their reserves pages are great)

The less stuff on Twitter the better

Crossing over from another thread these are the current players who I believe have contracts for the 2026-2027 season. Only 6 players at this point. 

Woud

Elliot
Nando 

Brimmer

Cosgrove
Rogerson

Nando would be on the list, and perhaps Brimmer.

On the most recent documentary episode, it mentioned that a lot of the key management/coaches wives (McFlynn/Corica/Hay/Gould/Elias) do not live in Auckland.  If I was to put an HR hat on, that would be a red flag that likelihood of those personnel staying more than 2-3 years was slim, I know coaching can be transient but you'd want some stability and continuation in key roles.

Yep, you would think if that situation continues this would be the last season for the majority.

I can imagine the bunch of them having many catch ups for beers over the last year at Foley establishments. 

The exception would be Hay, who no doubt has designs on the head coach role and you would think greater ties to Auckland.

Maybe Hay’s kids are just completing schooling in Perth before the family joins him in Auckland. You’d think he does yes have designs on the head job at AFC

A ton of young players blooded in AFC's 2-0 win over Birkenhead. Randall and Brook with the goals, either side of the half.

Sakai, Gallegos, May, Hall, and Gillion all rested - Sakai was just chilling on the grass bank with Takuya Iwata and his kids, getting no shortage of young autograph-seekers noticing him - and all the U20 reps were absent, of course.

Lachie Brook looks like the shark - probably AFC's best player technically and was a nightmare for the Birkenhead midfield all match, often cutting inside from the right and beating two or three men before feeding through to the strikers or to de Vries/Rogerson in an advanced left-wing position. 

Cosgrove had some nice touches and turns but really looked lost out there, losing more than a few duels to the Birko defenders and skewing some good chances. Really not sure if it's a good fit yet; aside from Randall I worry about the production, especially with May looking extremely poor in the Australia Cup

Elliot was quite poor, nothing came from the right - de Vries conversely was brilliant as always

Monto

theprof

Monto

Lads I keep seeing AFC reels popping up on my insta and it's disgusting how much better their socials are. We need to up our game.

you're feed is giving you what it thinks you want, the Nix post stuff regularly and its al good.

try searching for the nix socials instead of AFC?

Nah, I see all our stuff too. It's pretty generic social media managed stuff without a huge amount of personality.

Their stuff is legit funny, whoever they hired as their socials manager is doing a bang up job.

100% agree. I don't know why we're so poor at doing this, all you need is one person with a phone asking players questions or stitching them up, etc. 

I know a bunch on here have said they don't care about that sort of stuff, but it's become a massive part of engagement and getting gen z to care about football. The majority of AFCs media targets young people, and it's no surprise they seem to have significantly more young people at their games in active support than we do. 

When I was at highschool all my mates thought it was borderline lame that I had a season ticket and would go to every game, and that I care more about the A-League than the prem. There's no way that was an experience unique to me, because while I love it, YF numbers keep dropping and it's not like hoards of young people are replacing them.

It's obvious AFC are trying to make themselves seem cool to a younger audience, and fair play honestly. We should have been doing this years ago

You make some good points. The Nix need to engage the next wave of supporters. Once again AFC are showing us up.

This feels very much like their own Petone Arena moment. A good idea but done kinda half arsed. I wonder how much compromise was involved in order to satisfy all the financial backers involved?

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360830419/auckland-fc-backers-promised-850000-visitors-year-western-springs-stadium

austin111

You make some good points. The Nix need to engage the next wave of supporters. Once again AFC are showing us up.

Yeah, it's gotta be a tough one to manage though, do you do all the socials in a way that attracts the younger "new gen" fan and annoy the current fanbase who dont want the silly 15 sec soundbite, or do you stick with what has worked for ages and keep the current fanbase happy. AFC dont have that issue because all their fans are new.

RR

This feels very much like their own Petone Arena moment. A good idea but done kinda half arsed. I wonder how much compromise was involved in order to satisfy all the financial backers involved?

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360830419/auckland-fc-backers-promised-850000-visitors-year-western-springs-stadium

The numbers dont make sense, given their crowds why would they only build a 12500 seat ground.
190000 for Professional Football equals 15.2 games at 12500 seats. Not that many rounds and doubt the A League would allow that size stadium for finals.
Ali and Anna got their helipad so stadium was surplus to requirements. 😁 

Nix probably pay peanuts and therefore likely get monkeys for their advertising/marketing/social media. Domey then goes to the media and whines that nobody is coming to the games. Rinse, repeat