Wellington Phoenix Men

WPM R15 vs Melbourne City FC | Fri 30th Jan | 7:00pm | RoF / SS2 - Game 500

219 replies · 7,368 views
about 2 months ago
Any changes from last week?  Injury report?  
Suggested lineups?
Yellow Fever mood survey?

Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days

about 2 months ago
Are we entering “must win” territory?
about 2 months ago
Nixieboys222
Are we entering “must win” territory?
With the table the way it is isnt every game pretty much that at the moment

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

about 2 months ago
Time to give Alby a run?
about 2 months ago
Great item on tvone sports news tonight about the 500th Phoenix game. Footage from our first ever game, big crowds, finals appearances, interview with Ricki, mention of rising from the ashes of Kingz and Knights, no mention of Auckland FC, talk about the two pro teams  - the Nix men and women and all the academy teams. Good stuff.

Oi Oi Edgecumbe... lets have a clean sheet

about 2 months ago
Even Three News had a decent story which is suprising as they hardly give us any airtime before matches. Recommend peeps watch them both. 
Oi Oi Edgecumbe
Great item on tvone sports news tonight about the 500th Phoenix game. Footage from our first ever game, big crowds, finals appearances, interview with Ricki, mention of rising from the ashes of Kingz and Knights, no mention of Auckland FC, talk about the two pro teams  - the Nix men and women and all the academy teams. Good stuff.
about 2 months ago
500th Game. Thanks Nix owners including Terry as without them, there would not be one at all. 
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

about 2 months ago
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2026/01/27/former-all-white-shane-smeltz-recalls-memories-of-phoenix-and-world-cup/

The Unused Subs show has delivered a packed episode this week, featuring Wellington Phoenix original and former All Whites striker Shane Smeltz as the headline guest.

Smeltz joined the discussion shortly after the 15-minute mark, with the conversation framed around Wellington Phoenix preparing for their 500th men’s match in club history.

He reflected on the club’s inaugural match, his contribution during the first two seasons, and the Johnny Warren Medal that followed his prolific early spell.

The episode also revisited former owner Terry Serepisos, with discussion covering his distinctive sideline presence, personality and involvement around the team environment.

With Smeltz among four New Zealanders to score at a FIFA Men’s World Cup, the panel revisited his goal against Italy in South Africa.

They also examined the offside debate surrounding that moment and shared a behind-the-scenes story involving a chaotic pre-match journey for one All Whites defender.
about 2 months ago · edited about 2 months ago · History
For me it was always Smeltzy that made the difference. And Daniel.

He came off that game against Wales where he looked like a stone cold gold scorer. And then Daniel’s equalizer in the first game. 

Browny’s goals against Sydney and anyone in fact. That Melbourne game when he bounced one in. 

But it was that goal from Smeltzy against Melbourne that made we think we weren’t NZ teams I’d seen before, making up the numbers and kind of apologising for playing football when it got serious. We could be a class act.

We’d always it seemed had guys like Ivan or Ryan in NZ, or that is to say our better players were often defenders, but Smeltz could score off his left or right peg, with his head, from distance or the six yard line, a finish after a swift counter or through bodies after a corner. 

I guess this shows my football age that I didn’t see prime Wynton and also the pre-internet age where overseas could be the moon for any chance we’d see coverage, but yeh, for me Smeltzy was the guy that showed the club could and would be something different. With a very decent support cast. 

Edit: Actually looking back, and thinking about what Uffie said about your signings being a big part of the job, this was one thing that Ricki really was able to get right in those first couple of years with Smeltzy and a fair bunch of decent All Whites behind him. 


about 2 months ago
Since it is our 500th game, perhaps we can regurgitate the Bonevacia chant changing it to Armiento.  

The I would walk 500 miles song by the Proclaimers.  
about 2 months ago
Procrastinixing
Since it is our 500th game, perhaps we can regurgitate the Bonevacia chant changing it to Armiento.  

The I would walk 500 miles song by the Proclaimers.  
Need more recycling of some of them old chants using todays players if we cant come up with new ones.

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

about 2 months ago
I just hope people show up to the game despite the economic headwinds around Welly. It would be rather sad if you have all this hype and good coverage on the news only to see 4k in the stands.

I say this all of course while living in Tauranga. Id be there in a flash if I was in Welly.
about 2 months ago
anaveragestem
I just hope people show up to the game despite the economic headwinds around Welly. It would be rather sad if you have all this hype and good coverage on the news only to see 4k in the stands.

I say this all of course while living in Tauranga. Id be there in a flash if I was in Welly.
Would love it if your right but Friday nite at 7 on the back of a 4-1 belting just cant see it. Hope like hell im wrong.

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

about 2 months ago
ballane
anaveragestem
I just hope people show up to the game despite the economic headwinds around Welly. It would be rather sad if you have all this hype and good coverage on the news only to see 4k in the stands.

I say this all of course while living in Tauranga. Id be there in a flash if I was in Welly.
Would love it if your right but Friday nite at 7 on the back of a 4-1 belting just cant see it. Hope like hell im wrong.
Yep. That is my concern. Oh well, just the way it is I guess.
about 2 months ago
City arent havent exactly been the force of passed seasons this year, they are 2 points ahead of us, it's 8th vs 9th. If ever there was a chance to beat them its this Friday.

Queenslander 3x a year.

about 2 months ago
Well I’m going with work and have convinced two others to come along, hopefully a third. Friday night football is brilliant. Love a post work game.
about 2 months ago
I'm down in Welly for a stag do tomorrow night and then a wedding on Saturday so I'm going to see if I can convince some of the lads to accompany me tomorrow. Shame they not having a discount ticket price promotion this week.
about 2 months ago
The Unused Subs episode is a good watch with some nice stories from Smeltz and Iffil. Amazing how we are at 500 games. Its been a roller coaster ride.
Not sure how this weekends game will go. It depends on which Nix team turns up....we are up and down this season. But the motivation of playing the 500th game should be enough.
I want to see more Kartum and Billy T. Our best 11 looks strong now
about 2 months ago
Nommag
I'm down in Welly for a stag do tomorrow night and then a wedding on Saturday so I'm going to see if I can convince some of the lads to accompany me tomorrow. Shame they not having a discount ticket price promotion this week.
There you go Simon someone to offer your discount to.

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

about 2 months ago · edited about 2 months ago · History
ballane
Nommag
I'm down in Welly for a stag do tomorrow night and then a wedding on Saturday so I'm going to see if I can convince some of the lads to accompany me tomorrow. Shame they not having a discount ticket price promotion this week.
There you go Simon someone to offer your discount to.

Cheers - Nommag, I’ve just sent you a message that might help.
about 2 months ago
Really gutted that I can't make this one but am tempted to do the drive from Auckland for Waitangi day...

Maybe i'll wait to see the result.
about 2 months ago
Procrastinixing
Since it is our 500th game, perhaps we can regurgitate the Bonevacia chant changing it to Armiento.  

The I would walk 500 miles song by the Proclaimers.  

I’ll watch the Nix 500 times
And I’ll watch the Nix 500 more
Just to be the man who watched a thousand times and want to suffer more


You know we belong together...

about 2 months ago
nixiefan
Really gutted that I can't make this one but am tempted to do the drive from Auckland for Waitangi day...

Maybe i'll wait to see the result.
Double header too!
about 2 months ago
Oska
Procrastinixing
Since it is our 500th game, perhaps we can regurgitate the Bonevacia chant changing it to Armiento.  

The I would walk 500 miles song by the Proclaimers.  

I’ll watch the Nix 500 times
And I’ll watch the Nix 500 more
Just to be the man who watched a thousand times and want to suffer more



or and wanted more and more! 

Though I’ve probably only watched around 15-20 games at a stadium over the years sadly, though I’ve not missed many on the tele, so I’ll defer to those with season tickets! 


about 2 months ago
Love it Oska

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

about 2 months ago
The last time I got my hopes up, we lost 4-1.

I am cautious about this one.
Adelaide's resident Nix supporter
about 2 months ago
City have made some good signing in the last two weeks. They will improve.

I want to see a bavk 5 with Tuiloma starting and Kartun on for Najarrine to start.

I also never want to see Sheridan play LB or LWB again.
about 2 months ago
MetalLegNZ
City have made some good signing in the last two weeks. They will improve.

I want to see a bavk 5 with Tuiloma starting and Kartun on for Najarrine to start.

I also never want to see Sheridan play LB or LWB again.

From what Chiefy was saying Sander is not ready to play the full 90.  I'd rather he comes on for Najjarine than be replaced by him.

Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days

about 2 months ago
I want Chiefy to play Najjarine and LBS behind Eze. Piper and Sander as impact subs. And when Sander is fit enough to replace Najjarine in the 11. 
about 2 months ago
Guessing there will definitely be a moment of silence for Rado or something to honour him.
about 2 months ago · edited about 2 months ago · History
wilbaker
I want Chiefy to play Najjarine and LBS behind Eze. Piper and Sander as impact subs. And when Sander is fit enough to replace Najjarine in the 11. 

LBS is very young still. But he has been a bit disappointing this season I feel when coming on. Shouldn't be starting. 

If you are dropping Piper to the pine, it's Mileusnić who comes into the run on 11.
about 2 months ago
coochiee
wilbaker
I want Chiefy to play Najjarine and LBS behind Eze. Piper and Sander as impact subs. And when Sander is fit enough to replace Najjarine in the 11. 

LBS is very young still. But he has been a bit disappointing this season I feel when coming on. Shouldn't be starting. 

If you are dropping Piper to the pine, it's Mileusnić who comes into the run on 11.
 
I didn’t see how he went last week because I turned it off after the third goal, but his last two sub appearances were very good. He hasn’t started once this season I believe, so would be nice to see how he goes starting a game. I remember when he started in the aus cup against Perth he was one of our best players. 

Wouldn’t be opposed to Mileusnic starting either but he’s played less football than LBS so he might not even be ready to start. He’s also a good option of the bench probably being our fastest player in the squad against tired legs is always a strong weapon coming on.
about 2 months ago · edited about 2 months ago · History
wilbaker
coochiee
wilbaker
I want Chiefy to play Najjarine and LBS behind Eze. Piper and Sander as impact subs. And when Sander is fit enough to replace Najjarine in the 11. 

LBS is very young still. But he has been a bit disappointing this season I feel when coming on. Shouldn't be starting. 

If you are dropping Piper to the pine, it's Mileusnić who comes into the run on 11.
 
I didn’t see how he went last week because I turned it off after the third goal, but his last two sub appearances were very good. He hasn’t started once this season I believe, so would be nice to see how he goes starting a game. I remember when he started in the aus cup against Perth he was one of our best players. 

Wouldn’t be opposed to Mileusnic starting either but he’s played less football than LBS so he might not even be ready to start. He’s also a good option of the bench probably being our fastest player in the squad against tired legs is always a strong weapon coming on.

Not sure I agree.   LBS is not someone to play a full "adult" game yet, not at his age.  Sure way to injure him out.   Him and Sander Kartum would be best as subs to come on, Sander possibly a full second half by now perhaps.
In contrast, Piper is one of few players who can play a full game and produce exactly the same quality through 90 minutes; so should only be subbed off if there is a very good reason (tactical change, injury etc). Some may not like what he does with the ball but at least he is super consistent and cannot be muscled off easily.
Mileusnic post-recovery is likely ready by now to play a longer spell.  Both him and Sander Kartum should get decent time on the field.  I look forward to both of them being an early sub, even just to take Eze off if he is unproductive. The big Nigerian is good (perhaps even very good by Nix standards) but not the only good player in this squad.

Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days

about 2 months ago
Sander was fit coming over. Game fitness probably not, but he wasn't injured. Start and give him 60.
about 2 months ago
MetalLegNZ
Sander was fit coming over. Game fitness probably not, but he wasn't injured. Start and give him 60.
MetalLegNZ
Sander was fit coming over. Game fitness probably not, but he wasn't injured. Start and give him 60.

Could be the case - I am not sure if he was playing regularly before leaving Scotland or not, but deff looked physically good last week in his 15 min cameo.

Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days

about 2 months ago
Something else to disagree with, Mainland!
I don't know what's so special about the Nix's 17 year old that requires him to be wrapped in cotton wool, when other clubs are regularly fielding teenagers, 17, 16 even 15, more frequently by the year, and they do well, and don't disproportionately get injured.
It's not as if he's frail physically. The opposite, he's one of the strongest teens. And appears to have a stable temperament, unlike, say, Irankunda.
He's a potential matchwinner, capable of brilliance, and this season might end with regrets that he wasn't played more and earlier.
Mainland FC
wilbaker
coochiee
wilbaker
I want Chiefy to play Najjarine and LBS behind Eze. Piper and Sander as impact subs. And when Sander is fit enough to replace Najjarine in the 11. 

LBS is very young still. But he has been a bit disappointing this season I feel when coming on. Shouldn't be starting. 

If you are dropping Piper to the pine, it's Mileusnić who comes into the run on 11.
 
I didn’t see how he went last week because I turned it off after the third goal, but his last two sub appearances were very good. He hasn’t started once this season I believe, so would be nice to see how he goes starting a game. I remember when he started in the aus cup against Perth he was one of our best players. 

Wouldn’t be opposed to Mileusnic starting either but he’s played less football than LBS so he might not even be ready to start. He’s also a good option of the bench probably being our fastest player in the squad against tired legs is always a strong weapon coming on.

Not sure I agree.   LBS is not someone to play a full "adult" game yet, not at his age.  Sure way to injure him out.   Him and Sander Kartum would be best as subs to come on, Sander possibly a full second half by now perhaps.
In contrast, Piper is one of few players who can play a full game and produce exactly the same quality through 90 minutes; so should only be subbed off if there is a very good reason (tactical change, injury etc). Some may not like what he does with the ball but at least he is super consistent and cannot be muscled off easily.
Mileusnic post-recovery is likely ready by now to play a longer spell.  Both him and Sander Kartum should get decent time on the field.  I look forward to both of them being an early sub, even just to take Eze off if he is unproductive. The big Nigerian is good (perhaps even very good by Nix standards) but not the only good player in this squad.
about 2 months ago
nixin
Something else to disagree with, Mainland!
I don't know what's so special about the Nix's 17 year old that requires him to be wrapped in cotton wool, when other clubs are regularly fielding teenagers, 17, 16 even 15, more frequently by the year, and they do well, and don't disproportionately get injured.
It's not as if he's frail physically. The opposite, he's one of the strongest teens. And appears to have a stable temperament, unlike, say, Irankunda.
He's a potential matchwinner, capable of brilliance, and this season might end with regrets that he wasn't played more and earlier.
Mainland FC
wilbaker
coochiee
wilbaker
I want Chiefy to play Najjarine and LBS behind Eze. Piper and Sander as impact subs. And when Sander is fit enough to replace Najjarine in the 11. 

LBS is very young still. But he has been a bit disappointing this season I feel when coming on. Shouldn't be starting. 

If you are dropping Piper to the pine, it's Mileusnić who comes into the run on 11.
 
I didn’t see how he went last week because I turned it off after the third goal, but his last two sub appearances were very good. He hasn’t started once this season I believe, so would be nice to see how he goes starting a game. I remember when he started in the aus cup against Perth he was one of our best players. 

Wouldn’t be opposed to Mileusnic starting either but he’s played less football than LBS so he might not even be ready to start. He’s also a good option of the bench probably being our fastest player in the squad against tired legs is always a strong weapon coming on.

Not sure I agree.   LBS is not someone to play a full "adult" game yet, not at his age.  Sure way to injure him out.   Him and Sander Kartum would be best as subs to come on, Sander possibly a full second half by now perhaps.
In contrast, Piper is one of few players who can play a full game and produce exactly the same quality through 90 minutes; so should only be subbed off if there is a very good reason (tactical change, injury etc). Some may not like what he does with the ball but at least he is super consistent and cannot be muscled off easily.
Mileusnic post-recovery is likely ready by now to play a longer spell.  Both him and Sander Kartum should get decent time on the field.  I look forward to both of them being an early sub, even just to take Eze off if he is unproductive. The big Nigerian is good (perhaps even very good by Nix standards) but not the only good player in this squad.
 Yeah I agree, he started 3 games last season as 16 year old and started the few aus cup games we had so its not like he's never started before. I do think he should still be managed and not start every week but he hasn't been given one chance to start a game and its not like Ramy has been on hot form.
about 2 months ago
Can anyone enlighten me on our home record against Melbourne City, cause I feel it is not good.  
about 2 months ago
It's the hope that kills you. 
WhoStoleMySock
The last time I got my hopes up, we lost 4-1.

I am cautious about this one.