October 18, 2024 • 8 mins
The new A-League football season is underway, with building interest in the new Auckland FC team.
Phoenix defender Sam Sutton looks ahead to the season and talks about his recent stint in the All Whites camp.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
He talks at me on the Allsport Breakfast Well. A
lot of interests around New Zealand and the new A
League football season resuming round one of twenty nine this
weekends with Auckland FC getting a lot of attention, a
lot of eyes on what they will bring to the
competition from a New Zealand perspective, but also on the
back of their historic best ever campaign last season. The
(00:21):
Wellington Phoenix are back in action. Their season begins four
o'clock someday afternoon against Western United. Let's join the Wellington
Phoenix camp now and defender Sam Sutton as with us. Sam,
appreciate your time mates, and it has been a pretty
busy time forew as well All Whites duties are a
few international windows and then now the A League ramping
(00:41):
into gear. How the past couple of weeks been focusing
on playing for the All Whites and now the start
of the Phoenix season.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Yeah, it's been hacked a couple of weeks. Obviously enjoyable,
exactly what I want to do, say for the country
and obviously represent the club too. So now the season's
starting and I'm staring to go and super excited. So yeah,
it hasn't taken a toll on me. It's just elevated
me to work harder and kind of motivate me a
bit more for the start of the season.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
What booths have been given to you as a result
of being part of your Whites campaigns.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Yeah, there's a few things that I've got from it. Obviously,
there's the confidence. You know, knowing that you're an international
player now does give you a look of confidence to push
on and play with a different, different mindset. Obviously. Also,
there's a many talented and experienced players in that squad
that I'm not usually around that I can learn off,
(01:34):
so that's another positive, along with the staff and the
whole environment and the culture is awesome. So yeah, definitely
going to take well then from there and bring it
them to the club. There's obviously a good handful of
internationals and this team as well that that will be
doing the same. So it's been very good and very positive.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
Great to hear and approaching the new season on the
back of everything that happened last year with the Phoenix
the club's best ever season, no doubt, it was great
to be part of. So what's the mood like? Is
a new locked team has come together. Obviously every off
season there's people going and there's people coming. What's the
vibe of the team.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Yeah, I think the difference this season is there's obviously
were the confidence from last season, but also a lot
of pain from the loft and that's semi final and
obviously not quite making getting the top of the table,
obviously coming so close. So I think we're going to
use that to propel us. We obviously don't get caught
up in it or two down, but we're going to.
(02:30):
I guess they use that and use it as fuel
so we can start running when we start this season
on this weekend.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
And just take us back a year. Sam, how far
has your football come in the past twelve months when
you look at where are at now compared to the
start of last season.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
Yeah, of course, I meant the last season, you know,
kind of off that was a different dynamic to there
is this season. But like you say, obviously we've got
a bit more confidence now, obviously in ourselves because we
know we can do it. I'm saying that there was
a lot of confidence in the team last season, So
not too much has changed other than a more experience,
(03:12):
I think, and there's going to be moments throughout the
season where we're going to have to call on that
experience that we got from last season, and hopefully that's
going to be the difference in the fighting factor of
winning or losing, and.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
Give us an update on where things are at from
your perspective. With ritting down that permanent starting spot at
left back is the past you having that spot more
consistently easier this.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Year, I mean definitely would be complacent to say it
be easier. Anything can happen happen in football, so it
was important to stay hungry. I think a lot of
people make that mistake. They think there's not too much competition,
but listen those heaps of competition of the team and
that's why well, I think we'll do so well because
we've got versatile players that can play anywhere. So at
(03:55):
any given moment, if I'm not performing or working hard
to my versibility, that there's all the chances that I
can get that position dropped. But for me, it's it's
again back to that confidence thing. Obviously, going in with
the confidence and the work ethic and desire to do well.
Obviously I saw my best mates last season how well
they've been firm and Alex Pulson getting great moves, so
(04:18):
that just again pushes me to stay focused and secure
that starting spot and win some win a title the season.
Speaker 1 (04:26):
Yeah, and wanted to ask about that, as you say,
the Phoenix have been very successful and showcasing you guys
to overseas clubs over the past couple of years, a
similar move to the likes of Ben Wayne and Finn
Sermon and your sights over the next sort of season
or two.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
Yeah, of course, some limits. Every every kid's goal to
get overseas and just playing the highest level they can.
So obviously if I if I do good things here
and good things for the country, maybe things like that
will come. That's one of those things you've got to
park in the zaki your mind as a long term
goal for and focus on what you can do here
and now. Cliche, but but truth definitely got to stick
(05:05):
to it. And I know because I lived with Ben
Old and as Paulson they were you know, very very
religious with that and very focused for it. So I
can take a lot of learnings from them too and
hopefully bring into my game and my mentality, and yeah,
maybe I can get overseas but you know, also I'm
saying that I'm loving it here at the Phoenix, so yeah,
(05:25):
whatever happens, I'm sure I'll take this both hands. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
Great, And from a Kiwi perspective, the ileague is really
getting interesting in this year with the addition of Auckland
FC was there, but the bands are being thrown around
to the all Whites camp recently around that.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Yeah, definitely definitely getting feisty already. I can see it
being a very heated game in a you know, a
proper derby, which is something that I've wanted to be
part of all my life and it's something that I'm
very looking forward to. And it's good that the first
games at home and hopefully we can take those three
points and send them home with tears.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
Imagine it's one that everyone's circling on their calendar because
I mean everyone wants the wedding over Auckland's day. I'm
speaking as a true welling Tony and myself as well.
Wouldn't it be great getting that victory over Auckland in
the first derby in a few weeks?
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Yeah, for sure, I listen. I'm I'm a Wellington sne
through and through as well. So obviously I want us
to win, just like a Sanana player. And if we
win that game, it a green light in it. Ye're
a very happy man, a very happy team, and I'm
sure I'll let some of my mates over over the
other side know about it.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
What are you expecting from Auckland's FC. You know, we
know how competitive the A League is, how tough it is.
They're they're they're you know, joining with a brand new squaws.
Do you expect them to be a competitive force from
the start.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
Under It would be nice to say they wouldn't be
a good team. Looking at their squad on paper, it
looks like a very talented team. I'm strong, hard workers,
but rematch it. It's not better at so but I'm
saying that on a derby, everything goes out the windows,
form goes out the windows more, there's a lot more
to it. So yeah, like I say, it's going to
(07:05):
be an interesting day and they're going to be a good,
good competitors and I can't wait for it.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
Yeah, exactly, And getting the season underway this week in
in Western United, what are you expecting from them to
get them get the campaign underway.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Again? It's hard to know what's gonna come at us
obviously first game of the season. We don't know what
formed there in We don't know too much about them,
but we're going to focus on making sure we're bringing
an improved performance from last season, even better than what
we had, and I'm sure that we'll have that We've
got the tools to beat them, and hopefully it all
comes together on the day. And I think we're all
(07:43):
really positive in the camp and we're all super excited,
and there's a good buz around the team, so I'm
really really confident that we should be able to get
the job done.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
But for more from news talks, there'd be listen live
on air or online and keep our shows. We'd you
wherever you go without podcasts on iHeartRadio
He talks at me on the Allsport Breakfast Well. A
lot of interests around New Zealand and the new A
League football season resuming round one of twenty nine this
weekends with Auckland FC getting a lot of attention, a
lot of eyes on what they will bring to the
competition from a New Zealand perspective, but also on the
back of their historic best ever campaign last season. The
(00:21):
Wellington Phoenix are back in action. Their season begins four
o'clock someday afternoon against Western United. Let's join the Wellington
Phoenix camp now and defender Sam Sutton as with us. Sam,
appreciate your time mates, and it has been a pretty
busy time forew as well All Whites duties are a
few international windows and then now the A League ramping
(00:41):
into gear. How the past couple of weeks been focusing
on playing for the All Whites and now the start
of the Phoenix season.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Yeah, it's been hacked a couple of weeks. Obviously enjoyable,
exactly what I want to do, say for the country
and obviously represent the club too. So now the season's
starting and I'm staring to go and super excited. So yeah,
it hasn't taken a toll on me. It's just elevated
me to work harder and kind of motivate me a
bit more for the start of the season.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
What booths have been given to you as a result
of being part of your Whites campaigns.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Yeah, there's a few things that I've got from it. Obviously,
there's the confidence. You know, knowing that you're an international
player now does give you a look of confidence to push
on and play with a different, different mindset. Obviously. Also,
there's a many talented and experienced players in that squad
that I'm not usually around that I can learn off,
(01:34):
so that's another positive, along with the staff and the
whole environment and the culture is awesome. So yeah, definitely
going to take well then from there and bring it
them to the club. There's obviously a good handful of
internationals and this team as well that that will be
doing the same. So it's been very good and very positive.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
Great to hear and approaching the new season on the
back of everything that happened last year with the Phoenix
the club's best ever season, no doubt, it was great
to be part of. So what's the mood like? Is
a new locked team has come together. Obviously every off
season there's people going and there's people coming. What's the
vibe of the team.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Yeah, I think the difference this season is there's obviously
were the confidence from last season, but also a lot
of pain from the loft and that's semi final and
obviously not quite making getting the top of the table,
obviously coming so close. So I think we're going to
use that to propel us. We obviously don't get caught
up in it or two down, but we're going to.
(02:30):
I guess they use that and use it as fuel
so we can start running when we start this season
on this weekend.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
And just take us back a year. Sam, how far
has your football come in the past twelve months when
you look at where are at now compared to the
start of last season.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
Yeah, of course, I meant the last season, you know,
kind of off that was a different dynamic to there
is this season. But like you say, obviously we've got
a bit more confidence now, obviously in ourselves because we
know we can do it. I'm saying that there was
a lot of confidence in the team last season, So
not too much has changed other than a more experience,
(03:12):
I think, and there's going to be moments throughout the
season where we're going to have to call on that
experience that we got from last season, and hopefully that's
going to be the difference in the fighting factor of
winning or losing, and.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
Give us an update on where things are at from
your perspective. With ritting down that permanent starting spot at
left back is the past you having that spot more
consistently easier this.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Year, I mean definitely would be complacent to say it
be easier. Anything can happen happen in football, so it
was important to stay hungry. I think a lot of
people make that mistake. They think there's not too much competition,
but listen those heaps of competition of the team and
that's why well, I think we'll do so well because
we've got versatile players that can play anywhere. So at
(03:55):
any given moment, if I'm not performing or working hard
to my versibility, that there's all the chances that I
can get that position dropped. But for me, it's it's
again back to that confidence thing. Obviously, going in with
the confidence and the work ethic and desire to do well.
Obviously I saw my best mates last season how well
they've been firm and Alex Pulson getting great moves, so
(04:18):
that just again pushes me to stay focused and secure
that starting spot and win some win a title the season.
Speaker 1 (04:26):
Yeah, and wanted to ask about that, as you say,
the Phoenix have been very successful and showcasing you guys
to overseas clubs over the past couple of years, a
similar move to the likes of Ben Wayne and Finn
Sermon and your sights over the next sort of season
or two.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
Yeah, of course, some limits. Every every kid's goal to
get overseas and just playing the highest level they can.
So obviously if I if I do good things here
and good things for the country, maybe things like that
will come. That's one of those things you've got to
park in the zaki your mind as a long term
goal for and focus on what you can do here
and now. Cliche, but but truth definitely got to stick
(05:05):
to it. And I know because I lived with Ben
Old and as Paulson they were you know, very very
religious with that and very focused for it. So I
can take a lot of learnings from them too and
hopefully bring into my game and my mentality, and yeah,
maybe I can get overseas but you know, also I'm
saying that I'm loving it here at the Phoenix, so yeah,
(05:25):
whatever happens, I'm sure I'll take this both hands. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
Great, And from a Kiwi perspective, the ileague is really
getting interesting in this year with the addition of Auckland
FC was there, but the bands are being thrown around
to the all Whites camp recently around that.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Yeah, definitely definitely getting feisty already. I can see it
being a very heated game in a you know, a
proper derby, which is something that I've wanted to be
part of all my life and it's something that I'm
very looking forward to. And it's good that the first
games at home and hopefully we can take those three
points and send them home with tears.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
Imagine it's one that everyone's circling on their calendar because
I mean everyone wants the wedding over Auckland's day. I'm
speaking as a true welling Tony and myself as well.
Wouldn't it be great getting that victory over Auckland in
the first derby in a few weeks?
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Yeah, for sure, I listen. I'm I'm a Wellington sne
through and through as well. So obviously I want us
to win, just like a Sanana player. And if we
win that game, it a green light in it. Ye're
a very happy man, a very happy team, and I'm
sure I'll let some of my mates over over the
other side know about it.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
What are you expecting from Auckland's FC. You know, we
know how competitive the A League is, how tough it is.
They're they're they're you know, joining with a brand new squaws.
Do you expect them to be a competitive force from
the start.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
Under It would be nice to say they wouldn't be
a good team. Looking at their squad on paper, it
looks like a very talented team. I'm strong, hard workers,
but rematch it. It's not better at so but I'm
saying that on a derby, everything goes out the windows,
form goes out the windows more, there's a lot more
to it. So yeah, like I say, it's going to
(07:05):
be an interesting day and they're going to be a good,
good competitors and I can't wait for it.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
Yeah, exactly, And getting the season underway this week in
in Western United, what are you expecting from them to
get them get the campaign underway.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Again? It's hard to know what's gonna come at us
obviously first game of the season. We don't know what
formed there in We don't know too much about them,
but we're going to focus on making sure we're bringing
an improved performance from last season, even better than what
we had, and I'm sure that we'll have that We've
got the tools to beat them, and hopefully it all
comes together on the day. And I think we're all
(07:43):
really positive in the camp and we're all super excited,
and there's a good buz around the team, so I'm
really really confident that we should be able to get
the job done.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
But for more from news talks, there'd be listen live
on air or online and keep our shows. We'd you
wherever you go without podcasts on iHeartRadio
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