October 12, 2025 • 44 mins
Football Fever is back at the start of a massive nine months ahead.
Jason Pine and Michael Burgess preview the respective A-League men's seasons for Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix.
Can Auckland FC avoid second-season syndrome?
Can Wellington Phoenix improve on a disappointing 2024/25 campaign?
And how high will they each finish on the A-League ladder?
Plus a recap of the All Whites' narrow loss to Poland and a look ahead to Wednesday's clash with Norway.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Football Fever, the podcast keeping you up to death with
the beautiful Game with the voice of football Jason Paine
and Insid Heralds Michael Burgess, powered by news Talk Zebbi.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Yes, indeed, after an off season break, we are back
with Football Fever, bringing you all of the latest news
and opinion and bits and pieces from the beautiful game,
focused mainly on the A League but also our national teams.
I'm Jason Pine and fresh into the podcast we've managed
to secure the off season transfer of the New Zealand Heralds.
(00:36):
Michael Burgess. Welcome to Football Fever Bird, so good to
have you alongside for the season ahead.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Great to be here, Piney. And what a season's going
to be, isn't it? I cannot remember more anticipation about
a football season. What about a football time frame? Then
we've got coming up from now into next journe it is.
It's a remarkable period to be covering football and to
be talking about FOOTBA.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Absolutely yeah. Safe for World Cup coming up in June
and July. In December, early December, sixth of December, in fact,
we find out who the All Whites will be playing
and where they'll be playing next year. In the United
States or Canada or Mexico got the new Alegue women's
season starting in early November. Massive anticipation around how the
Wellington Phoenix might go. But the new A League men's
(01:22):
season starts this weekend, so that's going to be our
focus on football Fever today. Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix
both have away games to begin their seasons. The Auckland
FC side are at Melbourne Victory Saturday night, followed by
the Phoenix away at Perth Glory. They both come home
for their first home matches over Labor weekend. Auckland FC Birds,
(01:44):
you were a very very close observer of them in
season one. We often hear about second season syndrome. Everybody
knows about Auckland FC. Now can they match or even
better what they did last season?
Speaker 3 (02:00):
I think they can. I think they definitely can, but
it won't be easy because they're not going to go
what was it five and a half games of that
concenior goal for example. You know they're not going to
win their first six games. You wouldn't think so anyway.
Things like that were absolutely incredible, So to match that,
the second album is always harder than the first, So
(02:22):
there are things that will be tough. I guess the
questions will be around things like the hunger. Is the
hunger going to be there? There was so much to
prove last year as an expansion team. The other thing
would be that comes to mind is just the physical
intensity they play with and the training load it takes
to get to that. Last season was all new and fresh.
(02:43):
They've had to go through it all again. Can they
rise to those levels and sustain it physically push themselves
again like they did? But as we're going to get
to they would have learned so much from last year.
Number one, they would have learned about the weather. They
would have learned about the weather challenges, they would have
learned about the travel challenges. That would have learned about themselves.
(03:06):
And I think it's I mean, I'll be interested to
hear what you think, Pine, but I feel like it's
marginally a better squad this season as well.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Yeah, it's an interesting question, isn't it. How does the
squad compare it to last season? You talk about the
second album where they've just about got the band back together,
haven't they, Although they have lost they have lost a
couple of key musicians. I have to say Alex Paulson
best goalkeeper in the A League the last two seasons,
last season at Auckland FC, the previous season at Wellington Phoenix.
(03:36):
Whoever came in was going to be a downgrade, and
Michael vaud and Olie Saylor can get to in a minute.
Who you think might actually start between the sticks was
always going to be a downgrade. Nato Moreno is not
there anymore, neither is Max marter in Comes Sam Cosgrove,
the English striker, but for the most part they've retained
the key building blocks, haven't they The big players you know,
(03:58):
the likes of Hiroki Kui and Dan Hall and Guijumo
Mai who was just so effective up front. Yeah, it's
an interesting question. Are they a better squad than last year?
If you take goalkeeper outs, are they a better squad
than last year?
Speaker 4 (04:14):
I think they are.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
Mainly I think Sam Cosgrove let's see, but I think
he'll prove to be a better all round striker than
Max Martyr. I mean, Max got a couple of goals,
but they probably expected more and they'll expect a lot
more from Sam CoV Grove. He's had a long career
in England. What is it almost three hundred games in England,
had a really good spell at Aberdeen forty seven goals
(04:37):
and around.
Speaker 4 (04:37):
One hundred games there.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
He has been at twelve clubs, but I think his
presence in the air will bring a lot and that's
what they need because we all know how they play.
So he's an upgrade Morena. I'm not sure I love Moreno.
I was a bit obsessed with Mareno, to be honest,
because I just thought he was fantastic to watch. You
just X factor, You made things happen. I think Steve
Kyaker got a bit frustrated with his work rate, but man,
(04:59):
I have seen too many more exciting players than him
in the A League. I thought it was amazing the
fact that you chipped them with eight goals too. But
I've heard a lot of good things out of the
Auckland camp about Brook. They're all saying, hey, this guy's
got real X factor too, don't worry about him. He
might not get the goals that Nato did, but the
X factor no problem. And I would say that the
new defender Gilard Reich is probably an upgrade on Tommy Smith.
(05:23):
So if you look at those you'd say I'd imagine
the slightly slightly strong.
Speaker 4 (05:29):
Given with the point you made about goalkeeper.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Yeah, Sam Cosgrove is interesting to me and I think
Auckland FC looked best last season when they played Gigimo
My off Max mart For me, they started off, didn't
they with my almost playing center forward, but that's not
his role and he was never really a center ford
in the traditional sense of the word. They kind of
had you they had My with Rogerson and Gillian or
(05:51):
Randall up alongside Madno when he came in. But I
just thought they looked way more effective when Mike could
drop off a front man, it feels to me. But
just though that's Sam Cosgrove will be. He'll be the
big man to Gizumo MAI's little man, if you know
what I mean.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
Yeah, the sort of Kevin Keegan, Trevor Brooking and all
those other examples over the years. I think that that's
how they'll play. Because Kroker realized, didn't he halfway through
that well a third of the way through the season.
Actually it's gonna work better with two up front and
with a big man there. Cosgrovers big. He's what one
meter ninety four, a real threat in the air. He's
(06:27):
impressed during pre season from what I've heard, So that
adds just a different dimension when you can get Gema
Mai playing as a number ten, because there's no doubt
he has a spectacular number ten.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
Who starts in goal? Who starts there? Michael Vowd's had
to wait and wait and wait and interesting watching the
Forever Auckland FC doco and the frustration he initially felt
when Alex Paulson was signed, but then he shrugged his
shoulders and got on with it. But he did say
and that doco, look, if it happens again, there might
be trouble.
Speaker 3 (06:59):
Well.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
I mean, Darren basely clearly thinks that Olie Saler is
a better goalkeeper than Michael vald because he picks my
head a vowed for the national side. Who starts in
goal this weekend?
Speaker 4 (07:11):
I wish I knew because that is a big question.
Steve Crack has.
Speaker 3 (07:14):
Been very cautious about giving anything away there, but I'd
say it might be Ollie Sayale only because Michael Valde
had a really poor game in that Australia Cup semi
final and that might have left you know, that one
little moment might have left some some doubts in Craker's mind.
(07:35):
Coaches are quite suspicious about these kind of things, so
but it will be down to who has had the
better preseason. And of course we don't know that. It
was a good point you make it of that documentary.
I thought Michael came across really well in that actually,
considering what he went through, and he'd feels so sorry
for If he's back as a number two again, it
really would be would be a I don't know he
to deal with that.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
I don't think it. I don't think it survived the season. Honestly,
I don't think he would survive the Sea. And if
if Oli Sale gets the nod and Michael Vaud has
to go through again what he did last season, I
wonder whether he just says, you know what I need
to be playing. They've got a pretty good number three
in Joe Knowles, so he could he could be, you know,
your new number two, and they could bring someone through
(08:17):
from the you know, from the younger set. But I
don't know. If I'm Michael Vaud. I think Terry mcflin
probably said to him last season, look, hey we've got
Alex Pawson coming in, but it's only a one season proposition.
You might have to buide your time, but next season
those gloves are yours and then all of a sudden
Oli sale turns up. It's a difficult situation for Michael Vaud.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
He's newly married too, so I guess he's got that
support at home and there's plenty of conversations with the
wife about what is happening. Yeah, he must feel quite
frustrated because you know, Olie Sal's been driven back here
because of some World Cup ambitions and because he Perth
didn't really work out. And it's like how I've got
(09:00):
you know, because everyone's forgotten how good Oli Sail was
in twenty two and twenty three. He was he was
talked about getting a big European move. It didn't quite happen.
But yeah, you feel some simply sympathy of him. But
let's see what they go with on Saturday.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
If Michael Vaud plays the majority of games this season,
does Olisal go to the World Cup?
Speaker 5 (09:21):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (09:21):
I mean it's a broader question, isn't it. How do
you how do you pick goalkeepers who aren't playing. It's
bad enough when outfitters aren't playing, but goalkeepers.
Speaker 4 (09:32):
Probably not.
Speaker 3 (09:33):
Because Oli Sail has got that international experience. He was
the All Whites number one for a decent period of time.
He was, of course the Whites number one in Doha
against Costa Rica. He was the you know, that whole
that hell built up into that campaign under Danny Hay.
So he's got the runs on the board. So I'd
still favor him at this stage as the as the
(09:55):
third keeper.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
Yeah, I would too, although I knowe Nick Sanni if
starting to to mount a case. Yes, yeah, I think
Alex Paulson and Max Croquam can quite safely plan to
be out of the country in June and July of
next year or out of wherever they live these days.
But yeah, I think that third one and the other
thing about the third keeper, and I know this wasn't
this isn't the point of the conversation, but I feel
(10:17):
like the third keeper in any squad has to be
someone who's not going to be disruptive. They all want
to play, it's unlikely the third keeper will play. I
think Oli Sail probably has a lot to offer around
the culture of a team, so I wonder whether actually
it doesn't matter if he doesn't play every game this
year or this season for Auckland FC. He's known by Basley,
(10:41):
he's none around the environment and he will you know,
he'll be an enthusiastic and energetic presence, even though he's
been number one and is not anymore.
Speaker 4 (10:52):
Yeah, I think you summed it up perfectly. Lot.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
You cannot have a third keeper who's sort of downcast
and kicking stones and pissed off. He's got to be
the the energy guy that brings the energy for the
other two. Ollie appeals as that guy. And as you say,
he knows everyone on the team. He's been there so long,
he's been a captain. He relates to all of them,
so that's a lot in his favor. But I wouldn't
write off Zanev as you pointed out. I mean he's
(11:16):
playing at a good level. He's a good keeper, but
maybe the lack of time and the environment would count
against them.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
All right, just to put a rap on Auckland f C.
We're going to give our predictions, our table predictions, etc.
Once we've gone through Wellington Phoenix. But Nato madeo Gon,
Max Marta, Alex Paulson gone, Louis Toomy no longer with
the club. Tommy Smith has gone back to the UK
and Scott Galloway has also departed a couple of injuries.
Dan Hall and Gazumo May are apparently available for round one,
(11:42):
so that's good news. They both had knee problems in
the last few weeks. Felipe guy Gos though is not
due back until round three and Nando Pinek after his
ankle surgery, won't be back at the stage until round four,
so there's a bit of a bit of shuffling to
do their preseason games and it'll all draw with mel
City On Friday they beat the Mariners to nil and
(12:03):
drew two to two with Brisbane Raw, so a bit
of a mixed bag as far as the preseason is concerned.
It really doesn't matter, doesn't We wait till we get
to the actual start of the season, which for Auckland
FC is away at Melbourne Victory Saturday night, nine thirty
five New Zealand Times.
Speaker 1 (12:20):
The Football Fever podcast with Jason Vine and Michael Burgess.
Speaker 2 (12:25):
Thet's got to Wellington Phoenix. It was a very long
season for Wellington Phoenix fans in twenty twenty four twenty
five off the bat Burge. Can they improve on what
was a hugely disappointing campaign.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
Well, they have to and yeah, there's a lot of
room for improvemn isn't there? Because there was so it
was so disappointing in so many ways. The biggest thing
for me was the fact they built so much momentum
in the season before, and you know, they were the
people's team, they were New Zealand's team, and then Auckland
came in at the same time Wellington dived and it
(13:01):
felt like the Phoenix were kind of forgotten about it,
and I was like, how can this happen? The Phoenix
were turning so many heads just a few months ago,
so it was very sad. But no, there's no doubt
they will improve. It's just the biggest question is how
much can they improve?
Speaker 2 (13:19):
Yeah, I feel like they can't go any further the
other way because, you know, not to too fine a
point on it, they were at times last year so underwhelming,
not just in the fact that they couldn't get results,
but on the pitch they just created in some games
so very little that it was hard to be inspired
by them. Now, Chief egng Colo italiana Us said look,
(13:39):
we're going to play a different way this season. He's
changed the formation to a three four three, so he's
got a three center backs, a couple of wing backs
and by the sounds of it, that's going to be
Tim Pain on the right and maybe Carlo Armiento on
the left, a couple of holding midfielder's likes of a
Roofer and a Paulo retro perhaps and then three up top.
And we don't know what that's going to look like.
(14:01):
But I worry about where the goals come from Birch
because the biggest source of goals last season, and he
got quite a few of the season before as well,
and there's got goals everywhere. He's gone. It's cost to
Barbarusis and he's gone to Western Sydney now, So without him,
where do the goals come from?
Speaker 3 (14:17):
It feels like lots on the sholdons of Za, doesn't it.
He's the new guy that's come in and he's got
a mixed resume, but he's been brought in to score
goals and there's a lot on him. And then you
hope that it's like similar seasons in the past where
that other people are chipping in around that. But yeah,
(14:38):
where the goals come from? And can they sort out
all the defensive issues. I think having through at the
back will actually suit them in some way, so that
that might be a good change. But yeah, goals, you
need goals otherwise there's a lot of pressure on a team.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
I've heard of a lot of very good things about
man Draker James, the new center backer, is effectively a
replacement for Scott Wotton who's gone to Perth Glory. I think, well,
he certainly will be part of that back three. Maybe
the central figure in that back three, Isaac Hughes I
think has continued to develop and will probably be alongside him.
I know they've tried Matt Sheridan at the back. There's
(15:14):
talk about Lucas Kelly Healed playing on the left hand
side of a back three. I'd have Corbyn Piper in there.
You know, I watched Corbyn Piper last year and he
was one of the few bright spots in that season
in terms of his energy, his commitment. He's new to
professional football but just didn't seem to care who he
was up against, just got stuck in. He feels like
a center back to me. I know he's played all
(15:35):
over the place. I'd have Piper at the back. I
don't know what you think about that chief.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
He seems to have tried him almost everywhere, you know,
throwing on a striker, he said, some time out wide.
But he's a logical center back. He's got sort of
the presence for it. But as you say, he's one
of those guys that brings more than the offers at
first glance, and teams need that, especially a team like
the Phoenix. He's a player that the crowd can relate to.
(16:01):
So yeah, I think he's quite critical. But the other
guy I wanted to ask about because you've seen a
lot more of him than me, Luke brook Smith. He's
gone from being pretty unknown less than a year ago
to a guy that a lot of us are discussing
getting quite excited about. You know, what, what have you
thought of him and what will his role be do
(16:22):
you think this season?
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Yeah? Great energy. He's brought a lot, hasn't he. In
a couple of those Australia Cup games that the Phoenix
played again, they didn't create a heck of a lot
and it was Luke brook Smith who looked the most
likely to set anything up. Look, it's a lot of
weight to put on the shoulders of a seventeen year
old gid, isn't it. But he seems to have risen
to every occasion that he's been faced with. He came
(16:45):
into the first team last year and I think gave
a pretty good account of himself. Scored a goal in
the derby, albeit a six to one defeat up there,
and then gave the ball away for another goal. That
was you know, that was the beauty of that youthful
exuberance and then the naivety of it as well. I
think it's big to ask, you know, a kid really,
and that's all he is, burch A. He's a seventeen
(17:07):
year old kid to shoulder the load. I would love
to see him be used in an impact role, but
it might be that he is your most dangerous attacking player.
So he actually plays quite a bit. Look, we saw
him get an All Whites debut recently. He's just got
back from the Under twenty World Cup as I understand it,
he's not going to the Under seventeen World Cup, which
(17:29):
he's still eligible to play. And that's how young he is.
Because because he wants to try and stake a claim
in the A League side, you know, exciting player. The
raw materials are clearly there. I just hope too much
pressure isn't put on him, you know, to reskue this
Wellington Phoenix side for a guy who wasn't even old
(17:49):
enough to celebrate and went afterwards in the pub.
Speaker 4 (17:52):
No, it's a good point. I think.
Speaker 3 (17:53):
I think it's actually crucial what chief he does here.
I think he's maybe take a leaf out of someone
like Andrew Webster. The Warrior is how you manage young players,
how you manage expectation and just know when to when
to give him a break or not put too much
on his shoulders because undoubted potential. Love the nickname too,
(18:14):
love the nickname. But what I also love about him
is hearing him speak in all whits camp.
Speaker 4 (18:18):
Just the maturity. Yeah, and he mentioned.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
How you know, it was a big moment the Derby
scores the goal, but then as you say, gave the
ball away to concede a goal and that was a
massive wake up call.
Speaker 4 (18:29):
He took a lot out of that.
Speaker 3 (18:30):
So if it's if there's any guide in terms of
how he is from how he speaks, then there's a
really good hit on the shoulders, which is promising.
Speaker 2 (18:39):
Yeah, he's not your typical seventeen year old, is he
who just grunts a little bit and then and then
goes back into his room to play on his PlayStation.
But you know, you're right, he's got a bit about him.
He's clearly been around some high performance environments. And look,
I mean he will talk about the or whites in
the moment, But he's on the whiteboard, isn't he. He's
on Darren Baseley's whiteboard, especially if they take twenty six
to the World Cup. We still don't know what the
(19:01):
squad size is, but he's the guy for Darren basically
looks looks along as bench late in a game and
is looking for something a bit different. Your eyes might
land on Luke Brooksmith, mightn't they.
Speaker 4 (19:10):
Well that's the thing I think.
Speaker 3 (19:11):
I think if you spoke to Darren privately, he would
say he would love it if Luke has a big
Phoenix season because that'll make his decision easier.
Speaker 4 (19:18):
But also the New Zealand football.
Speaker 3 (19:20):
Community, he's just a point of difference. We've got a
lot of We're going to get to this later. A
lot of players in the work's gods with a lot
of skill that play a certain way, but his his
pace and he's so direct you need that sometimes bring
someone on shake shake things up. I think he's a
real he's a real bolter definitely.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
Yeap and and could well have a big Phoenix season, which,
as I say, would would certainly help Darren Baseley and
his decision making around the all Whites. Those to leave
the Phoenix after last season, Scott Warton has mentioned, also
Sam Sutton. They're both at Perth Glory now so very
early in the season clashed with their former side when
the Phoenix played Perth Glory on Saturday night. Cost of
(20:01):
Barbarussis has mentioned has gone to Western Sydney. Others to
leave Stefan Kolakowski and Chico Giraldez who was a bit
of a live wire spark at the end of last
season but has been released. They've beaten the Mariners three
milin a friendly in the last couple of days actually
as they got a couple of goals rufer on the
(20:21):
score sheet, a one all draw against Western Sydney in
a one lost to Sydney FC. So it's been a
fairy promising sort of a pre season. Injury wise, Polo
Retray may miss the first game, Nicola Milllsnitch probably round
two and Elbie Kelly Healed last year, who did his
shoulder last year as recovering from shoulder surgery just on him.
(20:42):
Burge actually and Josh ollaway Emy's placing this team last year.
After a mixed sort of eight to ten games for
ohaway Emy, they made the change. LB Kelly Healed came
into Gold and I thought looked quite good, then hurt
himself and they had to bring olaway Emi back. If
LB Kelly Healed your number one, can you afford to
(21:03):
have one of your imports sitting on the bench or not?
Speaker 3 (21:06):
No, I mean that's summed up how dire things were
at the Phoenix last season. Was you had an input
goalkeeper on the bench. You know that that's just a
crazy state of affairs. It's always debatable to use an
input spot on a keeper anyway, because normally you can
find a good Australian and a good news Isealander and
then the fact he's you know, not even playing was
(21:29):
ridiculous frankly.
Speaker 2 (21:31):
Indeed, so other additions to the side apart from is
the Nigerian striker who people have asked me about him
Berg and I feel like he's kind of player who
might get your fifteen goals and might get your two
goals and you just don't know which of the two
it's going to be, not just because of him and
as you say, his wide ranging resume, but because that's
(21:51):
what happens sometimes in the A League. Guys turn up
and you think, man, that guy looks good on his
YouTube highlights of three and a half minutes. But it's
a twenty six game season, so look, I don't know.
I hope as magnificent, but we'll have to wait and see.
I guess others to arrive man Dracer James as mentioned,
and a number of propably what you'd call Australian journeymen,
(22:13):
those who have had different clubs in the A League,
Rammy Nazarene, Carlo Armiento and also Nicola Meliusnich, who was
most recently at Perth, also had time at Brisbane and
at Adelaide. Speaking of Nicola Meliusnich had the chance to
chat with him a few days ago to see how
we settling in to Wellington Phoenix.
Speaker 6 (22:33):
Yeah it's been good so far.
Speaker 5 (22:34):
I mean to me, while I found a place that's
hat ale end, but finally got there and yeah, really
enjoying enjoying the city now my family came over recently,
so it's been really really good to have them here
as well and experience the nice days so they.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Get nicer during the summer.
Speaker 4 (22:49):
Don't worry.
Speaker 2 (22:50):
How did this will come about? You're at Perth. Tell
us about the conversations that have led you to become
a Wellington Phoenix player.
Speaker 4 (22:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (22:57):
I mean I was at Perth and then my contract
ended there, and then I was looking for something new
and when Chief You called me, I was pretty keen
to come over. She had to sort out the finer things,
and then yeah, came over and yeah, it just sort
of fit in quite well.
Speaker 6 (23:12):
So yeah, that's how it sort of happened. Happened really quick. Actually, Yeah,
so good.
Speaker 2 (23:16):
To hear any reflect on your time at Perth pretty challenging.
Speaker 5 (23:20):
Yeah, I mean it was a difficult season personally, and yeah
altogether as well. I had a few injuries sort of
sent me back a lot of the season. So yeah,
definitely definitely looking to improve on that and put that
in the past. So but yeah, obviously i still feel
like I've got a lot to give and I'm really
looking forward to the season that's going to be coming,
(23:43):
and I feel really positive.
Speaker 6 (23:45):
On how things are going here.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
So I guess on one of the upsides, would you
got time with Oli Sale that's never boring?
Speaker 4 (23:52):
Is that?
Speaker 5 (23:53):
Yeah he's a good guy. He has a big, big
personality in the dressing room, but he's always there for
the boys.
Speaker 6 (24:00):
Yeah, definitely good to have him around. So yeah, obviously
awkward boys will be enjoying him.
Speaker 5 (24:04):
Now.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
So you've been around this league for a while obviously,
Perth Adelaide. What's it been like settling into a new
team in a new country.
Speaker 5 (24:14):
I mean it's generally across the league it's pretty similar.
So you know, how was it done mat For a
bit it was a bit more difficult, But here, you know,
everyone speaks English and you sort of know the players
as well because you play against them.
Speaker 6 (24:27):
So yeah, it's been quite easy in that sort of
in terms of that.
Speaker 5 (24:31):
But yeah, coming to the training facilities, it is really
something remarkable, to be honest, compared to some of the
ALA clubs. Yeah, it's really really good to have these
facilities and to be part of it, and yeah it
makes it just a little bit easier coming in every day.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
So yeah, haven't been around the league for a while.
What are the keys to success in the A League.
Speaker 5 (24:49):
Oh, I feel like the culture is probably the biggest one.
And I think we touched on that early in the
preseason and haven't really spoke about it so far, which
means it's a good thing.
Speaker 6 (24:58):
It means we're heading in the right direction.
Speaker 5 (25:00):
And I feel like the boys have all bought into
to a single goal and we're all working towards it.
So I feel like if we can have that one
goal and everyone working towards or putting everything towards that
single thing, I know there's going to be hurdles and
speed bumps, But as long as we have a clear.
Speaker 6 (25:16):
Or clear instructions, clear.
Speaker 5 (25:18):
Processes, I feel like, yeah, that sort of builds something.
Speaker 6 (25:22):
Yeah, set us up for a really good season.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
Looks like, in broad terms, Chief his skin on a
three four to three sort of formation. Where is your
best place in that formation?
Speaker 5 (25:31):
Probably somewhere no one needed defense, It's not the next
three and just yeah, somewhere up upside where I can
sort of trying to help score goals and assist and
you know, press and yeah, apply my skills sets that
I feel like I'm good at, and yeah, definitely at
the top somewhere.
Speaker 2 (25:49):
Yes, that's one of the front three, not one of
the what I mean was mainly seeing you in wide
areas hapning is that kind of where you feel most comfortable.
Speaker 5 (25:56):
Yeah, yes, and no, I mean I played a bit
up front as well and through the midfield, so I'm
pretty used to most of those positions. But yeah, definitely
in a four three three, I used to play on
the wing. So yeah, but I mean in today's game,
there's a lot of rotations at a lot of movements,
so you end up playing pretty much every position.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
And your speed gets talked about a lot. You're still
as quick as you were. You work hard on that.
Speaker 5 (26:19):
I don't necessarily work hard and it I am still
pretty quick, but yeah, definitely don't do specific things to
work on.
Speaker 6 (26:26):
It sort of just came naturally to me as I
was growing up.
Speaker 5 (26:29):
And yeah, so definitely something that I that it gets talked
about a lot, but yeah, you know, there's also other
quick players in the league as well.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
So yeah, and it's the new season, what two weeks away.
You've had a few seasons now, do you still get
a sense of anticipation, a bit of excitement, a heat
of a new season, particularly at a new club.
Speaker 5 (26:47):
Of course, I mean whether it's a new club or
club everything, everything's all that brighter at the start of
the season. You know, you have your aspirations as a
team and goals and you have hope. So I feel
like if you're if you're not excited and there's a
bit of a problem, mate. But yeah, definitely excited, nervous
and really eager to see how we go. And it's
just nice to put everything that we put, what sort
(27:09):
of worked on throughout the last season, to practice and
really test ourselves. So yeah, definitely excited.
Speaker 2 (27:15):
I know you're going to focus on the next game,
but have you thought about the derbies?
Speaker 6 (27:18):
Yeah, well of course I have.
Speaker 5 (27:20):
I heard it gets a little bit and I watched,
to be fair last year, it's a bit heated, and yeah,
definitely excited to be part of it. I know the
boys are as well, so yeah, definitely definitely excited to
see what what they bring this season.
Speaker 2 (27:33):
Nicole malusinich there So, I think the only other thing
I wanted to ask you about with regard to the
Phoenix pur is can they finally win one of these derbies?
Speaker 4 (27:42):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (27:42):
That's that's real Millstone, isn't it. And that was the
other big thing about last season that took the windown
of their sales. They're pretty unlucky in that first derby.
If you, if you, if you, if you watch the
game back, they actually played quite well. A nil Neil
result was probably the right result in that game, or
even the Phoenix could have won. And they had that
great chance that just went over the bar. So and
(28:03):
from then on it just spiraled downwards and they lost.
You know, momentum and confidence of belief in Auckland just
just became their their kryptonite. Can they do it well?
They've got two in Wellington. That's a good start. I
think by the time they get to the first derby
they'll have some momentum. But they've got some scars. I
don't know, do you see the scars as an issue
(28:25):
or do you believe they can just start afresh.
Speaker 2 (28:27):
I think you have to, don't you. You have to.
You can't be psychologically damaged by what's happened before, because
there's absolutely no way of changing it. You know. I
look at Auckland FC and I'm sure they'll stride confidently
down to Wellington for the first derby in round four
on the eighth of November, just as they stride confidently.
It's pretty much every ground that they go to after
(28:47):
what happened last year. But I think the Phoenix just
have to just have to find a way to forget
the past. I'll tell you what, Berch, it would be
a much better narrative for the season if the Phoenix
could win that first darby. Imagine the confidence boost that
they would get from it. Imagine the lift it would
give their fans. I feel like they've got a bit
of a soft landing in this season. I look at
(29:09):
their first three games the Phoenix they play Perth away,
Brisbane at home and the Mariners away. Those three sides
are all if you look at the latest odds favored,
Well are least favored to win the A League than
the Phoenix are. So it's not like they've got the
big guns to start with. So I don't know. I
(29:30):
feel like if the Phoenix can get their act together
and you know, get a couple of three wins from
those first three games, they'll really give themself confidence ahead
of that first derby there will.
Speaker 3 (29:39):
They've got a good record in Perth too, that must
bode well. But and imagine the crowd for the first derby.
You know, the Wellington crowd is fantastic, big crowd there.
They really get them going.
Speaker 4 (29:50):
Phoenix.
Speaker 3 (29:51):
Phoenix have got a lot of redemption, a lot of
revenge on their minds and all it will take is
one result and imagine how good to be for the sport.
It would be fantastic for the sport. You have to say,
even if you talk to Auckland f C quietly they okay,
they don't want to lose to Wellington, but they want
Wellington to do well. It's better for them too if
the derby rivalry is strong.
Speaker 2 (30:13):
Indeed, Wellington's first games have just mentioned Auckland's first games
Melbourne victory away Western Sydney at home, Adelaide at home
and then the derby. So that is absolutely, without doubt
a much tougher first three games before the derby on
paper anyway, than the Phoenix have. Just before we move
to the All Whites, the All Whites hopefuls in these
(30:35):
two teams, I look at Wellington Phoenix. We've talked about
Luke brook Smith, Alex Rufer, Tim Payne, Auckland f C,
Oli Sale, even Michael Vat, Francis Devrees, Pineker, Elliott Rogerson, Randall.
How important is it that these guys with their national
coach living in the same country as they are, how
important they have big seasons to make sure that they
are on the plane to the World Cup next year.
Speaker 3 (30:58):
Well, it's sort of what they're playing for, isn't it,
as much as they're playing for success with their clubs.
You know, in the back of their minds all about
North America. This is the golden opportunity. Because of the
list you just read out, there's only a few of
them that are nailed on certainties, and there's a lot
of them that are if they have a good season,
I'm really in the frame. If I don't have a
good season, I might miss out completely. So there's so
(31:22):
much to play for. It's you know, this audition for
the World Cup feels like it's been going on forever
because you're what's qualified so early, which has been good
and bad in some ways.
Speaker 4 (31:31):
But they have a lot to I don't know, I mean,
it depends.
Speaker 3 (31:38):
How do you think the A League is regarded these
days in terms of picking players in a league compared
to picking players from Europe.
Speaker 2 (31:43):
I think Darren Basely has shown a real willingness to
pick players from the A League and the latest window.
Of course, he he hasn't picked as many, but only
because the season is getting underway. I think if you
play well in the A League, you really give yourself
a chance. You're on TV every week, as I say,
right in front of the national coach. Darren basically lives
in New Zealand. Yes he keeps eyes on the other
(32:05):
legs and all that sort of thing. But I feel
like I look at a guy like ben Wayne Birch.
He can't even get a start for Port Vale in
League One, you know in England. Yes he's playing in England,
but he's not really playing. So I look at a
guy like Logan Rogerson who might play every week and
might be in a sort of a battle with being
Wayne for one of those attacking spots. If I'm Logan Rogerson,
(32:25):
I'm just trying to play well for Auckland f C
every week and if I do, I feel like I've
got a really good chance.
Speaker 3 (32:30):
Yeah, and Logan got to getting nine goals last year
from memory, I mean, and he does that again, he's
right in the frame and I guess, yeah, that the
downside of being in Europe as you can disappear. Wayne's
we all know how good Wayne can be. But imagine
if he was back here playing for an A League team,
and I guess he'd be he'd be the Golden Boy again.
But yeah, I really hope on another matter, I hope
(32:50):
he can turn the ground because he's vital for the awards.
Speaker 2 (32:53):
Yeah, you want, you want every player playing well. But yeah,
to answer the question, I think playing well in the
A League gives you a really good chance of being
in the All Whites for the World Cup. Okay, before
we leave the A League, our predictions. So where will
the two sides finish on the table this season. I'll
get you to go first on this one, Auckland FC's
(33:14):
finishing position in the regular season and Wellington Phoenix's finishing
position in the regular season.
Speaker 4 (33:21):
Auckland f C. I'll go third.
Speaker 3 (33:23):
I think it's going to be hard to match what
they did last season, but they'll be right in the
next One't surprise that they've got up to second, but
they'll be second or third. But we'll say third. In
the Phoenix. As much as I'd love to see them
making the finals at this stage, I've got them at
seventh finishing just outside. I just don't know if they're
(33:44):
ready to make such a leap into the finals. Of course,
I hope they can.
Speaker 2 (33:48):
All right. I've got Auckland FC finishing second. I don't
think they'll win the Premiers played this year. I've got
them second, and I've got Wellington Phoenix finishing eighth. I'm
like you, Burch, I always have of eternal hope and
the A League, you know, often throws up situations where
you know you don't actually have to have the best
site on paper to make the top six, but you
(34:08):
just need a few things to go your way. But
I just think there are a lot of good teams
in the A League and I'm not sure that the
Phoenix have necessarily strengthened enough to really be rusted on
top six contender. So I've got Phoenix finishing eighth and
Auckland FC second Premiers plate. I'll go first on this one.
I've got Western Sydney Wanderers finishing top of the regular season.
Speaker 4 (34:31):
What about you, Oh, well, very good.
Speaker 3 (34:34):
I've got Melbourne victory just based on I feel like
I feel like they're due that it's in good business
the off season. I know they've lost some players, but
they've broadened a lot of players Melbourne City will be
distracted by the aging commitments, so I feel like it's
a chance for Victory to get there. But yeah, I'm
imagining you're thinking about the Wanderers because of the potential
(34:57):
they showed last year without quite getting there.
Speaker 2 (35:00):
Yeah, and you know, the acquisition of Costa barbarusis. Yes,
I know he's nearing the end of his career but
still approven a league goalscorerst Even you Garkovich has gone there,
They've still got Bojardar Krajev and a lot of other players.
I feel like Western Sydney one of those sides that
when they get momentum, they are very difficult to stop.
So if they can get the momentum, you know, I
(35:23):
well and truly imagine that they will be in the mix.
So that's the regular season. Who have you got lifting
the toilet seat as we call it at the end
of the Grand Final?
Speaker 3 (35:33):
Well, you know, since I'm sitting here in Central Auckland,
obviously I'm going to say Auckland left C. But no, seriously,
I'm tipping Orkaan le f C for the reasons I
touched on before. I think they're a stronger squad. They
would have learnt a lot from last season and if
they can just develop a bit more variety with their attack,
there's going to be more goals, I would think from
Cosgrove to take some pressure off defensively should be just
(35:56):
as strong. So why can't they? It's going to be tough,
But why couldn't they go the whole way this season?
Speaker 2 (36:03):
I've got them winning it as well. I've got yeah,
and I'm not even sitting in Auckland, but I've got
Auckland FC winning the Grand Final as well. Haven't got
them winning the Premier's plate this year. But I'm the
same as you Burg why can't they? They're arguably a
bit of squad. They've got the benefit of a season
under their belt with all of the lessons they would
have learnt there, they've got that rock under the beach towel,
(36:24):
if we can call it that, of not being able
to even make the Grand Final last year, let alone
win it after the season they had. So yeah, I've
got Auckland FC as twenty twenty five twenty twenty six
A League Men's champions. We will see how those predictions
play out over the next thirty weeks or so.
Speaker 1 (36:41):
Good balls either and then with Jason Payne and Michael Burgess.
Speaker 2 (36:45):
Let's go to the All Whites to finish. I wonder
all lost to Poland on Friday morning. They're fourth straight defeat.
Scoring goals continues to be an issue for the side.
Just two in the last four games against quality opposition Ukraine,
two against Australia and now. But how do they turn
these narrow defeats, these noble defeats, if we're honest, because
(37:07):
they're against good quality sides, how do they turn them
into draws or even wins? Because they're going to need
those to get out of the group at the World Cup.
Speaker 4 (37:17):
They will.
Speaker 3 (37:17):
I mean, it's funny, isn't it, because Noble's are good
word you bring up. Actually ten years ago, fifteen years ago,
we would have loved the one loss against Poland, especially
the way they played, because you know, in the old
days you might lose three or four, not of Poland.
So it's funny how things have changed. But it's also
fair enough expectations had risen. I mean, it's a big question.
There's a lot to answer there, but just off the
(37:38):
top of my head, I would just mention a few things,
like I think they need to play a bit more
direct a bit. I still think it's a bit overbalanced,
that they can overdo the position football a bit too much.
Sometimes if you look at the best chances they had
in Canberra, they all came off actually long balls and
direct play. You look at Wood's goal in Auckland direct play,
(38:00):
you look at mccow's chance against Poland direct play. So
I just think they need to mix it up a
little bit more and just look to play forward. But
I feel like sometimes this team they can overdo the
recycling and they dwell on the ball just for a
couple of touches and then the moment's gone because these
good defenses get back and they you know, it's hard
to break them down. But the biggest key as well,
(38:22):
or what another big key, sorry Chris Wood. I mean
there's so much talk about Chris Wood, but I still
feel like we're not quite building the team for what
Chris Wood needs. And he needs more numbers in the
box because of no matter how good you are as
a striker, when he's been double marked like he was
against Australia, nothing's going to happen. It's just so hard
(38:43):
got to get numbers in the box. Ideally have a
sort of second strike of one of Betterwood next to
him and just play a bit more like he needs,
which is, you know, cross is coming in that he
can get.
Speaker 4 (38:54):
On the end of.
Speaker 3 (38:54):
So there's a couple of thoughts there, but I'm sure
you've got some too because it's had a wide ranging topic.
Speaker 4 (39:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (39:02):
I also feel as though if Chris Wood doesn't get
the goals, then I wonder then when they where they
come from? And I think we found that on Friday
because he didn't play, did he till right at the end.
So you know, and look, with all due respect to
the likes of Ben Wayne and Max Martyr and Andre Diong,
I mean, they are not the player that Chris Wood is.
(39:24):
So part of me Burg thinks if Chris Wood's not there,
then then maybe change the way that you play. Maybe
it's not that target man up top going direct to him.
I wonder, for example the other day, whether it wouldn't
have been better to have a front three, for example,
the likes of have A been Old up there with
(39:45):
you know, with Callum Mcowart, you know, I don't know,
just something different rather than that that direct approach, all
things being equal, Chris Wood's going to play ninety minutes
in every game at the World Cup, and that's great.
But I just think a dilute did version of that
playing system isn't going to isn't going to pay dividends
because it's not Chris Wood in the box. I don't
(40:08):
know whether I've whether I've talked myself into a circle
there or not, but I don't know. The goals. The
goals are still a thing. And you look at the
midfield of Starminich Thomas, how good to have him back,
Matt Garbett sing, you know Macauit just Ben Old, guys
who can create, but they are against good quality defenders.
(40:29):
These are not the Solomon Islands and some more anymore,
are they?
Speaker 6 (40:34):
No?
Speaker 3 (40:35):
It certainly not in the midfielders you list all great players.
I think you make a really good point that we
want to get the most out of the players that
we've got. So, yeah, Wood's not there. What's the next
best version of the eleven? Rather than sticking with the
same game model, this needs to be a bit more
flexible ben Old and Benold's a great point. I feel
(40:56):
that ben Old's still hasn't had his real chance to
show it can do. I feel like he needs a
few games because you've got to get confident. At this level,
there's no doubt how good he could be. So I'm
really curious about hoping he gets more game time. I'm
hoping that Darren Baisley starts to really think about combinations
and actually start to stick.
Speaker 6 (41:17):
You know.
Speaker 3 (41:17):
Ricky Herbert got a lot of stick over the years
for various things, but he put out the same team
for years and the combinations they knew what each each
of them were going to do, you know, Whereas there
has been a lot of change with this team. So
I really want to see, I guess from the next
window onwards. Hey, this is our best eleven and we're
(41:39):
going to start looking at this.
Speaker 2 (41:40):
Yeah, because time is running out right, I mean we're
only a few months away now from the World carp
and there are some combinations still to be set al on.
Just on starting eleven places, Alex Paulson started on the
weekend or started on Friday. Max Crokham is currently at Millwall,
but not in the first eleven. Alex Paulson's playing and
straight up and Poland and playing every week up there
(42:03):
on loan. Do you feel like Alex Paulson is the
incumbent now. Max Kroka mat it for a long time.
Do you feel like Alex Paulson's the number one? Number one?
Speaker 4 (42:12):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (42:12):
Max had what did he have? Sixteen of the last
nineteen matches before the Poland game? But you know it's football.
Alex has got his chance, played quite well against Poland,
a couple of nice reflex stops, et cetera, et cetera.
Possibly because it's very hard to pick a keeper that's
not playing, as we talked about before. So you know
(42:33):
it's a big call. But there's not many games to go,
and I don't know do you do you need to
when do you need to settle on a keeper? That's
my question to you.
Speaker 2 (42:41):
Yeah, again, I'm not sure you need to necessarily when
when they're both good keepers. But I don't know. Going
into the World Cup, I feel like all three of
them need to know which number they are. You know,
I think Alex Paulson has absolute designs on being the
number one. Max crokem must feel him breathing down his neck.
(43:03):
And look, we all know Alex Paulson's going to play many,
many years for the All Whites. He's a terrific keeper.
But Darren Basley has been very loyal to Max crokem
and he hasn't really ever let him down. So maybe
the battle continues. Maybe the battle continues, and it be
very interesting Birch to see what he does on Wednesday,
because in previous windows, two game windows he's stuck with
(43:24):
the same keeper. Will he stick with Paulson for Norway?
I guess we wait and find out. One thing he
won't have to do. Whoever's in goal is worry about
Earling Harland. This is a shame, isn't it. Earling Harland,
the Norwegian super striker won't play against the All Whites,
released back to man City after his sides five l
winever Israeli got a hat trick and miss two penalties.
(43:46):
They must worry about Earling Harland against the likes of
Tyler Binden, Finn Sermon, Michael Boxel, George Stainger.
Speaker 3 (43:52):
Perhaps yeah, Georgie had a good memories from twenty nineteen,
wouldn't he when New Zealand denied them beating Norway?
Speaker 4 (43:59):
Sorry?
Speaker 3 (43:59):
And I think, Harlem, what is scoring the next game
six or seven goals? Something crazy? But how do you
how do you score a hat trick and miss two penalties.
You know, how do you do that? You're even the
forties football pinty. You know you're asking No, you're asking
the wrong guy.
Speaker 2 (44:13):
I've done the penalty stuff, the hat tricks not so much,
not so much. Hey, the time is flying by at
the start of what will be a tremendously exciting seven
or eight months of football. Thank you for listening into
Football Fever. A new episode will drop every Monday into
your podcast feed, Burge. I think that's a very impressive
debut from you, A very impressive debut.
Speaker 4 (44:35):
Thank you very much, Thank you very much. Something to
build on, it, something.
Speaker 6 (44:37):
To build on.
Speaker 2 (44:38):
I'll send you your critique during the week. Thanks for
joining us on Football Fever.
Football Fever, the podcast keeping you up to death with
the beautiful Game with the voice of football Jason Paine
and Insid Heralds Michael Burgess, powered by news Talk Zebbi.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Yes, indeed, after an off season break, we are back
with Football Fever, bringing you all of the latest news
and opinion and bits and pieces from the beautiful game,
focused mainly on the A League but also our national teams.
I'm Jason Pine and fresh into the podcast we've managed
to secure the off season transfer of the New Zealand Heralds.
(00:36):
Michael Burgess. Welcome to Football Fever Bird, so good to
have you alongside for the season ahead.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Great to be here, Piney. And what a season's going
to be, isn't it? I cannot remember more anticipation about
a football season. What about a football time frame? Then
we've got coming up from now into next journe it is.
It's a remarkable period to be covering football and to
be talking about FOOTBA.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Absolutely yeah. Safe for World Cup coming up in June
and July. In December, early December, sixth of December, in fact,
we find out who the All Whites will be playing
and where they'll be playing next year. In the United
States or Canada or Mexico got the new Alegue women's
season starting in early November. Massive anticipation around how the
Wellington Phoenix might go. But the new A League men's
(01:22):
season starts this weekend, so that's going to be our
focus on football Fever today. Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix
both have away games to begin their seasons. The Auckland
FC side are at Melbourne Victory Saturday night, followed by
the Phoenix away at Perth Glory. They both come home
for their first home matches over Labor weekend. Auckland FC Birds,
(01:44):
you were a very very close observer of them in
season one. We often hear about second season syndrome. Everybody
knows about Auckland FC. Now can they match or even
better what they did last season?
Speaker 3 (02:00):
I think they can. I think they definitely can, but
it won't be easy because they're not going to go
what was it five and a half games of that
concenior goal for example. You know they're not going to
win their first six games. You wouldn't think so anyway.
Things like that were absolutely incredible, So to match that,
the second album is always harder than the first, So
(02:22):
there are things that will be tough. I guess the
questions will be around things like the hunger. Is the
hunger going to be there? There was so much to
prove last year as an expansion team. The other thing
would be that comes to mind is just the physical
intensity they play with and the training load it takes
to get to that. Last season was all new and fresh.
(02:43):
They've had to go through it all again. Can they
rise to those levels and sustain it physically push themselves
again like they did? But as we're going to get
to they would have learned so much from last year.
Number one, they would have learned about the weather. They
would have learned about the weather challenges, they would have
learned about the travel challenges. That would have learned about themselves.
(03:06):
And I think it's I mean, I'll be interested to
hear what you think, Pine, but I feel like it's
marginally a better squad this season as well.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Yeah, it's an interesting question, isn't it. How does the
squad compare it to last season? You talk about the
second album where they've just about got the band back together,
haven't they, Although they have lost they have lost a
couple of key musicians. I have to say Alex Paulson
best goalkeeper in the A League the last two seasons,
last season at Auckland FC, the previous season at Wellington Phoenix.
(03:36):
Whoever came in was going to be a downgrade, and
Michael vaud and Olie Saylor can get to in a minute.
Who you think might actually start between the sticks was
always going to be a downgrade. Nato Moreno is not
there anymore, neither is Max marter in Comes Sam Cosgrove,
the English striker, but for the most part they've retained
the key building blocks, haven't they The big players you know,
(03:58):
the likes of Hiroki Kui and Dan Hall and Guijumo
Mai who was just so effective up front. Yeah, it's
an interesting question. Are they a better squad than last year?
If you take goalkeeper outs, are they a better squad
than last year?
Speaker 4 (04:14):
I think they are.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
Mainly I think Sam Cosgrove let's see, but I think
he'll prove to be a better all round striker than
Max Martyr. I mean, Max got a couple of goals,
but they probably expected more and they'll expect a lot
more from Sam CoV Grove. He's had a long career
in England. What is it almost three hundred games in England,
had a really good spell at Aberdeen forty seven goals
(04:37):
and around.
Speaker 4 (04:37):
One hundred games there.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
He has been at twelve clubs, but I think his
presence in the air will bring a lot and that's
what they need because we all know how they play.
So he's an upgrade Morena. I'm not sure I love Moreno.
I was a bit obsessed with Mareno, to be honest,
because I just thought he was fantastic to watch. You
just X factor, You made things happen. I think Steve
Kyaker got a bit frustrated with his work rate, but man,
(04:59):
I have seen too many more exciting players than him
in the A League. I thought it was amazing the
fact that you chipped them with eight goals too. But
I've heard a lot of good things out of the
Auckland camp about Brook. They're all saying, hey, this guy's
got real X factor too, don't worry about him. He
might not get the goals that Nato did, but the
X factor no problem. And I would say that the
new defender Gilard Reich is probably an upgrade on Tommy Smith.
(05:23):
So if you look at those you'd say I'd imagine
the slightly slightly strong.
Speaker 4 (05:29):
Given with the point you made about goalkeeper.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Yeah, Sam Cosgrove is interesting to me and I think
Auckland FC looked best last season when they played Gigimo
My off Max mart For me, they started off, didn't
they with my almost playing center forward, but that's not
his role and he was never really a center ford
in the traditional sense of the word. They kind of
had you they had My with Rogerson and Gillian or
(05:51):
Randall up alongside Madno when he came in. But I
just thought they looked way more effective when Mike could
drop off a front man, it feels to me. But
just though that's Sam Cosgrove will be. He'll be the
big man to Gizumo MAI's little man, if you know
what I mean.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
Yeah, the sort of Kevin Keegan, Trevor Brooking and all
those other examples over the years. I think that that's
how they'll play. Because Kroker realized, didn't he halfway through
that well a third of the way through the season.
Actually it's gonna work better with two up front and
with a big man there. Cosgrovers big. He's what one
meter ninety four, a real threat in the air. He's
(06:27):
impressed during pre season from what I've heard, So that
adds just a different dimension when you can get Gema
Mai playing as a number ten, because there's no doubt
he has a spectacular number ten.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
Who starts in goal? Who starts there? Michael Vowd's had
to wait and wait and wait and interesting watching the
Forever Auckland FC doco and the frustration he initially felt
when Alex Paulson was signed, but then he shrugged his
shoulders and got on with it. But he did say
and that doco, look, if it happens again, there might
be trouble.
Speaker 3 (06:59):
Well.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
I mean, Darren basely clearly thinks that Olie Saler is
a better goalkeeper than Michael vald because he picks my
head a vowed for the national side. Who starts in
goal this weekend?
Speaker 4 (07:11):
I wish I knew because that is a big question.
Steve Crack has.
Speaker 3 (07:14):
Been very cautious about giving anything away there, but I'd
say it might be Ollie Sayale only because Michael Valde
had a really poor game in that Australia Cup semi
final and that might have left you know, that one
little moment might have left some some doubts in Craker's mind.
(07:35):
Coaches are quite suspicious about these kind of things, so
but it will be down to who has had the
better preseason. And of course we don't know that. It
was a good point you make it of that documentary.
I thought Michael came across really well in that actually,
considering what he went through, and he'd feels so sorry
for If he's back as a number two again, it
really would be would be a I don't know he
to deal with that.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
I don't think it. I don't think it survived the season. Honestly,
I don't think he would survive the Sea. And if
if Oli Sale gets the nod and Michael Vaud has
to go through again what he did last season, I
wonder whether he just says, you know what I need
to be playing. They've got a pretty good number three
in Joe Knowles, so he could he could be, you know,
your new number two, and they could bring someone through
(08:17):
from the you know, from the younger set. But I
don't know. If I'm Michael Vaud. I think Terry mcflin
probably said to him last season, look, hey we've got
Alex Pawson coming in, but it's only a one season proposition.
You might have to buide your time, but next season
those gloves are yours and then all of a sudden
Oli sale turns up. It's a difficult situation for Michael Vaud.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
He's newly married too, so I guess he's got that
support at home and there's plenty of conversations with the
wife about what is happening. Yeah, he must feel quite
frustrated because you know, Olie Sal's been driven back here
because of some World Cup ambitions and because he Perth
didn't really work out. And it's like how I've got
(09:00):
you know, because everyone's forgotten how good Oli Sail was
in twenty two and twenty three. He was he was
talked about getting a big European move. It didn't quite happen.
But yeah, you feel some simply sympathy of him. But
let's see what they go with on Saturday.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
If Michael Vaud plays the majority of games this season,
does Olisal go to the World Cup?
Speaker 5 (09:21):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (09:21):
I mean it's a broader question, isn't it. How do
you how do you pick goalkeepers who aren't playing. It's
bad enough when outfitters aren't playing, but goalkeepers.
Speaker 4 (09:32):
Probably not.
Speaker 3 (09:33):
Because Oli Sail has got that international experience. He was
the All Whites number one for a decent period of time.
He was, of course the Whites number one in Doha
against Costa Rica. He was the you know, that whole
that hell built up into that campaign under Danny Hay.
So he's got the runs on the board. So I'd
still favor him at this stage as the as the
(09:55):
third keeper.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
Yeah, I would too, although I knowe Nick Sanni if
starting to to mount a case. Yes, yeah, I think
Alex Paulson and Max Croquam can quite safely plan to
be out of the country in June and July of
next year or out of wherever they live these days.
But yeah, I think that third one and the other
thing about the third keeper, and I know this wasn't
this isn't the point of the conversation, but I feel
(10:17):
like the third keeper in any squad has to be
someone who's not going to be disruptive. They all want
to play, it's unlikely the third keeper will play. I
think Oli Sail probably has a lot to offer around
the culture of a team, so I wonder whether actually
it doesn't matter if he doesn't play every game this
year or this season for Auckland FC. He's known by Basley,
(10:41):
he's none around the environment and he will you know,
he'll be an enthusiastic and energetic presence, even though he's
been number one and is not anymore.
Speaker 4 (10:52):
Yeah, I think you summed it up perfectly. Lot.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
You cannot have a third keeper who's sort of downcast
and kicking stones and pissed off. He's got to be
the the energy guy that brings the energy for the
other two. Ollie appeals as that guy. And as you say,
he knows everyone on the team. He's been there so long,
he's been a captain. He relates to all of them,
so that's a lot in his favor. But I wouldn't
write off Zanev as you pointed out. I mean he's
(11:16):
playing at a good level. He's a good keeper, but
maybe the lack of time and the environment would count
against them.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
All right, just to put a rap on Auckland f C.
We're going to give our predictions, our table predictions, etc.
Once we've gone through Wellington Phoenix. But Nato madeo Gon,
Max Marta, Alex Paulson gone, Louis Toomy no longer with
the club. Tommy Smith has gone back to the UK
and Scott Galloway has also departed a couple of injuries.
Dan Hall and Gazumo May are apparently available for round one,
(11:42):
so that's good news. They both had knee problems in
the last few weeks. Felipe guy Gos though is not
due back until round three and Nando Pinek after his
ankle surgery, won't be back at the stage until round four,
so there's a bit of a bit of shuffling to
do their preseason games and it'll all draw with mel
City On Friday they beat the Mariners to nil and
(12:03):
drew two to two with Brisbane Raw, so a bit
of a mixed bag as far as the preseason is concerned.
It really doesn't matter, doesn't We wait till we get
to the actual start of the season, which for Auckland
FC is away at Melbourne Victory Saturday night, nine thirty
five New Zealand Times.
Speaker 1 (12:20):
The Football Fever podcast with Jason Vine and Michael Burgess.
Speaker 2 (12:25):
Thet's got to Wellington Phoenix. It was a very long
season for Wellington Phoenix fans in twenty twenty four twenty
five off the bat Burge. Can they improve on what
was a hugely disappointing campaign.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
Well, they have to and yeah, there's a lot of
room for improvemn isn't there? Because there was so it
was so disappointing in so many ways. The biggest thing
for me was the fact they built so much momentum
in the season before, and you know, they were the
people's team, they were New Zealand's team, and then Auckland
came in at the same time Wellington dived and it
(13:01):
felt like the Phoenix were kind of forgotten about it,
and I was like, how can this happen? The Phoenix
were turning so many heads just a few months ago,
so it was very sad. But no, there's no doubt
they will improve. It's just the biggest question is how
much can they improve?
Speaker 2 (13:19):
Yeah, I feel like they can't go any further the
other way because, you know, not to too fine a
point on it, they were at times last year so underwhelming,
not just in the fact that they couldn't get results,
but on the pitch they just created in some games
so very little that it was hard to be inspired
by them. Now, Chief egng Colo italiana Us said look,
(13:39):
we're going to play a different way this season. He's
changed the formation to a three four three, so he's
got a three center backs, a couple of wing backs
and by the sounds of it, that's going to be
Tim Pain on the right and maybe Carlo Armiento on
the left, a couple of holding midfielder's likes of a
Roofer and a Paulo retro perhaps and then three up top.
And we don't know what that's going to look like.
(14:01):
But I worry about where the goals come from Birch
because the biggest source of goals last season, and he
got quite a few of the season before as well,
and there's got goals everywhere. He's gone. It's cost to
Barbarusis and he's gone to Western Sydney now, So without him,
where do the goals come from?
Speaker 3 (14:17):
It feels like lots on the sholdons of Za, doesn't it.
He's the new guy that's come in and he's got
a mixed resume, but he's been brought in to score
goals and there's a lot on him. And then you
hope that it's like similar seasons in the past where
that other people are chipping in around that. But yeah,
(14:38):
where the goals come from? And can they sort out
all the defensive issues. I think having through at the
back will actually suit them in some way, so that
that might be a good change. But yeah, goals, you
need goals otherwise there's a lot of pressure on a team.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
I've heard of a lot of very good things about
man Draker James, the new center backer, is effectively a
replacement for Scott Wotton who's gone to Perth Glory. I think, well,
he certainly will be part of that back three. Maybe
the central figure in that back three, Isaac Hughes I
think has continued to develop and will probably be alongside him.
I know they've tried Matt Sheridan at the back. There's
(15:14):
talk about Lucas Kelly Healed playing on the left hand
side of a back three. I'd have Corbyn Piper in there.
You know, I watched Corbyn Piper last year and he
was one of the few bright spots in that season
in terms of his energy, his commitment. He's new to
professional football but just didn't seem to care who he
was up against, just got stuck in. He feels like
a center back to me. I know he's played all
(15:35):
over the place. I'd have Piper at the back. I
don't know what you think about that chief.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
He seems to have tried him almost everywhere, you know,
throwing on a striker, he said, some time out wide.
But he's a logical center back. He's got sort of
the presence for it. But as you say, he's one
of those guys that brings more than the offers at
first glance, and teams need that, especially a team like
the Phoenix. He's a player that the crowd can relate to.
(16:01):
So yeah, I think he's quite critical. But the other
guy I wanted to ask about because you've seen a
lot more of him than me, Luke brook Smith. He's
gone from being pretty unknown less than a year ago
to a guy that a lot of us are discussing
getting quite excited about. You know, what, what have you
thought of him and what will his role be do
(16:22):
you think this season?
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Yeah? Great energy. He's brought a lot, hasn't he. In
a couple of those Australia Cup games that the Phoenix
played again, they didn't create a heck of a lot
and it was Luke brook Smith who looked the most
likely to set anything up. Look, it's a lot of
weight to put on the shoulders of a seventeen year
old gid, isn't it. But he seems to have risen
to every occasion that he's been faced with. He came
(16:45):
into the first team last year and I think gave
a pretty good account of himself. Scored a goal in
the derby, albeit a six to one defeat up there,
and then gave the ball away for another goal. That
was you know, that was the beauty of that youthful
exuberance and then the naivety of it as well. I
think it's big to ask, you know, a kid really,
and that's all he is, burch A. He's a seventeen
(17:07):
year old kid to shoulder the load. I would love
to see him be used in an impact role, but
it might be that he is your most dangerous attacking player.
So he actually plays quite a bit. Look, we saw
him get an All Whites debut recently. He's just got
back from the Under twenty World Cup as I understand it,
he's not going to the Under seventeen World Cup, which
(17:29):
he's still eligible to play. And that's how young he is.
Because because he wants to try and stake a claim
in the A League side, you know, exciting player. The
raw materials are clearly there. I just hope too much
pressure isn't put on him, you know, to reskue this
Wellington Phoenix side for a guy who wasn't even old
(17:49):
enough to celebrate and went afterwards in the pub.
Speaker 4 (17:52):
No, it's a good point. I think.
Speaker 3 (17:53):
I think it's actually crucial what chief he does here.
I think he's maybe take a leaf out of someone
like Andrew Webster. The Warrior is how you manage young players,
how you manage expectation and just know when to when
to give him a break or not put too much
on his shoulders because undoubted potential. Love the nickname too,
(18:14):
love the nickname. But what I also love about him
is hearing him speak in all whits camp.
Speaker 4 (18:18):
Just the maturity. Yeah, and he mentioned.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
How you know, it was a big moment the Derby
scores the goal, but then as you say, gave the
ball away to concede a goal and that was a
massive wake up call.
Speaker 4 (18:29):
He took a lot out of that.
Speaker 3 (18:30):
So if it's if there's any guide in terms of
how he is from how he speaks, then there's a
really good hit on the shoulders, which is promising.
Speaker 2 (18:39):
Yeah, he's not your typical seventeen year old, is he
who just grunts a little bit and then and then
goes back into his room to play on his PlayStation.
But you know, you're right, he's got a bit about him.
He's clearly been around some high performance environments. And look,
I mean he will talk about the or whites in
the moment, But he's on the whiteboard, isn't he. He's
on Darren Baseley's whiteboard, especially if they take twenty six
to the World Cup. We still don't know what the
(19:01):
squad size is, but he's the guy for Darren basically
looks looks along as bench late in a game and
is looking for something a bit different. Your eyes might
land on Luke Brooksmith, mightn't they.
Speaker 4 (19:10):
Well that's the thing I think.
Speaker 3 (19:11):
I think if you spoke to Darren privately, he would
say he would love it if Luke has a big
Phoenix season because that'll make his decision easier.
Speaker 4 (19:18):
But also the New Zealand football.
Speaker 3 (19:20):
Community, he's just a point of difference. We've got a
lot of We're going to get to this later. A
lot of players in the work's gods with a lot
of skill that play a certain way, but his his
pace and he's so direct you need that sometimes bring
someone on shake shake things up. I think he's a
real he's a real bolter definitely.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
Yeap and and could well have a big Phoenix season, which,
as I say, would would certainly help Darren Baseley and
his decision making around the all Whites. Those to leave
the Phoenix after last season, Scott Warton has mentioned, also
Sam Sutton. They're both at Perth Glory now so very
early in the season clashed with their former side when
the Phoenix played Perth Glory on Saturday night. Cost of
(20:01):
Barbarussis has mentioned has gone to Western Sydney. Others to
leave Stefan Kolakowski and Chico Giraldez who was a bit
of a live wire spark at the end of last
season but has been released. They've beaten the Mariners three
milin a friendly in the last couple of days actually
as they got a couple of goals rufer on the
(20:21):
score sheet, a one all draw against Western Sydney in
a one lost to Sydney FC. So it's been a
fairy promising sort of a pre season. Injury wise, Polo
Retray may miss the first game, Nicola Milllsnitch probably round
two and Elbie Kelly Healed last year, who did his
shoulder last year as recovering from shoulder surgery just on him.
(20:42):
Burge actually and Josh ollaway Emy's placing this team last year.
After a mixed sort of eight to ten games for
ohaway Emy, they made the change. LB Kelly Healed came
into Gold and I thought looked quite good, then hurt
himself and they had to bring olaway Emi back. If
LB Kelly Healed your number one, can you afford to
(21:03):
have one of your imports sitting on the bench or not?
Speaker 3 (21:06):
No, I mean that's summed up how dire things were
at the Phoenix last season. Was you had an input
goalkeeper on the bench. You know that that's just a
crazy state of affairs. It's always debatable to use an
input spot on a keeper anyway, because normally you can
find a good Australian and a good news Isealander and
then the fact he's you know, not even playing was
(21:29):
ridiculous frankly.
Speaker 2 (21:31):
Indeed, so other additions to the side apart from is
the Nigerian striker who people have asked me about him
Berg and I feel like he's kind of player who
might get your fifteen goals and might get your two
goals and you just don't know which of the two
it's going to be, not just because of him and
as you say, his wide ranging resume, but because that's
(21:51):
what happens sometimes in the A League. Guys turn up
and you think, man, that guy looks good on his
YouTube highlights of three and a half minutes. But it's
a twenty six game season, so look, I don't know.
I hope as magnificent, but we'll have to wait and see.
I guess others to arrive man Dracer James as mentioned,
and a number of propably what you'd call Australian journeymen,
(22:13):
those who have had different clubs in the A League,
Rammy Nazarene, Carlo Armiento and also Nicola Meliusnich, who was
most recently at Perth, also had time at Brisbane and
at Adelaide. Speaking of Nicola Meliusnich had the chance to
chat with him a few days ago to see how
we settling in to Wellington Phoenix.
Speaker 6 (22:33):
Yeah it's been good so far.
Speaker 5 (22:34):
I mean to me, while I found a place that's
hat ale end, but finally got there and yeah, really
enjoying enjoying the city now my family came over recently,
so it's been really really good to have them here
as well and experience the nice days so they.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Get nicer during the summer.
Speaker 4 (22:49):
Don't worry.
Speaker 2 (22:50):
How did this will come about? You're at Perth. Tell
us about the conversations that have led you to become
a Wellington Phoenix player.
Speaker 4 (22:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (22:57):
I mean I was at Perth and then my contract
ended there, and then I was looking for something new
and when Chief You called me, I was pretty keen
to come over. She had to sort out the finer things,
and then yeah, came over and yeah, it just sort
of fit in quite well.
Speaker 6 (23:12):
So yeah, that's how it sort of happened. Happened really quick. Actually, Yeah,
so good.
Speaker 2 (23:16):
To hear any reflect on your time at Perth pretty challenging.
Speaker 5 (23:20):
Yeah, I mean it was a difficult season personally, and yeah
altogether as well. I had a few injuries sort of
sent me back a lot of the season. So yeah,
definitely definitely looking to improve on that and put that
in the past. So but yeah, obviously i still feel
like I've got a lot to give and I'm really
looking forward to the season that's going to be coming,
(23:43):
and I feel really positive.
Speaker 6 (23:45):
On how things are going here.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
So I guess on one of the upsides, would you
got time with Oli Sale that's never boring?
Speaker 4 (23:52):
Is that?
Speaker 5 (23:53):
Yeah he's a good guy. He has a big, big
personality in the dressing room, but he's always there for
the boys.
Speaker 6 (24:00):
Yeah, definitely good to have him around. So yeah, obviously
awkward boys will be enjoying him.
Speaker 5 (24:04):
Now.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
So you've been around this league for a while obviously,
Perth Adelaide. What's it been like settling into a new
team in a new country.
Speaker 5 (24:14):
I mean it's generally across the league it's pretty similar.
So you know, how was it done mat For a
bit it was a bit more difficult, But here, you know,
everyone speaks English and you sort of know the players
as well because you play against them.
Speaker 6 (24:27):
So yeah, it's been quite easy in that sort of
in terms of that.
Speaker 5 (24:31):
But yeah, coming to the training facilities, it is really
something remarkable, to be honest, compared to some of the
ALA clubs. Yeah, it's really really good to have these
facilities and to be part of it, and yeah it
makes it just a little bit easier coming in every day.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
So yeah, haven't been around the league for a while.
What are the keys to success in the A League.
Speaker 5 (24:49):
Oh, I feel like the culture is probably the biggest one.
And I think we touched on that early in the
preseason and haven't really spoke about it so far, which
means it's a good thing.
Speaker 6 (24:58):
It means we're heading in the right direction.
Speaker 5 (25:00):
And I feel like the boys have all bought into
to a single goal and we're all working towards it.
So I feel like if we can have that one
goal and everyone working towards or putting everything towards that
single thing, I know there's going to be hurdles and
speed bumps, But as long as we have a clear.
Speaker 6 (25:16):
Or clear instructions, clear.
Speaker 5 (25:18):
Processes, I feel like, yeah, that sort of builds something.
Speaker 6 (25:22):
Yeah, set us up for a really good season.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
Looks like, in broad terms, Chief his skin on a
three four to three sort of formation. Where is your
best place in that formation?
Speaker 5 (25:31):
Probably somewhere no one needed defense, It's not the next
three and just yeah, somewhere up upside where I can
sort of trying to help score goals and assist and
you know, press and yeah, apply my skills sets that
I feel like I'm good at, and yeah, definitely at
the top somewhere.
Speaker 2 (25:49):
Yes, that's one of the front three, not one of
the what I mean was mainly seeing you in wide
areas hapning is that kind of where you feel most comfortable.
Speaker 5 (25:56):
Yeah, yes, and no, I mean I played a bit
up front as well and through the midfield, so I'm
pretty used to most of those positions. But yeah, definitely
in a four three three, I used to play on
the wing. So yeah, but I mean in today's game,
there's a lot of rotations at a lot of movements,
so you end up playing pretty much every position.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
And your speed gets talked about a lot. You're still
as quick as you were. You work hard on that.
Speaker 5 (26:19):
I don't necessarily work hard and it I am still
pretty quick, but yeah, definitely don't do specific things to
work on.
Speaker 6 (26:26):
It sort of just came naturally to me as I
was growing up.
Speaker 5 (26:29):
And yeah, so definitely something that I that it gets talked
about a lot, but yeah, you know, there's also other
quick players in the league as well.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
So yeah, and it's the new season, what two weeks away.
You've had a few seasons now, do you still get
a sense of anticipation, a bit of excitement, a heat
of a new season, particularly at a new club.
Speaker 5 (26:47):
Of course, I mean whether it's a new club or
club everything, everything's all that brighter at the start of
the season. You know, you have your aspirations as a
team and goals and you have hope. So I feel
like if you're if you're not excited and there's a
bit of a problem, mate. But yeah, definitely excited, nervous
and really eager to see how we go. And it's
just nice to put everything that we put, what sort
(27:09):
of worked on throughout the last season, to practice and
really test ourselves. So yeah, definitely excited.
Speaker 2 (27:15):
I know you're going to focus on the next game,
but have you thought about the derbies?
Speaker 6 (27:18):
Yeah, well of course I have.
Speaker 5 (27:20):
I heard it gets a little bit and I watched,
to be fair last year, it's a bit heated, and yeah,
definitely excited to be part of it. I know the
boys are as well, so yeah, definitely definitely excited to
see what what they bring this season.
Speaker 2 (27:33):
Nicole malusinich there So, I think the only other thing
I wanted to ask you about with regard to the
Phoenix pur is can they finally win one of these derbies?
Speaker 4 (27:42):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (27:42):
That's that's real Millstone, isn't it. And that was the
other big thing about last season that took the windown
of their sales. They're pretty unlucky in that first derby.
If you, if you, if you, if you watch the
game back, they actually played quite well. A nil Neil
result was probably the right result in that game, or
even the Phoenix could have won. And they had that
great chance that just went over the bar. So and
(28:03):
from then on it just spiraled downwards and they lost.
You know, momentum and confidence of belief in Auckland just
just became their their kryptonite. Can they do it well?
They've got two in Wellington. That's a good start. I
think by the time they get to the first derby
they'll have some momentum. But they've got some scars. I
don't know, do you see the scars as an issue
(28:25):
or do you believe they can just start afresh.
Speaker 2 (28:27):
I think you have to, don't you. You have to.
You can't be psychologically damaged by what's happened before, because
there's absolutely no way of changing it. You know. I
look at Auckland FC and I'm sure they'll stride confidently
down to Wellington for the first derby in round four
on the eighth of November, just as they stride confidently.
It's pretty much every ground that they go to after
(28:47):
what happened last year. But I think the Phoenix just
have to just have to find a way to forget
the past. I'll tell you what, Berch, it would be
a much better narrative for the season if the Phoenix
could win that first darby. Imagine the confidence boost that
they would get from it. Imagine the lift it would
give their fans. I feel like they've got a bit
of a soft landing in this season. I look at
(29:09):
their first three games the Phoenix they play Perth away,
Brisbane at home and the Mariners away. Those three sides
are all if you look at the latest odds favored,
Well are least favored to win the A League than
the Phoenix are. So it's not like they've got the
big guns to start with. So I don't know. I
(29:30):
feel like if the Phoenix can get their act together
and you know, get a couple of three wins from
those first three games, they'll really give themself confidence ahead
of that first derby there will.
Speaker 3 (29:39):
They've got a good record in Perth too, that must
bode well. But and imagine the crowd for the first derby.
You know, the Wellington crowd is fantastic, big crowd there.
They really get them going.
Speaker 4 (29:50):
Phoenix.
Speaker 3 (29:51):
Phoenix have got a lot of redemption, a lot of
revenge on their minds and all it will take is
one result and imagine how good to be for the sport.
It would be fantastic for the sport. You have to say,
even if you talk to Auckland f C quietly they okay,
they don't want to lose to Wellington, but they want
Wellington to do well. It's better for them too if
the derby rivalry is strong.
Speaker 2 (30:13):
Indeed, Wellington's first games have just mentioned Auckland's first games
Melbourne victory away Western Sydney at home, Adelaide at home
and then the derby. So that is absolutely, without doubt
a much tougher first three games before the derby on
paper anyway, than the Phoenix have. Just before we move
to the All Whites, the All Whites hopefuls in these
(30:35):
two teams, I look at Wellington Phoenix. We've talked about
Luke brook Smith, Alex Rufer, Tim Payne, Auckland f C,
Oli Sale, even Michael Vat, Francis Devrees, Pineker, Elliott Rogerson, Randall.
How important is it that these guys with their national
coach living in the same country as they are, how
important they have big seasons to make sure that they
are on the plane to the World Cup next year.
Speaker 3 (30:58):
Well, it's sort of what they're playing for, isn't it,
as much as they're playing for success with their clubs.
You know, in the back of their minds all about
North America. This is the golden opportunity. Because of the
list you just read out, there's only a few of
them that are nailed on certainties, and there's a lot
of them that are if they have a good season,
I'm really in the frame. If I don't have a
good season, I might miss out completely. So there's so
(31:22):
much to play for. It's you know, this audition for
the World Cup feels like it's been going on forever
because you're what's qualified so early, which has been good
and bad in some ways.
Speaker 4 (31:31):
But they have a lot to I don't know, I mean,
it depends.
Speaker 3 (31:38):
How do you think the A League is regarded these
days in terms of picking players in a league compared
to picking players from Europe.
Speaker 2 (31:43):
I think Darren Basely has shown a real willingness to
pick players from the A League and the latest window.
Of course, he he hasn't picked as many, but only
because the season is getting underway. I think if you
play well in the A League, you really give yourself
a chance. You're on TV every week, as I say,
right in front of the national coach. Darren basically lives
in New Zealand. Yes he keeps eyes on the other
(32:05):
legs and all that sort of thing. But I feel
like I look at a guy like ben Wayne Birch.
He can't even get a start for Port Vale in
League One, you know in England. Yes he's playing in England,
but he's not really playing. So I look at a
guy like Logan Rogerson who might play every week and
might be in a sort of a battle with being
Wayne for one of those attacking spots. If I'm Logan Rogerson,
(32:25):
I'm just trying to play well for Auckland f C
every week and if I do, I feel like I've
got a really good chance.
Speaker 3 (32:30):
Yeah, and Logan got to getting nine goals last year
from memory, I mean, and he does that again, he's
right in the frame and I guess, yeah, that the
downside of being in Europe as you can disappear. Wayne's
we all know how good Wayne can be. But imagine
if he was back here playing for an A League team,
and I guess he'd be he'd be the Golden Boy again.
But yeah, I really hope on another matter, I hope
(32:50):
he can turn the ground because he's vital for the awards.
Speaker 2 (32:53):
Yeah, you want, you want every player playing well. But yeah,
to answer the question, I think playing well in the
A League gives you a really good chance of being
in the All Whites for the World Cup. Okay, before
we leave the A League, our predictions. So where will
the two sides finish on the table this season. I'll
get you to go first on this one, Auckland FC's
(33:14):
finishing position in the regular season and Wellington Phoenix's finishing
position in the regular season.
Speaker 4 (33:21):
Auckland f C. I'll go third.
Speaker 3 (33:23):
I think it's going to be hard to match what
they did last season, but they'll be right in the
next One't surprise that they've got up to second, but
they'll be second or third. But we'll say third. In
the Phoenix. As much as I'd love to see them
making the finals at this stage, I've got them at
seventh finishing just outside. I just don't know if they're
(33:44):
ready to make such a leap into the finals. Of course,
I hope they can.
Speaker 2 (33:48):
All right. I've got Auckland FC finishing second. I don't
think they'll win the Premiers played this year. I've got
them second, and I've got Wellington Phoenix finishing eighth. I'm
like you, Burch, I always have of eternal hope and
the A League, you know, often throws up situations where
you know you don't actually have to have the best
site on paper to make the top six, but you
(34:08):
just need a few things to go your way. But
I just think there are a lot of good teams
in the A League and I'm not sure that the
Phoenix have necessarily strengthened enough to really be rusted on
top six contender. So I've got Phoenix finishing eighth and
Auckland FC second Premiers plate. I'll go first on this one.
I've got Western Sydney Wanderers finishing top of the regular season.
Speaker 4 (34:31):
What about you, Oh, well, very good.
Speaker 3 (34:34):
I've got Melbourne victory just based on I feel like
I feel like they're due that it's in good business
the off season. I know they've lost some players, but
they've broadened a lot of players Melbourne City will be
distracted by the aging commitments, so I feel like it's
a chance for Victory to get there. But yeah, I'm
imagining you're thinking about the Wanderers because of the potential
(34:57):
they showed last year without quite getting there.
Speaker 2 (35:00):
Yeah, and you know, the acquisition of Costa barbarusis. Yes,
I know he's nearing the end of his career but
still approven a league goalscorerst Even you Garkovich has gone there,
They've still got Bojardar Krajev and a lot of other players.
I feel like Western Sydney one of those sides that
when they get momentum, they are very difficult to stop.
So if they can get the momentum, you know, I
(35:23):
well and truly imagine that they will be in the mix.
So that's the regular season. Who have you got lifting
the toilet seat as we call it at the end
of the Grand Final?
Speaker 3 (35:33):
Well, you know, since I'm sitting here in Central Auckland,
obviously I'm going to say Auckland left C. But no, seriously,
I'm tipping Orkaan le f C for the reasons I
touched on before. I think they're a stronger squad. They
would have learnt a lot from last season and if
they can just develop a bit more variety with their attack,
there's going to be more goals, I would think from
Cosgrove to take some pressure off defensively should be just
(35:56):
as strong. So why can't they? It's going to be tough,
But why couldn't they go the whole way this season?
Speaker 2 (36:03):
I've got them winning it as well. I've got yeah,
and I'm not even sitting in Auckland, but I've got
Auckland FC winning the Grand Final as well. Haven't got
them winning the Premier's plate this year. But I'm the
same as you Burg why can't they? They're arguably a
bit of squad. They've got the benefit of a season
under their belt with all of the lessons they would
have learnt there, they've got that rock under the beach towel,
(36:24):
if we can call it that, of not being able
to even make the Grand Final last year, let alone
win it after the season they had. So yeah, I've
got Auckland FC as twenty twenty five twenty twenty six
A League Men's champions. We will see how those predictions
play out over the next thirty weeks or so.
Speaker 1 (36:41):
Good balls either and then with Jason Payne and Michael Burgess.
Speaker 2 (36:45):
Let's go to the All Whites to finish. I wonder
all lost to Poland on Friday morning. They're fourth straight defeat.
Scoring goals continues to be an issue for the side.
Just two in the last four games against quality opposition Ukraine,
two against Australia and now. But how do they turn
these narrow defeats, these noble defeats, if we're honest, because
(37:07):
they're against good quality sides, how do they turn them
into draws or even wins? Because they're going to need
those to get out of the group at the World Cup.
Speaker 4 (37:17):
They will.
Speaker 3 (37:17):
I mean, it's funny, isn't it, because Noble's are good
word you bring up. Actually ten years ago, fifteen years ago,
we would have loved the one loss against Poland, especially
the way they played, because you know, in the old
days you might lose three or four, not of Poland.
So it's funny how things have changed. But it's also
fair enough expectations had risen. I mean, it's a big question.
There's a lot to answer there, but just off the
(37:38):
top of my head, I would just mention a few things,
like I think they need to play a bit more
direct a bit. I still think it's a bit overbalanced,
that they can overdo the position football a bit too much.
Sometimes if you look at the best chances they had
in Canberra, they all came off actually long balls and
direct play. You look at Wood's goal in Auckland direct play,
(38:00):
you look at mccow's chance against Poland direct play. So
I just think they need to mix it up a
little bit more and just look to play forward. But
I feel like sometimes this team they can overdo the
recycling and they dwell on the ball just for a
couple of touches and then the moment's gone because these
good defenses get back and they you know, it's hard
to break them down. But the biggest key as well,
(38:22):
or what another big key, sorry Chris Wood. I mean
there's so much talk about Chris Wood, but I still
feel like we're not quite building the team for what
Chris Wood needs. And he needs more numbers in the
box because of no matter how good you are as
a striker, when he's been double marked like he was
against Australia, nothing's going to happen. It's just so hard
(38:43):
got to get numbers in the box. Ideally have a
sort of second strike of one of Betterwood next to
him and just play a bit more like he needs,
which is, you know, cross is coming in that he
can get.
Speaker 4 (38:54):
On the end of.
Speaker 3 (38:54):
So there's a couple of thoughts there, but I'm sure
you've got some too because it's had a wide ranging topic.
Speaker 4 (39:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (39:02):
I also feel as though if Chris Wood doesn't get
the goals, then I wonder then when they where they
come from? And I think we found that on Friday
because he didn't play, did he till right at the end.
So you know, and look, with all due respect to
the likes of Ben Wayne and Max Martyr and Andre Diong,
I mean, they are not the player that Chris Wood is.
(39:24):
So part of me Burg thinks if Chris Wood's not there,
then then maybe change the way that you play. Maybe
it's not that target man up top going direct to him.
I wonder, for example the other day, whether it wouldn't
have been better to have a front three, for example,
the likes of have A been Old up there with
(39:45):
you know, with Callum Mcowart, you know, I don't know,
just something different rather than that that direct approach, all
things being equal, Chris Wood's going to play ninety minutes
in every game at the World Cup, and that's great.
But I just think a dilute did version of that
playing system isn't going to isn't going to pay dividends
because it's not Chris Wood in the box. I don't
(40:08):
know whether I've whether I've talked myself into a circle
there or not, but I don't know. The goals. The
goals are still a thing. And you look at the
midfield of Starminich Thomas, how good to have him back,
Matt Garbett sing, you know Macauit just Ben Old, guys
who can create, but they are against good quality defenders.
(40:29):
These are not the Solomon Islands and some more anymore,
are they?
Speaker 6 (40:34):
No?
Speaker 3 (40:35):
It certainly not in the midfielders you list all great players.
I think you make a really good point that we
want to get the most out of the players that
we've got. So, yeah, Wood's not there. What's the next
best version of the eleven? Rather than sticking with the
same game model, this needs to be a bit more
flexible ben Old and Benold's a great point. I feel
(40:56):
that ben Old's still hasn't had his real chance to
show it can do. I feel like he needs a
few games because you've got to get confident. At this level,
there's no doubt how good he could be. So I'm
really curious about hoping he gets more game time. I'm
hoping that Darren Baisley starts to really think about combinations
and actually start to stick.
Speaker 6 (41:17):
You know.
Speaker 3 (41:17):
Ricky Herbert got a lot of stick over the years
for various things, but he put out the same team
for years and the combinations they knew what each each
of them were going to do, you know, Whereas there
has been a lot of change with this team. So
I really want to see, I guess from the next
window onwards. Hey, this is our best eleven and we're
(41:39):
going to start looking at this.
Speaker 2 (41:40):
Yeah, because time is running out right, I mean we're
only a few months away now from the World carp
and there are some combinations still to be set al on.
Just on starting eleven places, Alex Paulson started on the
weekend or started on Friday. Max Crokham is currently at Millwall,
but not in the first eleven. Alex Paulson's playing and
straight up and Poland and playing every week up there
(42:03):
on loan. Do you feel like Alex Paulson is the
incumbent now. Max Kroka mat it for a long time.
Do you feel like Alex Paulson's the number one? Number one?
Speaker 4 (42:12):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (42:12):
Max had what did he have? Sixteen of the last
nineteen matches before the Poland game? But you know it's football.
Alex has got his chance, played quite well against Poland,
a couple of nice reflex stops, et cetera, et cetera.
Possibly because it's very hard to pick a keeper that's
not playing, as we talked about before. So you know
(42:33):
it's a big call. But there's not many games to go,
and I don't know do you do you need to
when do you need to settle on a keeper? That's
my question to you.
Speaker 2 (42:41):
Yeah, again, I'm not sure you need to necessarily when
when they're both good keepers. But I don't know. Going
into the World Cup, I feel like all three of
them need to know which number they are. You know,
I think Alex Paulson has absolute designs on being the
number one. Max crokem must feel him breathing down his neck.
(43:03):
And look, we all know Alex Paulson's going to play many,
many years for the All Whites. He's a terrific keeper.
But Darren Basley has been very loyal to Max crokem
and he hasn't really ever let him down. So maybe
the battle continues. Maybe the battle continues, and it be
very interesting Birch to see what he does on Wednesday,
because in previous windows, two game windows he's stuck with
(43:24):
the same keeper. Will he stick with Paulson for Norway?
I guess we wait and find out. One thing he
won't have to do. Whoever's in goal is worry about
Earling Harland. This is a shame, isn't it. Earling Harland,
the Norwegian super striker won't play against the All Whites,
released back to man City after his sides five l
winever Israeli got a hat trick and miss two penalties.
(43:46):
They must worry about Earling Harland against the likes of
Tyler Binden, Finn Sermon, Michael Boxel, George Stainger.
Speaker 3 (43:52):
Perhaps yeah, Georgie had a good memories from twenty nineteen,
wouldn't he when New Zealand denied them beating Norway?
Speaker 4 (43:59):
Sorry?
Speaker 3 (43:59):
And I think, Harlem, what is scoring the next game
six or seven goals? Something crazy? But how do you
how do you score a hat trick and miss two penalties.
You know, how do you do that? You're even the
forties football pinty. You know you're asking No, you're asking
the wrong guy.
Speaker 2 (44:13):
I've done the penalty stuff, the hat tricks not so much,
not so much. Hey, the time is flying by at
the start of what will be a tremendously exciting seven
or eight months of football. Thank you for listening into
Football Fever. A new episode will drop every Monday into
your podcast feed, Burge. I think that's a very impressive
debut from you, A very impressive debut.
Speaker 4 (44:35):
Thank you very much, Thank you very much. Something to
build on, it, something.
Speaker 6 (44:37):
To build on.
Speaker 2 (44:38):
I'll send you your critique during the week. Thanks for
joining us on Football Fever.
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