History for 2ndBest

Been looking at playing time for the Phoenix this season. Stay with me here.

Lots of donuts for some key players. Rufer and Payne down on last year (89% and 86% respectively). Rojas and Colakovski barely played.  Even Retre is just over 50% (though some of that by choice).

Somewhat surprising our internationals played more than they did last year. NZ U21 (as at 1 Jan 2024 or 2025) players played significantly more than last season

This is is pretty telling. Has much less game time for those in peak age bracket of 25-30. And a lot more in the over 30 and U20 to a lesser extent.

More minutes for younger players should be benefical in the long term. Interesting to note so see how far ahead Cacace is and behind Rufer is compared to the pack.

Simialrly in terms of the seasons they have played.

Put another way. Hughes, Sheridan, AKH, Walker and LBS are quite far ahead minutes wise since they debuted compared to the previous academy generation.

So we had a slightly unblanced squad age wise to start with, had longer term injuries/sickness to key players, played a lot of inexperienced players.

Hopefully short term pain, longer term gain.