February 21, 2025 • 8 mins
The Wellington Phoenix have the final chance to beat Auckland FC in the regular season of the A-League, with the third derby taking place between the two sides.
Young Phoenix goalkeeper Albert Kelly-Heald will be wearing the gloves in his maiden Kiwi derby.
He joined Adam Cooper to look ahead to the match.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
But it is take three for the All key A
League Football derby five pm up in Auckland Mount Smart
Stadium this evening, where it is the Wellington Phoenix looking
to secure a first win over their Kiwi rivals in
their third time trying time to bring in Albert Kelly
Heels to the show now and at just nineteen years old,
(00:21):
he has risen from the Phoenix academy to have a
crucial role with this team. He's had five games as
the starting goalkeeper out and has overtaken josh Otawayomi in
terms of being the main Phoenix starting goalkeeper.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
So his first.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Derby tonight for Albert's Kelly Hill who is with us now,
morning to your Albert to house. The excitement levels and
campus we countdown to kick off not far away now.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Yeah, obviously it's probably the biggest game for the remainder
of the season, having our third derby against Walking their Sea.
I think there's been a lot of build up in
anticipation for the game, which has all kind of fueled us.
I guess to try and get the result for our fans,
but I think matter what, hopefully it will be a good
game like that Sydney Derby and we just hope we
are put on a good per porints.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
What does the team need to do to put on
a good performance?
Speaker 1 (01:08):
Tough trip to Melbourne victory last week, just that one
goal separating the two sides, So back where I guess
the fight's on for a playoff spot as well.
Speaker 2 (01:16):
What is going to bring a victory to the Phoenix
this weekend.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Yeah, I think we just need to stick to our
stick to our plans, sick to our structures. That's worked
well obviously in the past. I think we're in a
bit of a tough spot at the moment, but we're
obviously doing our best and I think if we just
stick to what we do well and we kind of
work on our improvements that we've been doing, I think
there's nothing wrong with what's going to happen, and I
think we'll get that job done exactly.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
And your own individual performance building up to such a
big game like this, where you know there's going to
be a sellout crowds yelling mostly against you guys personally,
how do you prepare for big occasions like this as
a keep up?
Speaker 3 (01:47):
Yeah, I think obviously it's kind of I guess an
intense game, there's going to be a lot of moments
where you're going to have to kind of pull out
a big save or be involved in a big moment.
So I think, yeah, I think just for myself personally,
I've just been working hard and doing what I do
well and hopefully lots will come.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
How quick has all this happened for you? I'll be
obviously sitting on the bench for the first part of
the season, through most of the games, and then you know,
getting that chance against Sydney FC in mid January, carrying
on that role ever since then.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Yeah, how quick has it all sort of unfolded for you?
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (02:21):
It's been good. It's been a real quick turnaround, I guess. Yeah,
there's been like a lot of obviously a lot of
change in the squad, a lot of moments where people
have had to step up. I think, yeah, it's obviously
for myself, I'm very proud and it's worked out well.
Speaker 1 (02:36):
How's the sides of the feeling about the year? Obviously,
you know, last year's highs were historic for the club.
This year, you know, it has been a little bit
more challenging. Tenth on the table now and a couple
of wins outside the playoffs, of course, but it has
been a bit more of a challenging year for the
team this year.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
Do you feel, Yeah, it's not been what we've hoped
I guess, but I guess looking at who've lost last year,
we've lost some very talented players, people are ap Oldie
fin so I guess it's kind of it's not a
rebuild year. But we're obviously trying to get back into
the way things were, and I think we're slowly finding
our way. I think we've gone from we've obviously had
a few results we wouldn't have liked to have, but
(03:12):
starting to get those draws and hopefully soon turn them
into wins. But at the moment, yeah, we're just focusing
on ourselves and how we can improve individually and as
a team.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Back before you were given that first start, what was
the conversation with CHIEFI when you found out you were
being given given a nod to make the start against
Sydney of C.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
Yeah, his words were pretty simple, is just kind of
go out there, have fun and do your own thing.
I think he.
Speaker 4 (03:34):
Said, look, there's no pressure. We're obviously we're in a
bit of a tough spot, so go out there do
your best. And just play your game because at the
end of the day, he trusts me for who I
am as a as a player and as a person,
So I think there was no need to change for
any sort of moment or anything.
Speaker 3 (03:50):
Just eat to what I do well.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
And you've had several clean sheets as well. Is that
sort of a mark you pride yourself on? And that's
sort of a you know, something you took off as
a job well done after game or do you have
other ways you sort of judge your own performances when
you sort of review a match.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
Yeah, obviously as a team perspective, I think a clean
sheet is the ultimate goal as a as a defender
of sorts. But yeah, personally, I've got my own goals,
you know. Obviously I want to improve every game and
improve from every moment, every mistake, every positive. I think
there's always a learning moment from everything. So I believe
that after each game I like to do my review
(04:26):
with Browman and just kind of nitpickle the small things
and just try and get better on everything to become
an ultimate goalkeeper.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
I'm also going to ask about, you know, playing alongside
your twin brother. Obviously you would have had so much
of your footballing journey together. But now you've both sort
have had your breakthroughs alongside each other at the same club.
How enjoyable is it sort of living through that and
being able to share an awesome moment for both of
you together.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
Yeah, I think it's been pretty awesome. Like I'm not
sure how many twins are actually playing together. I know
there's a few obviously playing abroad and all that, but
I think yeah, for us, it's obviously a very proud
moment for our family as well. Like the obviously they
were super stoked when Lucas started playing, but now they've
got a second one to kind of watch as well,
So I guess yeah, obviously we enjoy playing with each other.
(05:10):
We like to kind of kick about, feeling where you
know you can trust someone, you know you can have
fun with him. So both super stoked to be to
be playing together.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
Do you think aither of you would be in, you know,
the positions you are now without having had each other
around to push each other in things.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
I believe that we've played a big role in each other.
I think obviously growing up and being an outfield and
me being a goalkeeper. He can just work on his outfield,
like I guess shooting shooting goals against me while I'm
in goal, So I think, yeah, I think we've obviously
grown up, played pretty much our whole lives together, and
I think us knowing each other so well and being
able to drive each other and take those like additional
(05:47):
I guess head down to Wakefield Park and have a
kick about. You know, I think that's really helped us.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
As a countdown to kick off at Mount Smart a
little bit later on in this afternoon. Can you just
take us back to when you were there last time
you went on the field. You're on the subs bench,
a part of the atmosphere. What is it like walking
out to that that absolute fan fare by the Lockxette
Mount Smart Stadium. Most of the support is cheering for
Auckland and you're going to gear up for another sold
out crowd there today. What was that experience like first
(06:14):
time around?
Speaker 2 (06:15):
You did it?
Speaker 3 (06:17):
Oh? Yeah, obviously it can be a bit intimidating. I
think they've got a very strong fan base, and I
think there's a lot of them making a lot of noise.
But I think I think our Yellow Fever fans were
probably up there as well with making a similar amount
of noise, which is good. I think, yeah, it's obviously
a lot of people, but you just look at it
as you're just doing it for the fans, you know,
doing it for the people. It's all about that. So yeah,
(06:39):
it's good. It's a good environment and I hope that
we get a similar outcome.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
And you know, we've talked about where the things sit
in terms of the table and the season, but just
getting a win over Auckland in the final chance this
year and the regular season, how important is that amongst
you and the team at the moment.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
Yeah, I think it's a very important game. I think
looking at where we are on the table right now,
we've got a pretty tough run as well games coming up,
so I think every game from now on is a
super important game. I think we've got to try and
get the most out of everything and then at the
end of the day, whatever happens happens, but we're always
going to put the best foot forward.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
And just finally, I'll be how much has it helped
you with confidence? Having two very experienced members of the
defensive lineback and Tim Payne and your captain Alex Rufer.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
How's that changed things for you.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Oh, it's a relief, It's very good. I think you
kind of get that sense of security. I think Tim
he adds a lot of defending qualities to the team
and a lot of kind of communication and confidence around him.
And then you've got people like Rufer obviously our captain.
He's a very solid player, he's a very good person,
he's all around, very technical. So I think it's very
(07:48):
good to have two very talented players back. So very
stoked about that.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
Yeah, brilliant.
Speaker 1 (07:52):
All right, Alby, we'll let you get back to your
preparations for the game. Everyone I know round Wellington's looking
forward to it and watching you guys. All the very
best of luck on take three against Auckland and the Derby.
So go well mate, Thanks for chatting and all the
best this week in.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
Good cheers, appreciate it.
Speaker 4 (08:08):
Thank you for more from News Talks ed B. Listen
live on air or online, and
Speaker 1 (08:13):
Keep our shows with you wherever you go with our
podcasts on iHeartRadio.
But it is take three for the All key A
League Football derby five pm up in Auckland Mount Smart
Stadium this evening, where it is the Wellington Phoenix looking
to secure a first win over their Kiwi rivals in
their third time trying time to bring in Albert Kelly
Heels to the show now and at just nineteen years old,
(00:21):
he has risen from the Phoenix academy to have a
crucial role with this team. He's had five games as
the starting goalkeeper out and has overtaken josh Otawayomi in
terms of being the main Phoenix starting goalkeeper.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
So his first.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Derby tonight for Albert's Kelly Hill who is with us now,
morning to your Albert to house. The excitement levels and
campus we countdown to kick off not far away now.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Yeah, obviously it's probably the biggest game for the remainder
of the season, having our third derby against Walking their Sea.
I think there's been a lot of build up in
anticipation for the game, which has all kind of fueled us.
I guess to try and get the result for our fans,
but I think matter what, hopefully it will be a good
game like that Sydney Derby and we just hope we
are put on a good per porints.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
What does the team need to do to put on
a good performance?
Speaker 1 (01:08):
Tough trip to Melbourne victory last week, just that one
goal separating the two sides, So back where I guess
the fight's on for a playoff spot as well.
Speaker 2 (01:16):
What is going to bring a victory to the Phoenix
this weekend.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Yeah, I think we just need to stick to our
stick to our plans, sick to our structures. That's worked
well obviously in the past. I think we're in a
bit of a tough spot at the moment, but we're
obviously doing our best and I think if we just
stick to what we do well and we kind of
work on our improvements that we've been doing, I think
there's nothing wrong with what's going to happen, and I
think we'll get that job done exactly.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
And your own individual performance building up to such a
big game like this, where you know there's going to
be a sellout crowds yelling mostly against you guys personally,
how do you prepare for big occasions like this as
a keep up?
Speaker 3 (01:47):
Yeah, I think obviously it's kind of I guess an
intense game, there's going to be a lot of moments
where you're going to have to kind of pull out
a big save or be involved in a big moment.
So I think, yeah, I think just for myself personally,
I've just been working hard and doing what I do
well and hopefully lots will come.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
How quick has all this happened for you? I'll be
obviously sitting on the bench for the first part of
the season, through most of the games, and then you know,
getting that chance against Sydney FC in mid January, carrying
on that role ever since then.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Yeah, how quick has it all sort of unfolded for you?
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (02:21):
It's been good. It's been a real quick turnaround, I guess. Yeah,
there's been like a lot of obviously a lot of
change in the squad, a lot of moments where people
have had to step up. I think, yeah, it's obviously
for myself, I'm very proud and it's worked out well.
Speaker 1 (02:36):
How's the sides of the feeling about the year? Obviously,
you know, last year's highs were historic for the club.
This year, you know, it has been a little bit
more challenging. Tenth on the table now and a couple
of wins outside the playoffs, of course, but it has
been a bit more of a challenging year for the
team this year.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
Do you feel, Yeah, it's not been what we've hoped
I guess, but I guess looking at who've lost last year,
we've lost some very talented players, people are ap Oldie
fin so I guess it's kind of it's not a
rebuild year. But we're obviously trying to get back into
the way things were, and I think we're slowly finding
our way. I think we've gone from we've obviously had
a few results we wouldn't have liked to have, but
(03:12):
starting to get those draws and hopefully soon turn them
into wins. But at the moment, yeah, we're just focusing
on ourselves and how we can improve individually and as
a team.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Back before you were given that first start, what was
the conversation with CHIEFI when you found out you were
being given given a nod to make the start against
Sydney of C.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
Yeah, his words were pretty simple, is just kind of
go out there, have fun and do your own thing.
I think he.
Speaker 4 (03:34):
Said, look, there's no pressure. We're obviously we're in a
bit of a tough spot, so go out there do
your best. And just play your game because at the
end of the day, he trusts me for who I
am as a as a player and as a person,
So I think there was no need to change for
any sort of moment or anything.
Speaker 3 (03:50):
Just eat to what I do well.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
And you've had several clean sheets as well. Is that
sort of a mark you pride yourself on? And that's
sort of a you know, something you took off as
a job well done after game or do you have
other ways you sort of judge your own performances when
you sort of review a match.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
Yeah, obviously as a team perspective, I think a clean
sheet is the ultimate goal as a as a defender
of sorts. But yeah, personally, I've got my own goals,
you know. Obviously I want to improve every game and
improve from every moment, every mistake, every positive. I think
there's always a learning moment from everything. So I believe
that after each game I like to do my review
(04:26):
with Browman and just kind of nitpickle the small things
and just try and get better on everything to become
an ultimate goalkeeper.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
I'm also going to ask about, you know, playing alongside
your twin brother. Obviously you would have had so much
of your footballing journey together. But now you've both sort
have had your breakthroughs alongside each other at the same club.
How enjoyable is it sort of living through that and
being able to share an awesome moment for both of
you together.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
Yeah, I think it's been pretty awesome. Like I'm not
sure how many twins are actually playing together. I know
there's a few obviously playing abroad and all that, but
I think yeah, for us, it's obviously a very proud
moment for our family as well. Like the obviously they
were super stoked when Lucas started playing, but now they've
got a second one to kind of watch as well,
So I guess yeah, obviously we enjoy playing with each other.
(05:10):
We like to kind of kick about, feeling where you
know you can trust someone, you know you can have
fun with him. So both super stoked to be to
be playing together.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
Do you think aither of you would be in, you know,
the positions you are now without having had each other
around to push each other in things.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
I believe that we've played a big role in each other.
I think obviously growing up and being an outfield and
me being a goalkeeper. He can just work on his outfield,
like I guess shooting shooting goals against me while I'm
in goal, So I think, yeah, I think we've obviously
grown up, played pretty much our whole lives together, and
I think us knowing each other so well and being
able to drive each other and take those like additional
(05:47):
I guess head down to Wakefield Park and have a
kick about. You know, I think that's really helped us.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
As a countdown to kick off at Mount Smart a
little bit later on in this afternoon. Can you just
take us back to when you were there last time
you went on the field. You're on the subs bench,
a part of the atmosphere. What is it like walking
out to that that absolute fan fare by the Lockxette
Mount Smart Stadium. Most of the support is cheering for
Auckland and you're going to gear up for another sold
out crowd there today. What was that experience like first
(06:14):
time around?
Speaker 2 (06:15):
You did it?
Speaker 3 (06:17):
Oh? Yeah, obviously it can be a bit intimidating. I
think they've got a very strong fan base, and I
think there's a lot of them making a lot of noise.
But I think I think our Yellow Fever fans were
probably up there as well with making a similar amount
of noise, which is good. I think, yeah, it's obviously
a lot of people, but you just look at it
as you're just doing it for the fans, you know,
doing it for the people. It's all about that. So yeah,
(06:39):
it's good. It's a good environment and I hope that
we get a similar outcome.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
And you know, we've talked about where the things sit
in terms of the table and the season, but just
getting a win over Auckland in the final chance this
year and the regular season, how important is that amongst
you and the team at the moment.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
Yeah, I think it's a very important game. I think
looking at where we are on the table right now,
we've got a pretty tough run as well games coming up,
so I think every game from now on is a
super important game. I think we've got to try and
get the most out of everything and then at the
end of the day, whatever happens happens, but we're always
going to put the best foot forward.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
And just finally, I'll be how much has it helped
you with confidence? Having two very experienced members of the
defensive lineback and Tim Payne and your captain Alex Rufer.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
How's that changed things for you.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Oh, it's a relief, It's very good. I think you
kind of get that sense of security. I think Tim
he adds a lot of defending qualities to the team
and a lot of kind of communication and confidence around him.
And then you've got people like Rufer obviously our captain.
He's a very solid player, he's a very good person,
he's all around, very technical. So I think it's very
(07:48):
good to have two very talented players back. So very
stoked about that.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
Yeah, brilliant.
Speaker 1 (07:52):
All right, Alby, we'll let you get back to your
preparations for the game. Everyone I know round Wellington's looking
forward to it and watching you guys. All the very
best of luck on take three against Auckland and the Derby.
So go well mate, Thanks for chatting and all the
best this week in.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
Good cheers, appreciate it.
Speaker 4 (08:08):
Thank you for more from News Talks ed B. Listen
live on air or online, and
Speaker 1 (08:13):
Keep our shows with you wherever you go with our
podcasts on iHeartRadio.
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