Dunedin - Roar Friendly

792 replies · 15,302 views

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Great turnout at the open training session. heaps of people there, and the place looked fantastic. My daughter was buzzing- got heaps of autographs, and a photo with Paston- legend.! Great work by the phoenix publicity people- posters and autograph sheets being given away before hand, so everyone had something to get signed. (In a rush from hockey final for the girl, and then to stadium, we forgot to have something to be signed- and my nice new fever shirt in the car!- so was good work from them)

We were leaving the stadium (only to find the gate we went to was locked) and as heading back, saw Siggy and someone else heading back- they gave us a yell and a wave- fantastic. The players and staff have done brilliantly well and really engaged with the fans.

Over 10k sold, and finding today people who have not yet bought tickets are suddenly interested- gonna be a good'un.

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Great fun at the open training session tonight. Amazing crowd (a few hundred?), the noise even for this was epic, it's going to be completely deafening tomorrow. Tony Warner looking sharp (and sh*tting all over Paston), even though he's well short of a gallop. Won't be long before he's #1.

Can someone tell me who the shortish left-footer with the beanie, and 3/4 "skins" pants, was at training? I'm sure it wasn't a regular, but he looked fantastic. Was doing a lot of the crossing drills on the left with Blockhead. Wasn't involved in the shooting drill at the end.

Have to say that, whilst a number of the trialists (in particular Billy) were really fired up, at times it didn't seem the team was all that serious - summed up by half the squad spending 10 minutes at the end punting Gary Owens in the air trying to hit the roof!

As cultured as Che Bunce's left foot and as profilic as John Lammers

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Oh, and you're just so close to the action it's unreal. Makes you wish the Caketin wasn't round.

As cultured as Che Bunce's left foot and as profilic as John Lammers

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

BANNER TIME!!!

*As seen on 3 News

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Braveheart wrote:

Ahmad, you are a star! I am looking forward to meeting you tomorrow.

You inspired me to try and drum up some last minute support. This afternoon I persuaded a friend (who works for a graduate employment website - GradConnection) to spread the word to the Otago Student Union and the Otago Commerce Society.

That's awesome. Talking about the game is definitely a great way to increase numbers without doing a lot of work. I spoke to someone today who had heard about it but hadn't planned to go. After talking about it with me she was definitely going to go.

I'm going to be at the Oval tomorrow at Junior football handing out flyers to parents just in case there are any outstanding families. If you will be there at 9am tomorrow and want to help distibute flyers please PM me with your cellphone number and I'll make contact.

I have a bunch of flyers supplied by the stadium management. I'll hit George Street and the Octagon with otagofan later in the morning. Again feel free to join us! The more the merrier!
ahmad2011-08-19 22:23:06

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

I'm still trying to think of something witty and abusive for a banner towards the Bahraini penalty-misser for the Roar...

As cultured as Che Bunce's left foot and as profilic as John Lammers

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

He's not coming. Confirmed by the Roar via their Twitter.

Also there is a school of thought that we should leave him alone. He's done so much for New Zealand football that we really should be grateful

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

sawu wrote:

Can someone tell me who the shortish left-footer with the beanie, and 3/4 "skins" pants, was at training? I'm sure it wasn't a regular, but he looked fantastic. Was doing a lot of the crossing drills on the left with Blockhead. Wasn't involved in the shooting drill at the end.

That was Niko Tsattalios

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

ahmad wrote:

BANNER TIME!!!ï¿½

Are we not "the Snow & the Hail & the Phoenix" this year?

I know, I know, its serious!

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

liverpoolfan1 wrote:

Just confirming that there'll be full live commentary of this match on Newstalk ZB Wellington/Kapiti (89.3FM and 1035AM) and also online at www.radiosport.co.nz

Bump (maybe a bit premature but what the heck)

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

liverpoolfan1 wrote:

sawu wrote:

That was Niko Tsattalios

Ah that makes perfect sense! Remember him looking very classy as a youngster at SFC. He's just on trial though right? He'd certainly be pushing Blockhead for LB, and actually looked like he could offer a lot as an attacking winger too. Sign him up!

As cultured as Che Bunce's left foot and as profilic as John Lammers

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Signed ages ago

Normo's coming home

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Smithy wrote:

Cosimo wrote:

Aw, come on fellas, let's just all have sex and not tell Junior.

Group hug (and root).

When in Dunedin...

Unrestricted player tunnel access...

(Priceless. For everything else there is Mastercard)

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

ahmad wrote:

Braveheart wrote:

That's awesome. Talking about the game is definitely a great way to increase numbers without doing a lot of work. I spoke to someone today who had heard about it but hadn't planned to go. After talking about it with me she was definitely going to go.I'm going to be at the Oval tomorrow at Junior football handing out flyers to parents just in case there are any outstanding families. If you will be there at 9am tomorrow and want to help distibute flyers please PM me with your cellphone number and I'll make contact.I have a bunch of flyers supplied by the stadium management. I'll hit George Street and the Octagon with otagofan later in the morning. Again feel free to join us! The more the merrier!

Great stuff.

Ahmad - the new Nix mascot. Watch out Lonegunmen!

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

ahmad wrote:

Yea if we show our appreciation he mite redo the favour next time.

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

sawu wrote:

Hmm, re trying to hit the roof, I thought it was a nice touch and the kids seemed to enjoy it. For the record, quite a few got close but none actually hit it.

It looked and felt like a captains run, which is fine by me. As they were on Thursday, attitude and availbility of players post session = outstanding.

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Was the new trialist Rigter there?

Not sure if he is in the country yet or will arrive in time for the match.

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

zinidane wrote:

Was the new trialist Rigter there?

Not sure if he is in the country yet or will arrive in time for the match.

Last I heard arriving at some stage 2mro

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Yeah Ricki mentioned he arrives late and may get a run but wasn't sure as he'd be just off the plane.

Being a pre-season match one of the 'Nix management mentioned that the sides have agreed on 9 substitutions during the game.

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Have we got 9 substitutes?

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Gutted i can;t make this game. Sigh

ive got a song that wont take long, Adelaide are rubbish.. the second verse is same as the first.. ADELAIDE ARE RUBBISH

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

sawu wrote:

Oh, and you're just so close to the action it's unreal. Makes you wish the Caketin wasn't round.

Are you Dunedin based? Will you be at the Longroom tomorrow?

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Yip & yip

Will have between 6 -12 mates at the longroom too, even the wife in tow.

As cultured as Che Bunce's left foot and as profilic as John Lammers

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

sawu wrote:

Yip & yipï¿½

Will have between 6 -12 mates at the longroom too, even the wife in tow.ï¿½

Awesome :) Do find me and say hi :)

Look forward to meeting you all tomorrow. I will be at Longroom in afternoon then leave early for the game but be back at LR for a bit after the game. Won't be very late.

If anyone wants my mobile number PM me with your mobile and I'll TXT you back. That will make it easier to find each other and say hi :)ahmad2011-08-19 23:46:13

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

ok, had avoided posting this- was sent to a friend last year.

Anyway, I reckon this is why you should come . . . my reflections on a game from last year . . . .
The first time Molly ever saw a game of professional football, it ended in tears. Given it was the much maligned and late lamented ï¿½Football Kingzï¿½, perhaps it is no surprise. Many of their games ended that way; their final dissolution ended that way also.

It was my first time at a professional football match too. We had traveled up to Christchurch from Dunedin to see the Kingz play Perth Glory at what I still call Lancaster Park. 2-3 down with only a few minutes remaining, and a certain W Rufer scored an equaliser. I donï¿½t think my family had quite seen me roar in such unbridled joy before. This roar came as quite a shock to Molly, who immediately burst into tears. Perhaps it was because I was holding her at the time and had leapt from my seat shouting. Maybe it was because she was only one year old. Who really knows- certainly not me, because to my lasting shame, I immediately passed her to her mother for comfort, while I kept leaping around in delight.

In my defence, it was a cracking goal.

Perhaps in a subconscious attempt to make amends 10 years later, me and Molly left Dunedin on Sunday morning, immediately after the completion of her own sporting weekend (cricket- a swift 21 runs, including her first six; and an inspired display of medium pace bowling- 4 wickets for 2 runs of 3 overs- including 4 for 2 off the last over; and a 9am game of flippa ball on Sunday): destination- Lancaster Park, Phoenix v Adelaide.

We hit Christchurch an hour before kick off, with me hoping I could remember where to go. A yellow-suited man with a huge Phoenix flag convinced me we were on track. Parked the car, and headed towards the ground. It is perhaps the only time in Christchurch where a car full of men slowing and shouting at me has not felt threatening- ï¿½Phoenix! Go the Phoenix!!ï¿½

Into the ground, and there was a great buzz- people happy in the balmy weather, and enjoying the novelty of a big crowd for a football match. We bumped into a few Dunedin people- brilliantly four of them wearing the ï¿½firstsï¿½ strip of my club, which is more than a passable Phoenix replica. Molly of course reminded me of our visit to Wembley with Isaac, and Jeff Rowe, along with my brother and his partner to see England play USA a couple of years ago. That was brilliant, and an unforgettable experience- but it was a ï¿½friendlyï¿½ in which I had no emotional investment apart from my love of the game, and the giddying excitement of being at Wembley. This was a crucial match in what has been a difficult season, but one in which the Phoenix seemed to have been showing more promise in the last couple of weeks.

We sat behind the goal, close to the Yellow Fever zone, Molly wearing her just purchased Phoenix cap, and waving her hand-drawn ï¿½Go Phoenix!ï¿½ banner. Paston looked sharp warming up (tolerating, with good humour during the game, the occasional chant of ï¿½Punch it Pasty, punch itï¿½ as he took a goal kick); Ifill looked impressive on the ball, but couldnï¿½t put his warm up shots on target- a bit of an omen for the game, it felt.

The game was great- pretty open, some fantastic aggressive tackling, plenty of goal-mouth action, and the Phoenix seemingly on top. A bit of a hush when Adelaide scored, but only momentarily. Second half was fantastic- a quick goal from Brown- right in front of us- set the scene. Elation at what turned out to be the unjustified red-card for the Adelaide player (and a bit of hilarity around us when it was realised the big screen at the ground would not show ï¿½controversialï¿½ replays- causing a chant of ï¿½Funk the screen! Funk the Screen!ï¿½ to echo around us.)

The final 10 minutes were exciting, nerve wracking and brilliant. Leaping to our feet, only to be denied by the keeper, by the wood work, by a mis-timed shot. Molly must have known what was coming- ï¿½You have to keep you shirt on Shaunï¿½ she said, the horror and embarrassment of the thought of me exposing my body clearly too much. A minute later, Sigmund sealed it superbly, capping a monumental game from him. Having him wheel away from the goal-mouth once the ball was in the net, his bright red face, well, glowing, grinning like a mad man, fist pumping- all 15 meters in front of us- a wonderful sight. Superb! Looking to the ecstatic fever zone- shirts off up there, delirious scenes. (Look at the kids up the back of this photo, a couple of minutes after the game http://www.flickr.com/photos/hickey-scott/5246320328/ )

The team walked the pitch to thank the fans, the last two being the red-carded Herbert, and the red-faced Sigmund. The joy on his exhausted face, and the elation we all felt at that moment- well, I dunno about Molly, but I think I had a tear in my eye this time.

Shaun"

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Junior82 wrote:

Have we got 9 substitutes?

Yep ... squad is: Paston, Warner, Lochhead, Durante, Sigmund, Tsattalios, Downey, Muscat, Lia, Brown, Chettleburgh, Pantelis, Mehmet, Sanchez, Thurtell, Bertos, Ifill, Greenacre, Daniel, Pavlovic and maybe Rigters, so that's 21.

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Dominic George doing Dunedin proud!

ZB National's 5:30 live Dunedin report kicks off with talk about the Phoenix game and Yellow Fever gets a mention!

I know he'll be talking Yellow Fever again later this morning!

Radio Network has some pretty awesome staff

Haha awesome PINEY is in the studio with Dom! Haha awesome :)

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Newstalk ZB Dunedin is on 1044AM

Listen from 7-9am for the All Sports Breakfast with Dominic George who has Jason Pine in the studio with him this morning! I can only presume that's to speak with him!

Then (as previously posted):

Originally posted by liverpoolfan1
Just confirming that there'll be full live commentary of this match on Newstalk ZB Wellington/Kapiti (89.3FM and 1035AM) and also online at www.radiosport.co.nz

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

It's here- Match Day!

Dunedin is about to experience the Fever and learn how to REALLY open their new stadium.

Be Proud, sing loud!

And remember.......

We are the Mighty Phoenix! We can beat Anyone!

See you in the Longroom Ahmed, you little legend you!

Nostalgia isnt what it used to be...........

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

liverpoolfan1 wrote:

Junior82 wrote:

Have we got 9 substitutes?

ï¿½

You're up early today Ahmed!
Anyone would think you are excited!
Good picture of you in the ODT.
Was running a bit late last night so couldn't go touchline to say g'day. Will see you later in the long bar. Keep up the good work!
Beautiful day in Dunedin.
Fire up!

We're the WELLINGTON Phoenix

And this is our Home

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Game Day! Fire Up Farken!!!! Big 2-1 win for the boys!

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Get up the nix. Pumped.

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Starting XI from Piney on Twitter ...

#wgtnphoenix starting XI v Brisbane Roar: Paston, Downey, Durante, Sigmund, Tsattalios, Brown, Lia, Muscat, Bertos, Mehmet, Ifill

I know, I know, its serious!

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Waken up, hungover as sh*t. Beautiful day outside, ready to hit the long room. Fired up!!

All Aboard the Phoenix/ All Whites Bandwagon!!

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Turfmoore wrote:

Starting XI from Piney on Twitter ...

#wgtnphoenix starting XI v Brisbane Roar: Paston, Downey, Durante, Sigmund, Tsattalios, Brown, Lia, Muscat, Bertos, Mehmet, Ifill

Any idea if Ritgers is on bench?

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

ahmad wrote:

BANNER TIME!!!

Is he our 3rd Keeper?

C-Diddy2011-08-20 10:19:11

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

C-Diddy wrote:

Turfmoore wrote:

Starting XI from Piney on Twitter ...

#wgtnphoenix starting XI v Brisbane Roar: Paston, Downey, Durante, Sigmund, Tsattalios, Brown, Lia, Muscat, Bertos, Mehmet, Ifill

Any idea if Ritgers is on bench?

They won't make a decision until later today, depending on how he recovers from the long flight.

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Sheik Ahmad? Smiff you got?

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Exciting, can't wait to hear how the trialists faired in the match.

We will never fully decide who has won the football.

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over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

sanchez could win a contract tonight I feel. He's had enough time with the team to fit in, should be fit by now, and playing against A-League Champions.

Tonight is his test.
Mehmet too, has a chance to impress

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