April 27, 2025 • 37 mins
Piney and Bonnie reflect on an historic weekend for football in NZ, with Auckland FC claiming the A-League Premiers' Plate in their inaugural season.
Who can stop them now? And where might the Grand Final be played?
Wellington Phoenix meantime slump to a third straight defeat, losing 1-0 away at Brisbane.
And we hand out our end-of-season awards for the Phoenix women.
Football Fever with Jason Pine & Bonnie Jansen is the weekly podcast to keep up with all the action from the beautiful game!
Our voice of football Jason Pine and sport journalist Bonnie Jansen follow the Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC on their quest for an A-League title - all the goals, all the drama, all the glory!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Well, go to Football Fever News Talky, Hello that and
welcome into Monday. Welcome into a fresh episode of Football Fever.
Sorry we missed you last Monday. Neither of us were available.
We are very much available today and I think that's
(00:22):
a pretty good thing, given the fact that the Premier's
plate now lives in Old Doto on New Zealand on
Jason Pine, Bonnie Jansen. Can you believe it, Bonnie? The
Premier's plate is now on the side of the.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Tasman champions Pioneer. Honestly can't believe it. It hasn't really sunk.
And yet it was an awesome night in Auckland last night,
and so happy that the Auckland FC got to celebrate
the Premier's plate win on home soil. But yeah, just
can't believe it at all, really, but so stoked it
fell this way.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
Yeah, very happy for everybody involved. Will unpack it. But obviously,
in terms of the nuts and bolts, they were confirmed
as premi years on Saturday night when Melbourne City and
Adelaide United drew Millall at Amy Park. That meant that
Melbourne City, who were the only team who could have
caught Auckland f C could not now catch Auckland f C.
So just before midnight on Saturday night, the destination of
(01:17):
the Premier's plate was confirmed. I asked Steve Corky yesterday
actually whether you know how he was watching that game.
He said he went to bed at halftime in that
game and then he got wake up about an hour
label the whole bunch of messages saying we've done it.
So I've been talking about like i'd be. I don't know,
I don't know what to be. Maybe it's you know,
they probably knew they were going to adventure either win it,
(01:37):
you know, on Saturday night, or win it on Sunday.
And I also asked him, I said, would you have
preferred if Melbourne City had won kind of kept the
pressure on so that there was a result needed yesterday
at go media to sort of confirm it, you know,
you do it under your own steam. And he said, no,
not a single bit of me. Hope that I wanted
us to win it on you know, as early as possible,
But yeah, I mean it kind of made yesterday. It
(02:00):
was as an old occasion, was that the game actually
wasn't a wasn't a classic? Was it?
Speaker 2 (02:05):
No? I was worried that since they won it going
into that head of that game, that maybe they would
start a second team and rest some of their good players.
And I was worried about that fat because I knew
that it was there or thereabouts a sell out. I
think they missed by about five hundred seats and that
would have been down to the weather. But I was
(02:25):
worried that maybe they wouldn't go all in because they
didn't necessarily need a win. However, I was hoping that
wouldn't be the case, and I don't think that was
at all. I wanted them to go for it for
the fans, for themselves, you know, and maybe it did
take a little bit of weight off their shoulders that
they didn't need a result, they could play with a
bit of freedom, and I think they did, and I
think on another day they would have won that game
(02:47):
four or five nil, but obviously just couldn't break that
deadlock for a while.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
They absolutely dominated, You're right, twenty eight shots to four.
Twenty eight shots they had. I can't I can't remember
Auckland f C having that many opportunities in a game.
And I felt for Max Mautter because a lot of
them fell to him, and you know he was only
just off target with a couple of headers. Oli Saul
came up with a couple of big saves. On another night,
Max Mutter probably has two or three goals even by halftime.
(03:15):
But you always thought they were going to find a
way to score. I just didn't think it would be
Marley friends whoa scored direct from a corner.
Speaker 2 (03:24):
No, I completely agree Piney. I have said this before
on the podcast. I'm still not sure whether I rate
him in the starting lineup or not. I feel like
there's possibly some other personnel that could be in there
over him. And I didn't actually think he played that
impressively up until that goal. But you know, you win
games in big moments, and he certainly got up for
(03:46):
that one. I was interested as well in the first
half and in that second half why he was taking
the corners over the likes of Jake Brimmer and Francis
Devrees who have been so good from those spots. So,
I mean he pulled it off the end there. But yeah,
it was interesting.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Because at one point Francis went across to the other
to that side because they like to have the n
swinging corners right, so so Frannie goes over and takes
them from the right wing to swing it him with
his left and they use a right foot on the
left to swing him with their right foot. And one
stage Frannie went across to take one on the other
side and he bent it behind it went out for
a goal kick. So yeah, the set piece delivery was
(04:24):
probably left a little bit to be desired until Marley
Franz while swung that win in. Just as I was
about to do an in deb with him on Sky
last night, Jake Brimmer came up behind me and said,
make sure you tell him that nobody here thinks that
he meant to do it.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
I mean, does anyone mean to do that taking a
corner if you can shoot every time from there, like,
good on you. But I don't think it's on purpose.
But what a way to win a game. I think.
One of the reporters in the press conference afterwards asked
Steve Coriker if he's ever seen a game win with
(04:59):
an Olympic a goal like that, but Steve Kraker said no,
so yeah, it was unrealmed.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
Well, I saw some reports last night. I saw someone
posted that it was the first ever goal direct from
a corner in the A League. I don't. I mean,
that seems that can't. I know, there's been a few
in the women's A League. Maybe this season, yeah it
did say the first ever. Well I can't believe that.
I mean, it's gone twenty years. Surely somebody's scored direct
(05:26):
from a corner. Maybe it was this season, maybe it
was this season. Anyway, the fact remains one Nell. You're right,
he's just trying to put it into a dangerous area
and it just and Oli Saard, who otherwise had a
really good game, just misjudged it. Nobody at the back post,
they seem to have modern day tactics, seems to have
dispensed with the defender at the back post. There was
always somebody there in my day, BONDI don't know about you.
(05:47):
There's always somebody at the back post for you know,
for occasions just like that. But you know, well, it.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Looked like I think it was Max Mutter defending that
Perth Glory player that he may have given him a
bit of a shove, and you could see Perth were
kind of arguing that fact. And I was a little
bit worried that maybe it would go to var but
obviously not meant to be. I thought the officiating was
quite good last night. A Perth were putting in some
big tackles, but there were moments that the refs just
(06:16):
let it play.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
Yeah, and the wet always a little bit. There's always
a bit of trepidation around some of the challenges flying
and the last thing anybody wanted was an injury, especially
I mean Auckland f C Perth seasons just about over,
but an Auckland FC player, you know, suffering about injury.
Nanda Pinneker went down near the end and he let
out a heck of a yell as he went down,
and I thought, man, what's he done. Luckily got back
(06:37):
to his feet and he was okay. But you know,
imagine getting all the way through the season to the
final couple of games and then getting an injury that
ruled out of the finals.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
Well that's why I thought maybe Steve would rest players.
You know, you definitely don't want the likes of Hiroki
or ap and Goal or anyone like that getting injured
ahead of the finals playoffs, but insane that you can't
live in fear. And I thought it was really interesting.
I guess I'm looking forward here. But when Coraker said
in the press conference that he's not planning on resting
(07:08):
many players next week in their final game against Western United,
just simply because that would mean three weeks in between
you know, last night's game and then their first semi final,
because they obviously have to buy when the elimination finals happening.
So I thought that was interesting, you know, maybe he
would I would probably as a coach not want any
(07:31):
of my key players getting injured. But at the same time,
you don't want to lose that momentum that they've built up.
What now, fourteen games unbeaten.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
I reckon if you ask any of the players they
want to play as well. I know it's not their decision,
but yeah, I think they'd rather say, how we're going
to rest you next week and then we'll get you
ready for the first leg of the semi Yeah, you're right,
three weeks, no game for three weeks. There's nobody who's
in yellow card danger. At this stage of the season.
You need eight yellow cards. If someone's on seven and
(07:59):
they pick up one next week, they would miss the
first week of the finals. But the most is Louis
vus Strata, who last night picked up his sixth the
yellow cards, so even if he got one next week,
that wouldn't rule him out and only have seven and
then they clear the slate for the finals. Yeah, I
think momentum is important, and you know it's that fourteen
games now unbeaten. The last thing you want to do
(08:21):
is to have that streak broken as your head into
the finals.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
Yeah. No, exactly right, that's what Steve said, and he
doesn't want to give them too much rest and saying that,
I think we will see some personnel change. You know,
we saw the likes of Liam Gillian get on finally
towards the end, finally got some minutes after what was
it back in January, I think we discussed Piney, so
(08:45):
Gillian was back. So maybe someone like him will get
a start or at least come on at halftime, and
we might see a little bit more movement, you know,
in the back line or some of those wider squad
players that haven't featured really much at all. So I
hope that's the case. You know, maybe we might see
Michael vaut in between the sticks or at least for
a half. I think that's kind of what you want
(09:07):
to do and yet give some of the other boys
an opportunity while also hoping to keep momentum because if
they win it next week, you know, just increases that
gap at the top of the table and makes all
the other teams a little bit more scared.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
I guess. So what it does do as well the
break is it gives him a chance to get Felipe
guy gos Right. He's the only real first teamer who's
got an injury cloud hanging over him. Didn't make the
squad last night and was never going to by the
sounds of it, was really just on light duties during
the week. I doubt they'll risk him against Western United.
Why would they. He's a guy who they can recover
(09:45):
surely well.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Coraker said last night that he's looking to actually be
back for that game. Whether he'll start or not, I'm
not sure. Maybe he'll travel to see how he goes.
The other one Coraraker said who has been we're not
mentioned at all basically all season is Scott Galloway, who's
had a season long injury. But even Coraker said it's
looking like he'll be back towards the end of the
(10:06):
finals playoffs. So that's another name we haven't heard of.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
It a while yeah, he hasn't hasn't had much go
as way at all. I'd be lucky if he's had,
you know, five or six appearances. I think just having
a check now four four appearances off the bench for
Scott Galloway. So yeah, he's really played quite a minor
role this season. But every coach would say to you,
I want a fully fit squad to choose from at
the business end of the season. So by the sounds
of it, that's what Steve Coreck is going to get.
(10:30):
What about the occasion, Ah, you know, once the game
was over and the final whistle, wean just the elation
in the crowd, but also down on the field. A
lot of these guys. Tommy Smith said afterwards, I've never
won a club trophy. Louis Vastrata said during the week
he's never won a club trophy. This is the first
time many of those players have ever lifted a piece
(10:52):
of silverware, and it was just so obvious how much
it meant to them and everybody associated with the club.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
It was such I Piney, you and I were down
there on the pitch after the game, and yeah, you're right,
you could just see how much it meant to the players,
and I love how they did a walk around the fans,
who you know, so impressed with the twenty five thousand
that came out in like the pouring rain basically, and
the ones that lingered around afterwards for signatures would have
(11:20):
been sitting there and standing there in damp clothes. But
I loved how the players walked around the pitch afterwards
and left that kind of trophy lift to the porch
right at the end, which they normally do. Yeah, it
was such an occasion. And one player I was particularly
really happy for. I thought it was really sweet watching
his emotion and celebrations was Alex Paulson. I think he's,
(11:44):
you know, had it real tough. Probably he didn't expect
to be here at Auckland f C. Having to go
up against his old club was probably naturally really hard
for him, and he just looked so over the moon
and so relieved. And yeah, it was celebrating with Marley
Frantz a lots. They must be really good friends.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
Yeah, I think they're boys, those two in the young
person's vernacular. Yeah, I think they're boys. Yeah. I saw
a lot of photos actually of Alex Paulson and Marley
Francois celebrating together.
Speaker 3 (12:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
Look, I must admit when Alex Paulson signed for Auckland FC,
I was not a fan of it. I thought, how
is this going to improve him? He's already the best
goalkeeper in the A League. This was when he was
at Wellington Phoenix. He signed for Bournemouth. He's comeback. You
did that great article last week with all the numbers
about the kilometers he traveled between Wellington and Auckland and
he went all the way to the other side the world
(12:31):
and came back. And I thought, he's been there, done that.
How can another season improve him as a goalkeeper? I
was wrong. Another season has improved him. He is a
better goalkeeper now than he was a year ago.
Speaker 2 (12:44):
So much better for him and I think this one,
you know, makes it so much more worth it for him.
Maybe he won't look back on this season as you know,
in regret or disappointed. Now he will be able to
look back on it and you know, have a title
to his name, and he's played such a massive role
in this club as well. You know they've conceded the
(13:06):
most the least goals rather twenty three. I think it
is across the season which makes him the best the
best team defensively. So I think the streak was was
ten games without conceding at all. So yeah, it's he's
done so well. And you know, Steve Croker's said this,
(13:27):
he won't be here next season and that's okay, he's
ready to move on. But yeah, good on him. I
was just so happy for him.
Speaker 3 (13:33):
Yeah, so was I.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
So was I, And you're right it would have been
a challenging time for him. Once he got through the Derby's,
the first couple of them home and away, I think
it was it was going to be okay after that.
But yeah, I think he's He's carried himself with a
lot of dignity and all he can do is play
for the team he plays for. And I know those
guys who play in front of him just absolutely love
having Alex Paulson behind them, you know, the like Sernando
(13:56):
Dan Hall, even more experienced guys like Sakai Investrata. You know,
they wouldn't have known Alex Paulson from a from a
bowl of soup when they arrived. You know, I wouldn't
know who he was. They know who he is now.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
Yeah, No, I think whatever team he goes to. Will
be lucky to have him, and you know whatever that
is he needs to be playing. I understand it's the
Scottish club hips, which I keep getting mixed up with
the boys' school in Lower.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
Hut different hips. He's not going back to school, which
is probably a good thing.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
Yeah, No, so he'll be lucky to go off there.
But hopefully he turns up for these playoffs, which I
have no doubt he will.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
He will indeed. Yeah, it was good. It was a
cool occasion, just the vibe of it, watching the plate
being lifted, watching all of the players and their partners
come down. A lot of their kids. Rocky Sarkis kids
were out there, so were Tommy Smith's. Jake Brimmer was
really emotional afterwards when we interviewed him. His dad has
(14:56):
not been well diagnosed with motor neuron disease. He's got
his two daughters back in Melbourne. Who you know, he
had to leave there to come and play for Auckland FC.
He's a pretty tough character, Jake Brimmer. But yeah, just
tearing up a little bit at the end, which I
thought was another demonstration of just what this club has
quickly come to mean to guys who have been around
(15:16):
for a long time. Hiroki Sarko, he's been to three
World Cups. He looked like an eighteen year old out
there last night lifting that plate.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
Yeah, he was so happy. I just think that the
personnel in this group have been really like, you know,
all the characters, they've been such great people. And that's
just from my perspective interviewing them. I can't speak for
the opposition that have come up against them and anything
like that, but just the way we've seen and discussed Piney,
(15:44):
them interacting with fans and you know, interacting with us
as media, I think they've all been really really good
people and it shows on the field, you know. So
I don't know who's to think for that, whether that's
the likes of Nick Becker CEO or Steve Coriker, but yeah,
they've all got great personalities. But I did just get
off the phone with Nick Becker who said the celebrations
(16:05):
continued deep into the night.
Speaker 1 (16:07):
I bet they did. Where do you go on a
Sunday night?
Speaker 2 (16:09):
Though Danny Dolan's Pinny of course, from very familiar with
that place. It's basically the only place open on a
Sunday night, But it's great. It's a great Sunday night
if you go there. And I will quote Nick Becker,
he said, we all got Danny Doland. He said all
roads led to Danny Dolan's. After the game, basically the
(16:30):
players all went up to the Black Night Lounge on
the we stand at GO Media Stadium, where they all
kind of celebrated with family and staff and friends. And
then I believe a group of staff and coaches went
to Andy Mo which is a really lovely restaurant on
Jurvoice Road in Herne Bay, which is owned by Bill
(16:52):
Foley's Hospitality Group. So they went there. Well, the players
went to Young People's Bars. I'm not sure exactly where
that was, and then I think all the staff and
players ended up meeting maybe at Danny Dawance.
Speaker 3 (17:04):
Well.
Speaker 1 (17:04):
I did hear Nick Becker on the air with Mike
Hosking this morning at around seven fifteen, and he basically
admitted that on a scale of one to ten on
the Dusty Scale, he was an eight. He might have
been been quite kind to himself. He kept on. He
was wheezing during the interview, but I mean it would
have been worth it. I see b fronted up on
TV this morning as well. See that's it. You have
(17:25):
a lot of respect for people. Dan Hall was on
TV too well.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
I think I understand Dan Hall was picked possibly to
go on TV not only because he's a great personality
and speaks well to the media, but he actually doesn't drink,
so that's probably why he was picked for the media
because his celebrations maybe didn't continue on as much as others.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
All Right, good to know, Good to know, or a
couple of other things about Auckland FC. So they play
Western United away this coming weekend and when would take
them to fifty six points for the season. I did
a quick check and that's more than the Minor Premier
has got in any of the last five seedeasons, so
it would be an another landmark for them. Then, of
course they have a bye in the first weekend of
(18:06):
the finals, as the teams that finish three, four, five
and six play one another in a knockout in two
knockout matches, then home and away semis. Now we know
that the home semi will be on Saturday, the twenty
fourth of May. That has been confirmed that the home
semi will be Saturday, the twenty fourth of May. Kickoff
time is yet to be confirmed, unlikely to be five o'clock.
(18:30):
I think it's more likely for the Australian audience that
it will be a seven o'clock or seven thirty kickoff.
But definitely the twenty fourth of May. If they make
it through that they're into the Grand Final. If they
make the Grand Final by virtual of finishing top, they
will host the Grand Final. And there's a bit of
conjecture still around about where that final would be. I
was having conversations with people over the weekend about this.
(18:52):
Some people are adamant that it will be played at
Eden Park, Others are equally adamant that it will be
played at go Media Stadium. Now, just before you and
I have a chat about this, I had Nick Becker
on the radio yesterday and asked him, you know, would
he like to have it at go Media or will
it be at go Media the Grand Final if Auckland
were to make it, I certainly hope.
Speaker 3 (19:13):
So I don't actually get the final call on it.
I've given my input and a legally great at listening
and taking our point of view on board. Ultimately it's
their call. They managed the whole final series. I'd be
fingers cross and I'd certainly hope to see it at Gometa.
It's been our home ground all season. That's where we'll
play our semi final, and definitely the players and in
(19:35):
my seniens of all the fans want to be there
as well.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
So from the club's point of view, unsurprisingly they want
it there. Apl who run the league take the ticket revenue.
Therefore they want are going to want to have it
at the biggest capacity ground possible. I think it would
be an enormous shame if they played it at Eden Park.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
I don't think it would be an enormous shame. I
think it would be a shame given well, they've hosted
at Mount smart Or season long and the fans just,
you know, continuously, you know, great numbers. But I just
have a feeling it's going to go to Eden Park,
and I don't think that will be all that bad.
(20:16):
I just hope that it sells out. It would be
embarrassing if they move it there and it doesn't sell out.
Speaker 1 (20:20):
Yeah. I get the and people have said, Okay, well,
why wouldn't you want to open it up to forty
five thousand people. I get that, But watching a game
at Eden Park of any football code, rugby, football, rugby league.
You're so far back, you know. The shape of the
ground for a start is wrong for you know, for
a game of sport on a rectangular field. The other
(20:43):
thing that comes into this, Eden Park is already booked
on the Saturday night of King's Birthday, the Blues have
a Super Rugby game there, so that would mean that
the Grand Final would have to be played on the Sunday.
That's not without precedent, that could happen, but that's another
little little layer of it in there. And the other
thing is last year the Central Coast Mariners hosted the
Grand Final and Gosford only holds I think about twenty
(21:05):
two to twenty three thousand less than go Media. The
other part about that, though, of course, is that Gosford
that's the only place they could have had it in Gosford.
Otherwise they would have had to go down to Sydney,
and there's no way the Mariners would have agreed, you know,
and thank APO would have forced it upon them to
go down to Sydney for that game. It's ninety minutes away.
So yeah, it's still to be decided. I really hope
(21:28):
it's at go Media that I get what you're saying, Bonnie,
I understand, and I think, you know, maybe I'm almost
certain they would sell it out if they held it
at Eden Park. I just feel like it would be
I don't know, like I said, yeah, maybe not a
great shame. I would much prefer it to be at
GO Media.
Speaker 2 (21:46):
I'd love to hear from the players. You know, as
a player, there's nothing more that you want to play
at the biggest stadium possible. You know, you can imagine
players in England or any football as any footballers dream
to play it at Wembley. So you want to play
at the biggest stadium. And maybe that's the case for
a lot of these players to you know, want to
take that next step and sell out Eden Park. But
(22:08):
at the same time, you don't want to. You don't
want to change what ain't broke. You know, they've done
so well, they've been so successful at GO Media, and
that's exactly why Nick Becker will be pushing to stay
at Go Media, obviously for the fans, but probably more
so to not not change routine and not change what's
been so successful.
Speaker 1 (22:27):
Indeed, just to look at who they might play in
the playoffs, because there's still a real battle on for
finishing second, which is obviously gives you the advantage of
missing the first week and then you know into the
home and away semi final situation. At the moment, Melbourne
City are second on forty five, Western United have forty four,
Western Sydney have forty three and Melbourne Victory have forty two,
(22:49):
so any of those four teams could still finish second.
So we're not going to know until after Sunday's game
between Melbourne Victory and Newcastle, the final game of the
A League regular season, what the makeup of the top sixer.
So there's probably not a lot of point in us
kicking around possibilities because you know we're just going to
get down a rabbit hole there. The other one is
(23:11):
sixth place, the battle for six. Adelaide are currently sixth
with thirty eight points, but they're all done. They've got
the buy in the last week. Sidney FC are on
thirty seven, so if Sydney FC can avoid defeat against
Melbourne City on the weekend, they will take sixth place.
But Melbourne City will want to beat SYDNEYFC because that
would ensure that they finished second on the table, so
(23:34):
Adelaide United will be massive Melbourne City fans on the weekend.
So yeah, that's all to come. And yeah, by the
time we speak on the podcast next Monday, we will
know the makeup of the top six and therefore the
first round of the playoffs. Well, after all the excitement
(23:58):
of last night four hours previously, such a stark contrast
to go media at sun Corpse Stadium, the Wellington Phoenix
played Brisbane Raw absolutely abysmal pitch. I've got no idea
how they're allowed to play on that by the sounds
of it. It's getting relayed this week because they've got
NRL Souper around there this coming weekend. But the pitch
was terrible. The game was a really tough watch and
(24:22):
I don't really want to spend too much time talking
about this to be honest. Brisbane had thirty shots to
Wellington six. This is the Brisbane Raw team who have
been one of the worst teams in the league this season.
You know, had played midweek Wellington Phoenix with nothing to lose. Really,
they weren't going to make the top six. They had
an opportunity to get out of the bottom four, which
means they spare themselves the trip to Darwin for the
(24:45):
Australia Cup playoffs in May. They were just I just
thought they were so passive. The only bright spot was
when Luke brook Smith and Nathan Walker came on. They
added a bit of impetus. Brisbane got a goal first
win at home for Brisbane all season and the first
clean sheet that their goalkeeper Matt Acton had kept for
(25:09):
four or five years. I just it was just, I mean,
the sooner this Wellington Phoenix season finishes, the better.
Speaker 2 (25:16):
Yeah, you can have said it better, Piney. I'm firstly
really happy for Brisbane. It sounded like a great game
for them, but just an absolute yeah. Quite embarrassing really
that we're here. You know, when thinking back twelve months ago, Piney,
when you and I were exchanging messages about you know,
them heading into the semi final and who they're going
(25:39):
to play and will this you know, grand Final be
hosted in Wellington or where will it be? Like it's
just a stark contrast and it's a real shame that
I've gone from where they were to where they are now.
You have to put the question there. You know, was
re signing chief Ye as coach last week a good idea.
Speaker 1 (25:59):
Well, whether or it was or not, I guess we
will find out. I know that there was a huge
amount of displeasure on Saturday after that game online from
Phoenix fans some of the stuff I read, and I
tend to stay away from online fan reaction, but I
just wanted to sort of test the water really to
(26:19):
see what people were thinking. And you know, I think
John Carlo and Taliana, you know, I do like the
idea that you don't just throw a guy out after
one bad season if he's had a very good season
the previous season, a year ago, Bonnie top of the Pops,
John Calo, Ataliana, you know, untouchable pretty much and a
candidate for Coach of the season. But twelve months on,
(26:42):
you know, things have moved on, and so now I think,
you know, he has to probably show us pretty early
on next season that that things are on and up
with trajectory, because you know, that game on Saturday was
in a pretty crowded field, was one of the worst
performances of the Phoenix season.
Speaker 2 (27:04):
And that's the thing, you know, it's this time and
the time of the year where they should be rallying. Yes,
it is hard to pick yourselves back up when you
look at your your little big brother up up north
kind of doing so well. But you know, they've had
a disastrous season and they should be rallying. They've got
nothing to lose, like, there's there's no reasons they can
(27:28):
they shouldn't really be allowed to just kind of put
their heads down. It's not a great attitude. And you
do wonder if maybe there's a bit of discontent to
a bit of unhappiness in the camp, and you know,
potentially players upset with the fact chief he is staying on.
I'm not sure that's full kind of speculation, but you know,
(27:48):
you can just tell with the players that they don't
seem very happy to be there, and it is hard.
It is hard for them to you know, pick themselves
back up after the season I've had. But they also
this is their job, this is their career. They paid
for it, they paid full time, good money a lot
of them as well, and they owe it to the fans.
You know, if I'm not happy with my job in
(28:10):
a normal workplays, i can't come in and just be
angry and not perform the whole time. So yeah, it
is very interesting.
Speaker 1 (28:17):
Yep, it's a very interesting dynamic. They finish their season
this coming Friday against Perth Glory who will stay over here.
Actually just on Perth Glory, I thought they were pretty
decent last night for Perry to that game. I think
they'll back themselves to go down to Wellington and get
a win down there, you know, to finish their very
very disappointing season as well. So yeah, but that game
will spell the end of the Phoenix this season. Then
(28:38):
they've got to play in the Australia Cup playoffs in
Darwin in the middle of May. By virtual finishing in
the bottom four. We won't know where they finished until
after this coming weekend or who they'll play, And then
I guess it's a look ahead to next season and
there's a bit of work to do in terms of
the squad. Just quickly, there are seventeen players already signed
for next season. Corbyn Piper has reported they also signed
(29:01):
an extension, so that's eighteen. Cost of barbarusis we don't
know if he's staying or you know, a year ago
be like why would I leave now? From what I'm hearing,
he's just not entirely sure about staying. But if he does,
that's nineteen Giraldi is if they can convince him to stay,
which I hope they do, will be twenty. So there's
(29:21):
very little room for freshening the squad. Only one import
spot would be available and only a couple of other spots.
Speaker 2 (29:27):
That's where they've really themselves down this season with the
imports and the signings. I feel like there's going to
need to be some hard conversations had and potentially some
mutual terminations of contracts and things like that, because they
need to have some good signings if they're wanting to
keep up with other teams next season. You know, you
compare it to Herwaukland have signed and they've absolutely nailed it.
(29:52):
And yes, you don't get it right every season, but
when you've got a group of young players who aren't
up to the standard as the young local players last season,
you know you've got to bring in some bigger, bigger names,
bigger talent. So yeah, what I would like is this
week when Perth Glory come over for Olie Sale, just
to have a little chat with Chiefy about him possibly
(30:13):
making the move back.
Speaker 1 (30:16):
I hadn't even thought of that. I think if i'm
Oli Saler, I'm probably staying put because I know Perth
have been very bullish about what they're going to do
next season. We know they're getting Scott Wotton and Sam
Sutton for starters. You know, those still be able to
have a chat with their new boss.
Speaker 2 (30:32):
At some state is differently happening.
Speaker 1 (30:34):
Well, it hasn't been announced, Bonnie, but it's the worst
kept secret in Wellington football that they are both going
to Perth glory. Yeah, so I think we can safely
assume that is the case. So I just you can't
have your imports sitting on the bench. You know, it's
a very obvious statement, I know, but they went to
you know, they with Josh Olaway emy they decided to
(30:56):
make the change and put Albi Kelly Heald in goal.
The only reason they didn't stick with it was because
he got injured. You cannot have an import on the bench,
you know. It's they have to find a way either
of upskilling Josh alawaymy so he is the number one
or or you're right extricating themselves from the contract and
freeing up the spot. Nagasawa probably the same. You know,
(31:18):
hell of a nice guy, good footballer, but you know
you can't be sitting on the bench. If here import
Ahiga maybe has got a bit more about him. But
the filter I always used with imports, and ironically enough
Wellington have normally got them right. They've had some brilliant
imports over the years, some really good overseas players. But
(31:39):
the filter I always uses, which would they make most
other A League teams? And Scott Wooden probably would the others.
I'm not so sure.
Speaker 2 (31:48):
And didn't you say last night to me Pinneer that
chief he used to be in charge of the imports.
Speaker 1 (31:53):
That was his recruitment was recruitment was a sweet spot.
So you have to say, look, he's a good recruiter.
He found Oscars Nevada, he found bosh at R Krajev.
None of us had heard of those guys, and look
at what they did for Wellington, brilliantly brilliant acquisitions. So
he's just he's just unfortunately that they the recruitment hasn't
(32:14):
hasn't hit the mark with the imports. And as you say,
as soon as you compare it to Walklands, Giziomo, mai
Hiroki Sakai, Louis Vastrata, Felipe, Guy Goss and Nada Moreno
pretty much five home runs right there.
Speaker 2 (32:26):
Yeah, I mean all we've got a hope for Pioneers.
They just right off this season. They you know, do
something that to not lose, you know, keep the fans
on their side, see out, you know, play in this
Australia Cup or whatever it is, and you know, give
the young guys a run and then chief year, I
think we'll have a bit of a wake up call.
He'll know that this season has been extremely poor. He'll
(32:50):
know he's not done well with the recruitment and you
know he's he's probably learned a lot from Aukland NEFC
and maybe they give him a bit more drive for
next season.
Speaker 1 (32:59):
We can only we can only hope. Let's see how
it plays out. Just finishing today with the Wellington Phoenix Women,
who have finished their season in ninth place on twenty
four points, we know there's a new coach coming in
Paul Temple will be leaving after a couple of seasons
in charge, not able to get the team into the
top six. We also know that Annale Longo will be
leaving the club. She announced her retirement from club football
(33:23):
after the last last game at Pottdoor Park. Rather than
relitigate too much of the women's team. I think we've
done it pretty much over the last couple of months
as far as you know, the lost opportunities and inability
to score goals and went home games and that sort
of thing. Let's finish on a high with our Wellington
Phoenix Women's Awards, shall we. Now you've come up with
(33:44):
three that you want us to or you wanted me
to pick a winner. Four you've obviously done the same.
The first one is MVP. I'll go first, here my MVP.
It won't surprise you. Bonnie as Annalie Longo, I think, yeah,
I know, it's such a surprise. I've been a huge
fan of her this season. I think she's been the
driving force behind the side, the shining star in their team.
(34:07):
So she's my MVP.
Speaker 2 (34:10):
Nice. It was tough for me to pick between her,
but I've actually gone with Carolyn Bidlao. I've been a
big fan of hers and goal in between the in
between the sticks. I think, yeah, she kept the Phoenix
in it a lot, especially at the start of the
season and also in the second half the season when
they were losing narrowly. So yeah, I really really like her.
Speaker 1 (34:33):
Okay, player to keep is your next one? You go
first on.
Speaker 2 (34:36):
This, also saying Carolyn vill Lao. I'm not sure what
her contract status is, but I'd really like to see
her stay. I think she was that shining light other
than Analie Longo this season, and yeah, she seems to
enjoy it there. I hope maybe with a new coach
coming in and a better season, they'll be more competitive.
Speaker 1 (34:54):
I had her written down as well, but I've gone
with Maya McCutcheon, who I think was one of the
better players going aroun fund the A League women's competition.
Played every game, sat at the base of the midfield,
was versatile enough to also play in defense if needed.
Maybe didn't quite contribute as much an attack as we
hope that she is a defensive midfielder, so yeamya McCutchen
would be the one who I'd be looking keeping. But yeah, val,
(35:16):
if they can keep Carolyn, I allow, I'd be happy
with that as well. And rookie or breakthrough player of
the season. I have gone with Lara Wall for this. Yeah,
out of out of basically amateur football in christ Church.
You know she she was still held down her job
when she was up here structural engineer, I think she
(35:37):
was or something similar. So yeah, but I thought she
was excellent, you know, came into that left back spot
and really played well, didn't look out of place. Was
being talked about a Football Fern's conversation. So Lara wall
is my rookie or breakthrough? Who did you have?
Speaker 2 (35:55):
That's a good one, pioneer. I was gonna I kind
of want to change to her. I thought she was.
She was awesome. Can kind of compare her to a
Mickey Fosser or a Francis Devrezo have been so good
domestically for so long, And yeah, she came into the team,
did very well. But I actually had written down Manaia
elliott I thought she's been in this setup for a
wee while and on the Football Ferns radar. But I
(36:16):
feel like she's grown up a little bit this season,
a little bit wiser. She's back in that that Football
Ferns mix, and I think, yeah, the next few seasons,
I feel like she's she's going to be a star.
Maybe if I were her, I'd be looking towards other
opportunities overseas.
Speaker 3 (36:33):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (36:34):
I agree that she has had another or has had
a good season and is as well worthy of your vote.
Speaker 3 (36:39):
There.
Speaker 1 (36:39):
The official Wellington Phoenix Awards night actually is next Tuesday,
so we'll find out who wins the official awards for
both the men and the women. Maybe next Monday on
the pod we can have our men's award winners. Whether
we go with MVP player to keep Rooky will breakthrough
or some other award categories I guess remains to be seen.
This time next week we'll also know the makeup of
the top six from the A League men's competition. So
(37:02):
I think that's us done and dusted for today.
Speaker 3 (37:04):
Is it? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (37:05):
I think so. Piney, bring it on a bring on
the finals, Bring.
Speaker 1 (37:09):
On the finals. We'll see you next Monday.
Speaker 3 (37:16):
This is football fever.
Well, go to Football Fever News Talky, Hello that and
welcome into Monday. Welcome into a fresh episode of Football Fever.
Sorry we missed you last Monday. Neither of us were available.
We are very much available today and I think that's
(00:22):
a pretty good thing, given the fact that the Premier's
plate now lives in Old Doto on New Zealand on
Jason Pine, Bonnie Jansen. Can you believe it, Bonnie? The
Premier's plate is now on the side of the.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Tasman champions Pioneer. Honestly can't believe it. It hasn't really sunk.
And yet it was an awesome night in Auckland last night,
and so happy that the Auckland FC got to celebrate
the Premier's plate win on home soil. But yeah, just
can't believe it at all, really, but so stoked it
fell this way.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
Yeah, very happy for everybody involved. Will unpack it. But obviously,
in terms of the nuts and bolts, they were confirmed
as premi years on Saturday night when Melbourne City and
Adelaide United drew Millall at Amy Park. That meant that
Melbourne City, who were the only team who could have
caught Auckland f C could not now catch Auckland f C.
So just before midnight on Saturday night, the destination of
(01:17):
the Premier's plate was confirmed. I asked Steve Corky yesterday
actually whether you know how he was watching that game.
He said he went to bed at halftime in that
game and then he got wake up about an hour
label the whole bunch of messages saying we've done it.
So I've been talking about like i'd be. I don't know,
I don't know what to be. Maybe it's you know,
they probably knew they were going to adventure either win it,
(01:37):
you know, on Saturday night, or win it on Sunday.
And I also asked him, I said, would you have
preferred if Melbourne City had won kind of kept the
pressure on so that there was a result needed yesterday
at go media to sort of confirm it, you know,
you do it under your own steam. And he said, no,
not a single bit of me. Hope that I wanted
us to win it on you know, as early as possible,
But yeah, I mean it kind of made yesterday. It
(02:00):
was as an old occasion, was that the game actually
wasn't a wasn't a classic? Was it?
Speaker 2 (02:05):
No? I was worried that since they won it going
into that head of that game, that maybe they would
start a second team and rest some of their good players.
And I was worried about that fat because I knew
that it was there or thereabouts a sell out. I
think they missed by about five hundred seats and that
would have been down to the weather. But I was
(02:25):
worried that maybe they wouldn't go all in because they
didn't necessarily need a win. However, I was hoping that
wouldn't be the case, and I don't think that was
at all. I wanted them to go for it for
the fans, for themselves, you know, and maybe it did
take a little bit of weight off their shoulders that
they didn't need a result, they could play with a
bit of freedom, and I think they did, and I
think on another day they would have won that game
(02:47):
four or five nil, but obviously just couldn't break that
deadlock for a while.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
They absolutely dominated, You're right, twenty eight shots to four.
Twenty eight shots they had. I can't I can't remember
Auckland f C having that many opportunities in a game.
And I felt for Max Mautter because a lot of
them fell to him, and you know he was only
just off target with a couple of headers. Oli Saul
came up with a couple of big saves. On another night,
Max Mutter probably has two or three goals even by halftime.
(03:15):
But you always thought they were going to find a
way to score. I just didn't think it would be
Marley friends whoa scored direct from a corner.
Speaker 2 (03:24):
No, I completely agree Piney. I have said this before
on the podcast. I'm still not sure whether I rate
him in the starting lineup or not. I feel like
there's possibly some other personnel that could be in there
over him. And I didn't actually think he played that
impressively up until that goal. But you know, you win
games in big moments, and he certainly got up for
(03:46):
that one. I was interested as well in the first
half and in that second half why he was taking
the corners over the likes of Jake Brimmer and Francis
Devrees who have been so good from those spots. So,
I mean he pulled it off the end there. But yeah,
it was interesting.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Because at one point Francis went across to the other
to that side because they like to have the n
swinging corners right, so so Frannie goes over and takes
them from the right wing to swing it him with
his left and they use a right foot on the
left to swing him with their right foot. And one
stage Frannie went across to take one on the other
side and he bent it behind it went out for
a goal kick. So yeah, the set piece delivery was
(04:24):
probably left a little bit to be desired until Marley
Franz while swung that win in. Just as I was
about to do an in deb with him on Sky
last night, Jake Brimmer came up behind me and said,
make sure you tell him that nobody here thinks that
he meant to do it.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
I mean, does anyone mean to do that taking a
corner if you can shoot every time from there, like,
good on you. But I don't think it's on purpose.
But what a way to win a game. I think.
One of the reporters in the press conference afterwards asked
Steve Coriker if he's ever seen a game win with
(04:59):
an Olympic a goal like that, but Steve Kraker said no,
so yeah, it was unrealmed.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
Well, I saw some reports last night. I saw someone
posted that it was the first ever goal direct from
a corner in the A League. I don't. I mean,
that seems that can't. I know, there's been a few
in the women's A League. Maybe this season, yeah it
did say the first ever. Well I can't believe that.
I mean, it's gone twenty years. Surely somebody's scored direct
(05:26):
from a corner. Maybe it was this season, maybe it
was this season. Anyway, the fact remains one Nell. You're right,
he's just trying to put it into a dangerous area
and it just and Oli Saard, who otherwise had a
really good game, just misjudged it. Nobody at the back post,
they seem to have modern day tactics, seems to have
dispensed with the defender at the back post. There was
always somebody there in my day, BONDI don't know about you.
(05:47):
There's always somebody at the back post for you know,
for occasions just like that. But you know, well, it.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Looked like I think it was Max Mutter defending that
Perth Glory player that he may have given him a
bit of a shove, and you could see Perth were
kind of arguing that fact. And I was a little
bit worried that maybe it would go to var but
obviously not meant to be. I thought the officiating was
quite good last night. A Perth were putting in some
big tackles, but there were moments that the refs just
(06:16):
let it play.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
Yeah, and the wet always a little bit. There's always
a bit of trepidation around some of the challenges flying
and the last thing anybody wanted was an injury, especially
I mean Auckland f C Perth seasons just about over,
but an Auckland FC player, you know, suffering about injury.
Nanda Pinneker went down near the end and he let
out a heck of a yell as he went down,
and I thought, man, what's he done. Luckily got back
(06:37):
to his feet and he was okay. But you know,
imagine getting all the way through the season to the
final couple of games and then getting an injury that
ruled out of the finals.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
Well that's why I thought maybe Steve would rest players.
You know, you definitely don't want the likes of Hiroki
or ap and Goal or anyone like that getting injured
ahead of the finals playoffs, but insane that you can't
live in fear. And I thought it was really interesting.
I guess I'm looking forward here. But when Coraker said
in the press conference that he's not planning on resting
(07:08):
many players next week in their final game against Western United,
just simply because that would mean three weeks in between
you know, last night's game and then their first semi final,
because they obviously have to buy when the elimination finals happening.
So I thought that was interesting, you know, maybe he
would I would probably as a coach not want any
(07:31):
of my key players getting injured. But at the same time,
you don't want to lose that momentum that they've built up.
What now, fourteen games unbeaten.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
I reckon if you ask any of the players they
want to play as well. I know it's not their decision,
but yeah, I think they'd rather say, how we're going
to rest you next week and then we'll get you
ready for the first leg of the semi Yeah, you're right,
three weeks, no game for three weeks. There's nobody who's
in yellow card danger. At this stage of the season.
You need eight yellow cards. If someone's on seven and
(07:59):
they pick up one next week, they would miss the
first week of the finals. But the most is Louis
vus Strata, who last night picked up his sixth the
yellow cards, so even if he got one next week,
that wouldn't rule him out and only have seven and
then they clear the slate for the finals. Yeah, I
think momentum is important, and you know it's that fourteen
games now unbeaten. The last thing you want to do
(08:21):
is to have that streak broken as your head into
the finals.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
Yeah. No, exactly right, that's what Steve said, and he
doesn't want to give them too much rest and saying that,
I think we will see some personnel change. You know,
we saw the likes of Liam Gillian get on finally
towards the end, finally got some minutes after what was
it back in January, I think we discussed Piney, so
(08:45):
Gillian was back. So maybe someone like him will get
a start or at least come on at halftime, and
we might see a little bit more movement, you know,
in the back line or some of those wider squad
players that haven't featured really much at all. So I
hope that's the case. You know, maybe we might see
Michael vaut in between the sticks or at least for
a half. I think that's kind of what you want
(09:07):
to do and yet give some of the other boys
an opportunity while also hoping to keep momentum because if
they win it next week, you know, just increases that
gap at the top of the table and makes all
the other teams a little bit more scared.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
I guess. So what it does do as well the
break is it gives him a chance to get Felipe
guy gos Right. He's the only real first teamer who's
got an injury cloud hanging over him. Didn't make the
squad last night and was never going to by the
sounds of it, was really just on light duties during
the week. I doubt they'll risk him against Western United.
Why would they. He's a guy who they can recover
(09:45):
surely well.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Coraker said last night that he's looking to actually be
back for that game. Whether he'll start or not, I'm
not sure. Maybe he'll travel to see how he goes.
The other one Coraraker said who has been we're not
mentioned at all basically all season is Scott Galloway, who's
had a season long injury. But even Coraker said it's
looking like he'll be back towards the end of the
(10:06):
finals playoffs. So that's another name we haven't heard of.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
It a while yeah, he hasn't hasn't had much go
as way at all. I'd be lucky if he's had,
you know, five or six appearances. I think just having
a check now four four appearances off the bench for
Scott Galloway. So yeah, he's really played quite a minor
role this season. But every coach would say to you,
I want a fully fit squad to choose from at
the business end of the season. So by the sounds
of it, that's what Steve Coreck is going to get.
(10:30):
What about the occasion, Ah, you know, once the game
was over and the final whistle, wean just the elation
in the crowd, but also down on the field. A
lot of these guys. Tommy Smith said afterwards, I've never
won a club trophy. Louis Vastrata said during the week
he's never won a club trophy. This is the first
time many of those players have ever lifted a piece
(10:52):
of silverware, and it was just so obvious how much
it meant to them and everybody associated with the club.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
It was such I Piney, you and I were down
there on the pitch after the game, and yeah, you're right,
you could just see how much it meant to the players,
and I love how they did a walk around the fans,
who you know, so impressed with the twenty five thousand
that came out in like the pouring rain basically, and
the ones that lingered around afterwards for signatures would have
(11:20):
been sitting there and standing there in damp clothes. But
I loved how the players walked around the pitch afterwards
and left that kind of trophy lift to the porch
right at the end, which they normally do. Yeah, it
was such an occasion. And one player I was particularly
really happy for. I thought it was really sweet watching
his emotion and celebrations was Alex Paulson. I think he's,
(11:44):
you know, had it real tough. Probably he didn't expect
to be here at Auckland f C. Having to go
up against his old club was probably naturally really hard
for him, and he just looked so over the moon
and so relieved. And yeah, it was celebrating with Marley
Frantz a lots. They must be really good friends.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
Yeah, I think they're boys, those two in the young
person's vernacular. Yeah, I think they're boys. Yeah. I saw
a lot of photos actually of Alex Paulson and Marley
Francois celebrating together.
Speaker 3 (12:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
Look, I must admit when Alex Paulson signed for Auckland FC,
I was not a fan of it. I thought, how
is this going to improve him? He's already the best
goalkeeper in the A League. This was when he was
at Wellington Phoenix. He signed for Bournemouth. He's comeback. You
did that great article last week with all the numbers
about the kilometers he traveled between Wellington and Auckland and
he went all the way to the other side the world
(12:31):
and came back. And I thought, he's been there, done that.
How can another season improve him as a goalkeeper? I
was wrong. Another season has improved him. He is a
better goalkeeper now than he was a year ago.
Speaker 2 (12:44):
So much better for him and I think this one,
you know, makes it so much more worth it for him.
Maybe he won't look back on this season as you know,
in regret or disappointed. Now he will be able to
look back on it and you know, have a title
to his name, and he's played such a massive role
in this club as well. You know they've conceded the
(13:06):
most the least goals rather twenty three. I think it
is across the season which makes him the best the
best team defensively. So I think the streak was was
ten games without conceding at all. So yeah, it's he's
done so well. And you know, Steve Croker's said this,
(13:27):
he won't be here next season and that's okay, he's
ready to move on. But yeah, good on him. I
was just so happy for him.
Speaker 3 (13:33):
Yeah, so was I.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
So was I, And you're right it would have been
a challenging time for him. Once he got through the Derby's,
the first couple of them home and away, I think
it was it was going to be okay after that.
But yeah, I think he's He's carried himself with a
lot of dignity and all he can do is play
for the team he plays for. And I know those
guys who play in front of him just absolutely love
having Alex Paulson behind them, you know, the like Sernando
(13:56):
Dan Hall, even more experienced guys like Sakai Investrata. You know,
they wouldn't have known Alex Paulson from a from a
bowl of soup when they arrived. You know, I wouldn't
know who he was. They know who he is now.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
Yeah, No, I think whatever team he goes to. Will
be lucky to have him, and you know whatever that
is he needs to be playing. I understand it's the
Scottish club hips, which I keep getting mixed up with
the boys' school in Lower.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
Hut different hips. He's not going back to school, which
is probably a good thing.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
Yeah, No, so he'll be lucky to go off there.
But hopefully he turns up for these playoffs, which I
have no doubt he will.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
He will indeed. Yeah, it was good. It was a
cool occasion, just the vibe of it, watching the plate
being lifted, watching all of the players and their partners
come down. A lot of their kids. Rocky Sarkis kids
were out there, so were Tommy Smith's. Jake Brimmer was
really emotional afterwards when we interviewed him. His dad has
(14:56):
not been well diagnosed with motor neuron disease. He's got
his two daughters back in Melbourne. Who you know, he
had to leave there to come and play for Auckland FC.
He's a pretty tough character, Jake Brimmer. But yeah, just
tearing up a little bit at the end, which I
thought was another demonstration of just what this club has
quickly come to mean to guys who have been around
(15:16):
for a long time. Hiroki Sarko, he's been to three
World Cups. He looked like an eighteen year old out
there last night lifting that plate.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
Yeah, he was so happy. I just think that the
personnel in this group have been really like, you know,
all the characters, they've been such great people. And that's
just from my perspective interviewing them. I can't speak for
the opposition that have come up against them and anything
like that, but just the way we've seen and discussed Piney,
(15:44):
them interacting with fans and you know, interacting with us
as media, I think they've all been really really good
people and it shows on the field, you know. So
I don't know who's to think for that, whether that's
the likes of Nick Becker CEO or Steve Coriker, but yeah,
they've all got great personalities. But I did just get
off the phone with Nick Becker who said the celebrations
(16:05):
continued deep into the night.
Speaker 1 (16:07):
I bet they did. Where do you go on a
Sunday night?
Speaker 2 (16:09):
Though Danny Dolan's Pinny of course, from very familiar with
that place. It's basically the only place open on a
Sunday night, But it's great. It's a great Sunday night
if you go there. And I will quote Nick Becker,
he said, we all got Danny Doland. He said all
roads led to Danny Dolan's. After the game, basically the
(16:30):
players all went up to the Black Night Lounge on
the we stand at GO Media Stadium, where they all
kind of celebrated with family and staff and friends. And
then I believe a group of staff and coaches went
to Andy Mo which is a really lovely restaurant on
Jurvoice Road in Herne Bay, which is owned by Bill
(16:52):
Foley's Hospitality Group. So they went there. Well, the players
went to Young People's Bars. I'm not sure exactly where
that was, and then I think all the staff and
players ended up meeting maybe at Danny Dawance.
Speaker 3 (17:04):
Well.
Speaker 1 (17:04):
I did hear Nick Becker on the air with Mike
Hosking this morning at around seven fifteen, and he basically
admitted that on a scale of one to ten on
the Dusty Scale, he was an eight. He might have
been been quite kind to himself. He kept on. He
was wheezing during the interview, but I mean it would
have been worth it. I see b fronted up on
TV this morning as well. See that's it. You have
(17:25):
a lot of respect for people. Dan Hall was on
TV too well.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
I think I understand Dan Hall was picked possibly to
go on TV not only because he's a great personality
and speaks well to the media, but he actually doesn't drink,
so that's probably why he was picked for the media
because his celebrations maybe didn't continue on as much as others.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
All Right, good to know, Good to know, or a
couple of other things about Auckland FC. So they play
Western United away this coming weekend and when would take
them to fifty six points for the season. I did
a quick check and that's more than the Minor Premier
has got in any of the last five seedeasons, so
it would be an another landmark for them. Then, of
course they have a bye in the first weekend of
(18:06):
the finals, as the teams that finish three, four, five
and six play one another in a knockout in two
knockout matches, then home and away semis. Now we know
that the home semi will be on Saturday, the twenty
fourth of May. That has been confirmed that the home
semi will be Saturday, the twenty fourth of May. Kickoff
time is yet to be confirmed, unlikely to be five o'clock.
(18:30):
I think it's more likely for the Australian audience that
it will be a seven o'clock or seven thirty kickoff.
But definitely the twenty fourth of May. If they make
it through that they're into the Grand Final. If they
make the Grand Final by virtual of finishing top, they
will host the Grand Final. And there's a bit of
conjecture still around about where that final would be. I
was having conversations with people over the weekend about this.
(18:52):
Some people are adamant that it will be played at
Eden Park, Others are equally adamant that it will be
played at go Media Stadium. Now, just before you and
I have a chat about this, I had Nick Becker
on the radio yesterday and asked him, you know, would
he like to have it at go Media or will
it be at go Media the Grand Final if Auckland
were to make it, I certainly hope.
Speaker 3 (19:13):
So I don't actually get the final call on it.
I've given my input and a legally great at listening
and taking our point of view on board. Ultimately it's
their call. They managed the whole final series. I'd be
fingers cross and I'd certainly hope to see it at Gometa.
It's been our home ground all season. That's where we'll
play our semi final, and definitely the players and in
(19:35):
my seniens of all the fans want to be there
as well.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
So from the club's point of view, unsurprisingly they want
it there. Apl who run the league take the ticket revenue.
Therefore they want are going to want to have it
at the biggest capacity ground possible. I think it would
be an enormous shame if they played it at Eden Park.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
I don't think it would be an enormous shame. I
think it would be a shame given well, they've hosted
at Mount smart Or season long and the fans just,
you know, continuously, you know, great numbers. But I just
have a feeling it's going to go to Eden Park,
and I don't think that will be all that bad.
(20:16):
I just hope that it sells out. It would be
embarrassing if they move it there and it doesn't sell out.
Speaker 1 (20:20):
Yeah. I get the and people have said, Okay, well,
why wouldn't you want to open it up to forty
five thousand people. I get that, But watching a game
at Eden Park of any football code, rugby, football, rugby league.
You're so far back, you know. The shape of the
ground for a start is wrong for you know, for
a game of sport on a rectangular field. The other
(20:43):
thing that comes into this, Eden Park is already booked
on the Saturday night of King's Birthday, the Blues have
a Super Rugby game there, so that would mean that
the Grand Final would have to be played on the Sunday.
That's not without precedent, that could happen, but that's another
little little layer of it in there. And the other
thing is last year the Central Coast Mariners hosted the
Grand Final and Gosford only holds I think about twenty
(21:05):
two to twenty three thousand less than go Media. The
other part about that, though, of course, is that Gosford
that's the only place they could have had it in Gosford.
Otherwise they would have had to go down to Sydney,
and there's no way the Mariners would have agreed, you know,
and thank APO would have forced it upon them to
go down to Sydney for that game. It's ninety minutes away.
So yeah, it's still to be decided. I really hope
(21:28):
it's at go Media that I get what you're saying, Bonnie,
I understand, and I think, you know, maybe I'm almost
certain they would sell it out if they held it
at Eden Park. I just feel like it would be
I don't know, like I said, yeah, maybe not a
great shame. I would much prefer it to be at
GO Media.
Speaker 2 (21:46):
I'd love to hear from the players. You know, as
a player, there's nothing more that you want to play
at the biggest stadium possible. You know, you can imagine
players in England or any football as any footballers dream
to play it at Wembley. So you want to play
at the biggest stadium. And maybe that's the case for
a lot of these players to you know, want to
take that next step and sell out Eden Park. But
(22:08):
at the same time, you don't want to. You don't
want to change what ain't broke. You know, they've done
so well, they've been so successful at GO Media, and
that's exactly why Nick Becker will be pushing to stay
at Go Media, obviously for the fans, but probably more
so to not not change routine and not change what's
been so successful.
Speaker 1 (22:27):
Indeed, just to look at who they might play in
the playoffs, because there's still a real battle on for
finishing second, which is obviously gives you the advantage of
missing the first week and then you know into the
home and away semi final situation. At the moment, Melbourne
City are second on forty five, Western United have forty four,
Western Sydney have forty three and Melbourne Victory have forty two,
(22:49):
so any of those four teams could still finish second.
So we're not going to know until after Sunday's game
between Melbourne Victory and Newcastle, the final game of the
A League regular season, what the makeup of the top sixer.
So there's probably not a lot of point in us
kicking around possibilities because you know we're just going to
get down a rabbit hole there. The other one is
(23:11):
sixth place, the battle for six. Adelaide are currently sixth
with thirty eight points, but they're all done. They've got
the buy in the last week. Sidney FC are on
thirty seven, so if Sydney FC can avoid defeat against
Melbourne City on the weekend, they will take sixth place.
But Melbourne City will want to beat SYDNEYFC because that
would ensure that they finished second on the table, so
(23:34):
Adelaide United will be massive Melbourne City fans on the weekend.
So yeah, that's all to come. And yeah, by the
time we speak on the podcast next Monday, we will
know the makeup of the top six and therefore the
first round of the playoffs. Well, after all the excitement
(23:58):
of last night four hours previously, such a stark contrast
to go media at sun Corpse Stadium, the Wellington Phoenix
played Brisbane Raw absolutely abysmal pitch. I've got no idea
how they're allowed to play on that by the sounds
of it. It's getting relayed this week because they've got
NRL Souper around there this coming weekend. But the pitch
was terrible. The game was a really tough watch and
(24:22):
I don't really want to spend too much time talking
about this to be honest. Brisbane had thirty shots to
Wellington six. This is the Brisbane Raw team who have
been one of the worst teams in the league this season.
You know, had played midweek Wellington Phoenix with nothing to lose. Really,
they weren't going to make the top six. They had
an opportunity to get out of the bottom four, which
means they spare themselves the trip to Darwin for the
(24:45):
Australia Cup playoffs in May. They were just I just
thought they were so passive. The only bright spot was
when Luke brook Smith and Nathan Walker came on. They
added a bit of impetus. Brisbane got a goal first
win at home for Brisbane all season and the first
clean sheet that their goalkeeper Matt Acton had kept for
(25:09):
four or five years. I just it was just, I mean,
the sooner this Wellington Phoenix season finishes, the better.
Speaker 2 (25:16):
Yeah, you can have said it better, Piney. I'm firstly
really happy for Brisbane. It sounded like a great game
for them, but just an absolute yeah. Quite embarrassing really
that we're here. You know, when thinking back twelve months ago, Piney,
when you and I were exchanging messages about you know,
them heading into the semi final and who they're going
(25:39):
to play and will this you know, grand Final be
hosted in Wellington or where will it be? Like it's
just a stark contrast and it's a real shame that
I've gone from where they were to where they are now.
You have to put the question there. You know, was
re signing chief Ye as coach last week a good idea.
Speaker 1 (25:59):
Well, whether or it was or not, I guess we
will find out. I know that there was a huge
amount of displeasure on Saturday after that game online from
Phoenix fans some of the stuff I read, and I
tend to stay away from online fan reaction, but I
just wanted to sort of test the water really to
(26:19):
see what people were thinking. And you know, I think
John Carlo and Taliana, you know, I do like the
idea that you don't just throw a guy out after
one bad season if he's had a very good season
the previous season, a year ago, Bonnie top of the Pops,
John Calo, Ataliana, you know, untouchable pretty much and a
candidate for Coach of the season. But twelve months on,
(26:42):
you know, things have moved on, and so now I think,
you know, he has to probably show us pretty early
on next season that that things are on and up
with trajectory, because you know, that game on Saturday was
in a pretty crowded field, was one of the worst
performances of the Phoenix season.
Speaker 2 (27:04):
And that's the thing, you know, it's this time and
the time of the year where they should be rallying. Yes,
it is hard to pick yourselves back up when you
look at your your little big brother up up north
kind of doing so well. But you know, they've had
a disastrous season and they should be rallying. They've got
nothing to lose, like, there's there's no reasons they can
(27:28):
they shouldn't really be allowed to just kind of put
their heads down. It's not a great attitude. And you
do wonder if maybe there's a bit of discontent to
a bit of unhappiness in the camp, and you know,
potentially players upset with the fact chief he is staying on.
I'm not sure that's full kind of speculation, but you know,
(27:48):
you can just tell with the players that they don't
seem very happy to be there, and it is hard.
It is hard for them to you know, pick themselves
back up after the season I've had. But they also
this is their job, this is their career. They paid
for it, they paid full time, good money a lot
of them as well, and they owe it to the fans.
You know, if I'm not happy with my job in
(28:10):
a normal workplays, i can't come in and just be
angry and not perform the whole time. So yeah, it
is very interesting.
Speaker 1 (28:17):
Yep, it's a very interesting dynamic. They finish their season
this coming Friday against Perth Glory who will stay over here.
Actually just on Perth Glory, I thought they were pretty
decent last night for Perry to that game. I think
they'll back themselves to go down to Wellington and get
a win down there, you know, to finish their very
very disappointing season as well. So yeah, but that game
will spell the end of the Phoenix this season. Then
(28:38):
they've got to play in the Australia Cup playoffs in
Darwin in the middle of May. By virtual finishing in
the bottom four. We won't know where they finished until
after this coming weekend or who they'll play, And then
I guess it's a look ahead to next season and
there's a bit of work to do in terms of
the squad. Just quickly, there are seventeen players already signed
for next season. Corbyn Piper has reported they also signed
(29:01):
an extension, so that's eighteen. Cost of barbarusis we don't
know if he's staying or you know, a year ago
be like why would I leave now? From what I'm hearing,
he's just not entirely sure about staying. But if he does,
that's nineteen Giraldi is if they can convince him to stay,
which I hope they do, will be twenty. So there's
(29:21):
very little room for freshening the squad. Only one import
spot would be available and only a couple of other spots.
Speaker 2 (29:27):
That's where they've really themselves down this season with the
imports and the signings. I feel like there's going to
need to be some hard conversations had and potentially some
mutual terminations of contracts and things like that, because they
need to have some good signings if they're wanting to
keep up with other teams next season. You know, you
compare it to Herwaukland have signed and they've absolutely nailed it.
(29:52):
And yes, you don't get it right every season, but
when you've got a group of young players who aren't
up to the standard as the young local players last season,
you know you've got to bring in some bigger, bigger names,
bigger talent. So yeah, what I would like is this
week when Perth Glory come over for Olie Sale, just
to have a little chat with Chiefy about him possibly
(30:13):
making the move back.
Speaker 1 (30:16):
I hadn't even thought of that. I think if i'm
Oli Saler, I'm probably staying put because I know Perth
have been very bullish about what they're going to do
next season. We know they're getting Scott Wotton and Sam
Sutton for starters. You know, those still be able to
have a chat with their new boss.
Speaker 2 (30:32):
At some state is differently happening.
Speaker 1 (30:34):
Well, it hasn't been announced, Bonnie, but it's the worst
kept secret in Wellington football that they are both going
to Perth glory. Yeah, so I think we can safely
assume that is the case. So I just you can't
have your imports sitting on the bench. You know, it's
a very obvious statement, I know, but they went to
you know, they with Josh Olaway emy they decided to
(30:56):
make the change and put Albi Kelly Heald in goal.
The only reason they didn't stick with it was because
he got injured. You cannot have an import on the bench,
you know. It's they have to find a way either
of upskilling Josh alawaymy so he is the number one
or or you're right extricating themselves from the contract and
freeing up the spot. Nagasawa probably the same. You know,
(31:18):
hell of a nice guy, good footballer, but you know
you can't be sitting on the bench. If here import
Ahiga maybe has got a bit more about him. But
the filter I always used with imports, and ironically enough
Wellington have normally got them right. They've had some brilliant
imports over the years, some really good overseas players. But
(31:39):
the filter I always uses, which would they make most
other A League teams? And Scott Wooden probably would the others.
I'm not so sure.
Speaker 2 (31:48):
And didn't you say last night to me Pinneer that
chief he used to be in charge of the imports.
Speaker 1 (31:53):
That was his recruitment was recruitment was a sweet spot.
So you have to say, look, he's a good recruiter.
He found Oscars Nevada, he found bosh at R Krajev.
None of us had heard of those guys, and look
at what they did for Wellington, brilliantly brilliant acquisitions. So
he's just he's just unfortunately that they the recruitment hasn't
(32:14):
hasn't hit the mark with the imports. And as you say,
as soon as you compare it to Walklands, Giziomo, mai
Hiroki Sakai, Louis Vastrata, Felipe, Guy Goss and Nada Moreno
pretty much five home runs right there.
Speaker 2 (32:26):
Yeah, I mean all we've got a hope for Pioneers.
They just right off this season. They you know, do
something that to not lose, you know, keep the fans
on their side, see out, you know, play in this
Australia Cup or whatever it is, and you know, give
the young guys a run and then chief year, I
think we'll have a bit of a wake up call.
He'll know that this season has been extremely poor. He'll
(32:50):
know he's not done well with the recruitment and you
know he's he's probably learned a lot from Aukland NEFC
and maybe they give him a bit more drive for
next season.
Speaker 1 (32:59):
We can only we can only hope. Let's see how
it plays out. Just finishing today with the Wellington Phoenix Women,
who have finished their season in ninth place on twenty
four points, we know there's a new coach coming in
Paul Temple will be leaving after a couple of seasons
in charge, not able to get the team into the
top six. We also know that Annale Longo will be
leaving the club. She announced her retirement from club football
(33:23):
after the last last game at Pottdoor Park. Rather than
relitigate too much of the women's team. I think we've
done it pretty much over the last couple of months
as far as you know, the lost opportunities and inability
to score goals and went home games and that sort
of thing. Let's finish on a high with our Wellington
Phoenix Women's Awards, shall we. Now you've come up with
(33:44):
three that you want us to or you wanted me
to pick a winner. Four you've obviously done the same.
The first one is MVP. I'll go first, here my MVP.
It won't surprise you. Bonnie as Annalie Longo, I think, yeah,
I know, it's such a surprise. I've been a huge
fan of her this season. I think she's been the
driving force behind the side, the shining star in their team.
(34:07):
So she's my MVP.
Speaker 2 (34:10):
Nice. It was tough for me to pick between her,
but I've actually gone with Carolyn Bidlao. I've been a
big fan of hers and goal in between the in
between the sticks. I think, yeah, she kept the Phoenix
in it a lot, especially at the start of the
season and also in the second half the season when
they were losing narrowly. So yeah, I really really like her.
Speaker 1 (34:33):
Okay, player to keep is your next one? You go
first on.
Speaker 2 (34:36):
This, also saying Carolyn vill Lao. I'm not sure what
her contract status is, but I'd really like to see
her stay. I think she was that shining light other
than Analie Longo this season, and yeah, she seems to
enjoy it there. I hope maybe with a new coach
coming in and a better season, they'll be more competitive.
Speaker 1 (34:54):
I had her written down as well, but I've gone
with Maya McCutcheon, who I think was one of the
better players going aroun fund the A League women's competition.
Played every game, sat at the base of the midfield,
was versatile enough to also play in defense if needed.
Maybe didn't quite contribute as much an attack as we
hope that she is a defensive midfielder, so yeamya McCutchen
would be the one who I'd be looking keeping. But yeah, val,
(35:16):
if they can keep Carolyn, I allow, I'd be happy
with that as well. And rookie or breakthrough player of
the season. I have gone with Lara Wall for this. Yeah,
out of out of basically amateur football in christ Church.
You know she she was still held down her job
when she was up here structural engineer, I think she
(35:37):
was or something similar. So yeah, but I thought she
was excellent, you know, came into that left back spot
and really played well, didn't look out of place. Was
being talked about a Football Fern's conversation. So Lara wall
is my rookie or breakthrough? Who did you have?
Speaker 2 (35:55):
That's a good one, pioneer. I was gonna I kind
of want to change to her. I thought she was.
She was awesome. Can kind of compare her to a
Mickey Fosser or a Francis Devrezo have been so good
domestically for so long, And yeah, she came into the team,
did very well. But I actually had written down Manaia
elliott I thought she's been in this setup for a
wee while and on the Football Ferns radar. But I
(36:16):
feel like she's grown up a little bit this season,
a little bit wiser. She's back in that that Football
Ferns mix, and I think, yeah, the next few seasons,
I feel like she's she's going to be a star.
Maybe if I were her, I'd be looking towards other
opportunities overseas.
Speaker 3 (36:33):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (36:34):
I agree that she has had another or has had
a good season and is as well worthy of your vote.
Speaker 3 (36:39):
There.
Speaker 1 (36:39):
The official Wellington Phoenix Awards night actually is next Tuesday,
so we'll find out who wins the official awards for
both the men and the women. Maybe next Monday on
the pod we can have our men's award winners. Whether
we go with MVP player to keep Rooky will breakthrough
or some other award categories I guess remains to be seen.
This time next week we'll also know the makeup of
the top six from the A League men's competition. So
(37:02):
I think that's us done and dusted for today.
Speaker 3 (37:04):
Is it? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (37:05):
I think so. Piney, bring it on a bring on
the finals, Bring.
Speaker 1 (37:09):
On the finals. We'll see you next Monday.
Speaker 3 (37:16):
This is football fever.
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