May 12, 2025 • 33 mins
In this episode, Piney and Bonnie preview the first leg of Auckland FC's A-League men's semi-final away against Melbourne Victory on Saturday night.
How will coach Steve Corica set his side up? And what would be an acceptable result to bring home for the second leg?
Plus, Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix have their awards nights - and do we have a leading candidate to coach the Nix women next season?
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
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcomes of football fevers talks.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
It's Monday, start of a new week, an exciting week
ahead and exciting couple of weeks ahead. This is football fever.
I'm Jason Pine with Bonnie Jansen alongside. We know who
Auckland FC are going to play in the A League
Men's semi finals. Bonnie, it's Melbourne Victory. How are you
feeling about that in general terms?
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Well, I had a feeling this was going to happen.
Finey I think I've said it for some time. I've
just you know what that the hurt we all went
through about this time last year with the Wellington Phoenix
and how they came so close and Melbourne Victoria are
so good this time of year. Heading into that elimination
final over the weekend, I just knew they were going
(00:50):
to get up despite the incredible form Wes since Sydney
have had at the moment, I just, you know, thought
Melbourne Victory are too good at this time of year
and proved just that.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Yep, So it proved. You sent me a message saying
exactly that before the game. I went back to and said, no, no,
it'll be Western Sydney who come through. So we all
know who was right there you as per usual a
two to one win at Combank Stadium, so on Western
Sydney's home ground for Melbourne Victory, Casey Boss with an
early goal to put them one up, Zach Sapsford square
the LEDGEI midway through the first half and then just
(01:22):
before half times in a den mashash gave Victory a
two to one lead which they never relinquished. Pretty even
game really was. I don't know, I was a little
bit underwhelmed by Western Sydney. I have to sign the
second half for you know, knowing that this season was
on the line. Nicholas Milanovitch, for example, had one of
his quietest games of the whole season.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
Yeah, I thought the same Piney that that first half
was super exciting. Obviously with the three goals, I thought
were for sure we were in for a big game.
But obviously the second half was a little bit more lackluster.
But no, you're right, Western Sydney have had such a
good season. They've had the best recent run of other
than Auckland f C. I believe so. Yeah that it
(02:05):
was surprising and a real shame their season had to
be in that way.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
But Melbourne victory. You're right, you know, and I probably
should have seen this, just know how to get things
done at this time of the season. They are perennial
finalists going back through history. I saw a stat yesterday
they've won more finals games than anybody else in the
twenty year history of the A League. And they just
got it done. Daniel Arzani was the standout, assisting the
(02:30):
first goal and amazing run to set up the winner.
Before we really unpack it me who would be favorite
for the semi final? Would it be Melbourne victory with
their history and their proud pedigree or is it the
new boys Auckland f who and take you any bias
out of this, who would be favorite to go through
(02:51):
to the grand final?
Speaker 1 (02:53):
You know, you look at the season Auckland f C
of having and it's hard to look past them being
the favorites, particularly with the defense have had. It's not
going to be easy for Melbourne to break down. But honestly,
I feel like Melbourne victory just with the experience that
they have at this time of year in these knockout games,
these big games. We don't know what Auckland are like.
(03:16):
They've shown us time and time again they can get
up in big moments and they can push right to
the end of it of a match and get a
late winner. But you know, this is new territory for Auckland. No,
new territory doesn't scare them. It hasn't scared them all
season long. But yeah, it's they'll be feeling nerves, I'm
sure far more than than Melbourne victory will.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
Now such a unique situation too, across the two legs.
It's not like anything they've had to do before. Because
when the final whistle blows on Saturday night, we're only
at halftime, aren't we in the tie? So we'll talk
about what a good, bad and in between result is
in a moment. There is the schedule. Auckland f C.
Melbourne victory in the semi final Leg one this coming Saturday,
the seventeenth of May, Amy Park in Melbourne, nine thirty
(03:59):
five pm New Zealand time, Saturday night. Now, Tyler Street, Sport,
the brit and Tuckle Tye Square are all hosting watch parties.
They're putting a big thirty meters screen up in Tucker
Tie Square having some cage football or DJ and other games.
So they're saying that's good for families. Tyler Street Sport
I think is where the port will be, and the
Brits I think a little more relaxed and suited to
(04:22):
I guess the less fanatical football fan. I don't know
any of these places. Have I got that right?
Speaker 1 (04:29):
Yeah? No, I think you've yeah, you've said it. Well,
it's down in Britamar and it's yeah, big open space.
It should go well down there. I'm currently tossing up
myself as a fan whether I go down there and
watch it and so can all the atmosphere and be
with people that will be so obsessed with the game
like I will be, or whether it's better for me
(04:52):
to sit at home, pony and watch it locked in
with no distractions. I'm not sure yet. I'm still deciding.
But yeah, it's good Auckland putting on a show. I
mean we're not surprised, are we, with the amount of
shows that put on all season.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Yeah. It's a great innovation again by them to not
only come up with one idea, but you know, three
different ideas, three different environments that you can watch this
game from. You've got a few days to make up
your mind whether you choose one of those environments or
the environment of your couch. The Second League is on
the Saturday, May twenty fourth, go Media six o'clock. They're
(05:25):
adding twenty seven hundred extra seats for the semi another
eight hundred of Auckland FC make the Grand Final. General
admission tickets incidentally for the home leg of the Semi
go on sale tomorrow Tuesday at three o'clock. Members have
all been having the opportunity already to buy them. Without
doubt this game will sell out, So Auckland FC Melbourne victory.
(05:47):
They've played one another twice this season, a nil all
draw at go Media Stadium on New Year's Day and
then just three and a bit weeks ago Auckland f
C won two nil at Amy Park with goals to
Louis Vustrata and Gizmo May and what is widely regarded
as one of Auckland f C's best performances of the season.
In that game, Bonnie, he went with a back five.
(06:09):
He brought Callen Elliott into the starting lineup, Sarki Hall
Pinekeer Devrees. They all started the strata Guy Gossen Brimmer
and midfield My and Rogerson up fronts given it work
so well, three weeks ago, you reckon he'll go back
to a back five on Saturday.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
It's so hard to call piney. I don't think he will.
I think what he'll do instead is start someone like
Nate Modano, who tends to drop a little bit deeper.
Ye see, he played with that back three and all
back five as you like to call it. So well,
but that was the only time they've really played with
(06:46):
that this season other than when you know, late in
the game when they like to bring Tommy Smith on.
But I don't feel like they'll pull out that one again,
particularly now that Melbourne victory. No, that's you know, they
can play that way and they did that so well.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
Yeah, maybe it's a one and done kind of arrangement.
And yeah they did it, and it was somewhat of
a surprise to Melbourne victory. It wouldn't be a great surprise,
to be honest, because again, Steve Corack can go one
of two ways. He can do that again, or he
can do what he traditionally does as you say, with
the back four. Just go SARKI hauled Pinekeer divrees and
then whatever he decides to do in front. The only
(07:24):
thing that might be perhaps swinging him towards the five
is just how good Melbourne victory are. In the attacking
third mentioned Daniel Larzani, Nishan Vloupola and other current SOCCA
roon Nikos Virgos, Bruno Fauna Roli who will likely come
off the bench. Zinnadin Mashasho scored the winner the other night.
Ryan Tige sort of sits there. They do have a
lot of attacking threats. I kind of feel like at
(07:45):
home they'll go for it. So I wonder whether Auckland
FC might just want to soak that up in the
first leg.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Well that's why I don't think they'll go for a
back three, because they'll want to have that type back
four and yeah, just not sit off, but do something
that they've done so well all season, right They've they've
had the best defense in the league. Maybe it's that
second game where they do look to attack a little
bit more with the with wing backs. I'm not sure,
(08:15):
but I was listening to your show on the weekend
Pineyer on Weekend Sport with the A League commentator I
can't quite remember his name.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
Oh, Daniel McBrien, Yes, yes.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Yes, And I think you guys both thought or Daniel
thought that maybe Auckland f C would hold off a
bit in that first game and maybe not attack and
put full you know, full foot on the throttle. But
I just think the complete opposite. I feel like Auckland
f C a not a team to shy away from
a challenge. And we know Steve Corricer's mentality all season
(08:46):
has been to win, so I feel like they'll they'll
go at it and want to you know, get up
a couple of goals in that first leak.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
We know that the Phoenix didn't do that last season.
They went to Melbourne victory and we're extremely happy to
come away with the nil draw to bring back home
and eventually it didn't work out for them, but I
don't know whether that was to do with the way
they played in the first leg. But yeah, okay, they
answer me this. It's nil all after seventy minutes on
Saturday night, Okay, remembering it's only the first leg. Seventy minutes.
(09:15):
So if you look to the bench, do you see
Jesse Randall coming on or Tommy Smith.
Speaker 1 (09:24):
Steve Cricle will bring on Tommy Smith.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
Yeah, kick, so your close at nil all. That's what
you're feeling rather than.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
At seventy minutes. But in terms of the starting lineup,
I feel like he's starting Nita Medano, Gmo, even Maxmutter
and Logan. You know, I feel like he wants, he
wants to go hard in that first seventy minutes.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Yep, look, you may well be right, and I hope
you're right. Actually, I don't know where there being kg
actually fits the DNA of Auckland FC. Even when they
played five at the back that day against Melbourne Victory,
you know, still from memory anyway, created quite a bit.
Well they won turnill, didn't they their second goals right
at the end. But yeah they Yeah, they don't seem
(10:09):
like a park the bust type of proposition to me.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
You just have to look at their last two games
right their game against their home game against Perth Glory
and their final round game against Western United. Both of
those matches they had already won the league. Yet Steve
Corricer still put on his best or best about starting
lineup and where he could have rested players or could
have gone for a more defensive or more attacking approach,
(10:35):
you know, he didn't he played his best eleven or
what he thought at the time and they went for it.
So yeah, I just don't see them, as you say,
it's not in their DNA. I don't see them, yeah,
ben kg at all.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
All right, So a good results of win, if they
bring a win back home, they will absolutely back themselves
to close that out, either by winning again or by
drawing in the home league. If it's a draw, I
thing that's a bad result. In fact, it's one of
those that if you offered it. Steve Coricker obviously wants
to win, but if you offered it to him, this
is hypothetical, he would probably take a drawer and then
(11:10):
just turn the home leg into a one off game.
What is the What is a deficit that would have
you really worried? Like, for example, if they come back
and if Melbourne Victory win one nill on Saturday night,
that doesn't seem too bad to me, But I don't
know what is it. What is a deficit that that
would be too big for them to pull back?
Speaker 1 (11:29):
Yeah? One nill certainly stresses me out because it's you know,
the pressures immediately on and you know Melbourne Victory come
with this mindset where they don't they just can't concede
you know, and they can come and part the bus
in Auckland and get in Auckland's head and slow the
game down and things like that. So one nil, you know,
(11:50):
definitely able to come back from, particularly with the way
they sell out and play play at home. But anything
more than that, yeah, it's a really tough field claim.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
Yeah, And that's the other thing about these games as well,
is that if you're one nil down late in the
game on Saturday night the First League, you've still got
to defend as though your life depends on it, right
because you know, one nil is okay, you don't want
to be coming back two nils, so you've got to
play the whole ninety minutes on Saturday night. See that
the mood among the crowd at you know, if it's
at Britdemat or wherever it is among Auckland FC fans
(12:24):
will be so interesting because regardless of what happens on
Saturday night, there won't be this explosion of elation, will there,
you know, because they haven't made the Grand Final, We've
only like I say, reached half time. So quite an
interesting viewing experience as well, Yeah it is.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
And I mean, you know, most football fans and football
heads know that in these home and away games you
look at it as the first half. In the second half,
so well, they won't be able to you know, think
of it as a done deal. If if they come
away and win three nil or whatever they do over
(13:00):
in Melbourne, they can certainly carry some confidence if if
they're on the right side of the score sheet Auckland Auckland.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
So yeah, it's going to be interesting score prediction.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
I think it'll be two nil to Auckland f C.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
All right, I've got a goal of straw in the
first one. Yeah, I do, I do. Yeah, for whatever reason,
I just think a goal of straw.
Speaker 1 (13:25):
The deficit I am worried about is injuries or cards
read cards or injuries. You know, I think that's probably more.
Maybe Auckland f C's concerned, yes, that their depth is growing,
but I still do worry about they don't that their
starting lineup is so so good, that that starting core
of like eleven to thirteen players, But then after that,
(13:47):
you know it's getting a bit Nigoli.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
Yeah, that's another very good point, another very good point.
All right. So that's Saturday night, the other semi final
by the way, home and away between Melbourne City and
Western United. Western United been Adelade three to two Friday night.
No a bot, it's got two goals. Both legs of
that semi are going to be at Amy Park, which
is a bit odd. I feel a bit for Western United.
They took the game the other night against Adelaide out
to iron Bark Fields out at Tarnet, but clearly the
(14:12):
A League has decided that's not big enough for a
semi final. So both legs are the semi going to
be at Amy Park. The first one is on Friday night,
the second one is on Saturday the twenty fourth, So
after the Auckland FC melbourn victory one, who is your
pick to go through from Melbourne City in Western United?
Speaker 1 (14:31):
I think wes Sydney United. I can already feel it now.
It's going to be a West Sidney United Auckland FC final.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
Do you think then that Steve Corika, the players, anybody
associated with the club, its fans us, do you think
that they would rather have Western United knocked out given
the fact that they've beaten Auckland FC twice reasonably convincingly
already this season.
Speaker 1 (14:58):
Yeah. Absolutely. I remember speaking to them at the Auckland
f C Awards night, which we'll get on too soon.
But I do remember after a few beverages. It's coming
back to me, but that Steve Courica and Nick Becker
and people like them wanted to play Adelaide. They were
really keen to play Adelaide because they hadn't beaten them,
(15:19):
and that was kind of their mindset that they wanted
to get one up. So I do wonder if maybe
that's their mindset with Western United as well, that they
want to play the next best team and they want
to beat the team that they couldn't beat two times.
I'm not sure. Maybe they just say that for show
and they actually would prefer them to get knocked out.
Speaker 2 (15:36):
Yeah, it's out of their hands anyway, isn't it. You know,
you can say who would you rather play? You know,
whoever they play well, First of all, they have to
look after their own business, don't they, and get through
to the grand final themselves before we can even talk
about who they might play. So Melbourne City in Western
United in one semi final and Auckland FC and Melbourne
Victory in the other. As you alluded to, Bonnie, you
(16:07):
went to the Auckland FC Awards night last week the glitzy,
glamorous affair. I also was at the awards night for
Wellington Phoenix, which was slightly more subdued, you might say,
given the season that that had. You were sending me
information across the evening members Player of the Year, Francis Devrees, Players,
Player of the Alex Paulson MVP, Gazumo. My you happy
(16:31):
enough with those three award winners.
Speaker 1 (16:34):
I probably wouldn't have had my as the MVP. I
was surprised by by that one. I thought he was
such a standout all season long and the way he
contributed on and off the boards was incredible. Obviously was
the top goal scorer as well. But when you look
at a team that is they have prided themselves on
(16:56):
their defense all season long, and they've conceded the least
least goals, why wouldn't you put someone in the back
line like Alex Paulson, like your Francis Tavreiz, Dan Hall
or Hiroki Saka.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
I'm not sure, yeah, I said afterwards. I think I
tweeted this out that you know you if you said
to a lot of said, a bunch of people are here,
who's Aukland FC's best player? Being and you ask them
to name it. I think a lot of people would
say Hiroki Saka has been across the season, but you know,
doesn't pick up an award. I'm sure he doesn't care
at all. And you know you can only give these
awards to one person, you know. Players player is one
(17:30):
that I think if you're in a team, you know
that's the one you probably want to win, right The
one that is is voted for by your fellow your
fellow men, your fellow teammates, your fellow women. The players
player is almost I think, more illustrious, isn't it than MVP.
I don't don't even know who votes for MVP.
Speaker 1 (17:48):
Well, yeah, I believe it was a pool of the
coaching staff and the club staff, So I think either
of those members. Player of the Year would also be
cool to win. But yeah, I agree with you Piney
that that players play. Certainly you want to feel, you
want to feel good amongst your peers, don't you.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
One hundred percent? Absolutely, that's that's the one I'd want
to win if I was in a top class football team.
What was the mood?
Speaker 1 (18:11):
Like?
Speaker 2 (18:12):
I saw a few photos. I could almost smell the
after shave.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
Yeah, it was it was a fun night. There were
members from the Port there. It was great to see
John o' ross there, who was obviously one of the
founders of the Port, who obviously got Ellen Sydney was
it Sydney game Melbourne game, and yeah, got stuck over
in Australia and missed that that final home game, so
it was good to see him there. And yeah, it
(18:39):
was a fun night. The players were told they weren't
able to have a large one and they had training
first thing the next morning. I believe they said their
final night for celebrations was that the end of that
following game Western United. I think they had a big
night over in Melbourne that weekend and then yet it
was back full focused on in the semifinals. So no,
(19:02):
it was a good night. It was a fun vibe
and you got the sense that this was only just
the first night of celebrations and they're hoping to do
something similar in a few weeks hopefully when they left
the trophy.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
Yeah, slightly odd day that and I think most teams
do it. They have their awards night before the season ends,
you know, because they don't know they're going to make
the finals or whatever. Maybe they've got a book venues.
I don't know, but yeah, I mean, what if somebody
is absolutely sensational in the in the two semi finals,
in the final. But yeah, maybe that is to say,
maybe they have an extended awards night or something. Wellington
(19:33):
Phoenix had their awards night last week as well, Costa
Barbarusis and Annale Longo absolutely cleaning up. Costa Barbarusis won
Fans Player, Media Player, Players Player, Goal of the Year,
Golden Boot and MVP, so he went home with plenty
of medals. Annale similarly Fans Player, Media Player, Players Player,
Overall Women's Play, MVP and also a very illustrious award
(19:57):
at Wellington Phoenix HQ, the Spirit of the Phoenix Award,
which is given out every year to somebody who you know,
who shows just that really spirit and you know a
kind of humanity and just the qualities that the club
and the club owner like owners like to see in
those who are connected to the club. So Anally Longo
with plenty of there. Corbyn Piper was the Young Player
(20:19):
of the Year, Mania Elliott the Young Player of the
Year for the women. So yeah, like I say, by
comparison a little bit more subdued. Although I have to say,
you know, people say, oh, why would you have an
awards after such a bad season. You still have to
have them, And I had also acknowledged a lot of people,
particularly the volunteers, who all got a good night out,
they got to get dressed up. They know, they enjoyed themselves.
(20:41):
They look after the volunteers. I have to say, at
Wellington Phoenix they have awards for them, you know. Yeah.
It was actually I came away thinking, you know what,
that was actually okay, given the season that the Phoenix
have had, that was all right.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
Yeah, and at least you know, they would have been
able to celebrate and not have to think about the
finals this time around like they had last year. Parney,
do you think your mate Scott Wotton was ripped off?
Speaker 2 (21:06):
He was second in the MVP voting, So yeah, I
find it hard not to give it to Costa if
I'm honest. I know, when we gave out our awards
last week, I chose Scotty over over Costa barbarusis. But yeah,
you can see how Costa got it, you know, and look,
given the fact that he won all of the awards.
I think the general mood and Annalie as well, whether
(21:27):
they were the standout, standout place just on Scott Wotton,
you would have seen this news today. The Phoenix have
confirmed that he and Sam Sutton leaving the club. They'll
play in the Australia Cup game against Brisbane Raw in
Darwin on Wednesday night and then leave, both having played
over one hundred games and all competitions for the team.
I think their legacy at Phoenix HQ, both of them
(21:50):
is pretty sound, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
Yeah? I yes, Scott Wooton has been had another great
season and he was particularly good last season for for
the Phoenix. I think looking at Sam Sutton, it's the
right move for him. He was guaranteed minutes at the
Phoenix and they hope wherever he's going, we think it's
Perth Glory. But wherever he's going, he continues to get
(22:13):
minutes because that's going to be crucial if he wants
to put his hand up for the World Cup next year.
But no, yeah, two obviously starters and experienced players that
chief you will certainly miss.
Speaker 2 (22:25):
Indeed, so they as you say, we don't know where
they're going, we're pretty sure they're going to Perth Glory.
By the time you listen to this, Perth Glory might
even have made an announcement on that, but yeah, there
are They're finished as Phoenix player Sam Sutton and Scott
Wooton leaving the club following the Australia Cup Wednesday night.
Just before we leave the Phoenix, Amy Shephard was re
signed in the last week or so as Wellington Phoenix
(22:48):
women's assistant coach. She was assistant to Paul Temple, who
we know is leaving. She'll be interim head coach until
a permanent appointment is made in late July. Bonnie. In
late July, Bev Priestman's band runs out. It does two
plus two make four hair? Surely it does.
Speaker 1 (23:06):
I think something like that, Pinty. You know, when you
think about Beev Priestman, you know her partner, her wife
works for the Wellington Phoenix. They seem pretty settled back
here in New Zealand. The Phoenix, on the other hand,
have not had you know, a great campaign really in
any of their seasons in the woman's competition. Bev is
(23:29):
available as far as I know, and might just be
the perfect candidate to take this woman's team. And I
think the thing is is she you know, some people
might write her off because of that that drone scandal
last year at the Olympics, but I think what can't
be forgotten is the fact she's a gold Olympic gold
medalist winning coach. You know, she coached one of the
(23:49):
best teams in the world for some time, that being Canada,
of course, So I hope, I hope. So for the
Phoenix women's case.
Speaker 2 (23:58):
I remember when we spoke about it on an earlier
pod that she might be in the mix for the
Football Ferns job. I thought that might be a bit
close to home, given the fact that it was the
Football Ferns that she was caught spying on with the drone.
But you're dead right. She's a top class coach. Emma Humphries,
her wife works as academy director at the club. She
was at the awards night the other night, you know,
(24:19):
as Emma's wife. So you know, whether you can put
two and two together there, I think it would be
a good appointment and one that I think would be
very palatable to players who were thinking about coming to Wellington.
If they're trying to attract players and Bev Priestman as
your head coach, then I think that probably maybe swings
things in the favor of the Phoenix. We'll wait and
(24:42):
see that appointment whoever it might be expected in late July.
This is football, even and so we moved to the
Ninja A League. The A League Women's Competition semi finals
are done. The second leag Eggs Claudia Bunge and Melbourne
Victory safely through to the final six' to two on
(25:04):
aggregate back to back three to one wins Over Adelaide.
United they will play The Central Coast, mariners who have
made it through to their first EVER A League Women's
Grand final courtesy of a one nil win Over Melbourne
city right at the end of extra time. Yesterday Isabel,
gomez of, course Former phoenix, player scoring the goal in
the one hundred and twentieth, minute just as we were
(25:26):
all ready for a penalty shootout to send The mariners.
THROUGH i have never seen a more blatant offside goal than.
Speaker 1 (25:36):
That it's actually AM i completely agree, Firstly. Piney, SECONDLY
i feel really bad for the lino and the referee
because they're going to have to go back and look
at that on replay and just know they absolutely got that.
WRONG i feel terrible for The Melbourne city players that you,
(25:58):
know after their incredible beaten season that that's how their season.
Ends maybe it's one that they can just laugh at
and know they were absolutely. Robbed i'm not. Sure and,
yeah it JUST i don't even want to get started on, It,
piney because it just rous me up on why still
there is not firstly more camera angles in the woman's
(26:20):
game and secondly why there's No. Var it's just a.
Speaker 2 (26:24):
Joke, well Hopefully bond this will be a catalyst for.
That this will be the incident that will compel them
to say we can't not Have, var because look what
happens when we. Don't you know THAT var would have
pulled that one back, Right you're right the LINE i
should have got, it. Didn't people make. Mistakes that was
(26:44):
a big, mistake you. KNOW i think the angle that
we all saw on, television it just seems so obvious
That Isabelle gomez was two or three meters. Offside BUT
i wonder whether this might be the catalyst for investment
INTO var in The NINJA A, league because otherwise how
serious are?
Speaker 1 (27:02):
They well you'd think, so you hope. So and you
know the only Thing i'll except you, know If AUCKLAND
fc aren't going to get a woman's team next, year
which also rails me. Up but if they're, nice and
if that's because THE A league doesn't have enough, money that's.
Fine But i'm hoping that that money is being spent,
wisely and it is being spent ON. Var that should
(27:23):
be the, first the first point of.
Speaker 2 (27:25):
CALL i, think, YEAH i don't think you'll get an
argument from anybody who watched that game. Yesterday even The
mariness Coach Emily husband, Said i'm going to be honest with.
YOU i knew it was, offside but the flag didn't
go up and that's, football, look you, know and she's,
right she's. Right you, know this isn't the first decision
that's been missed by. Officials you, know many many were
in the PRE var. Era Melbourne city Coach Michael, MATRASIANI
(27:49):
i thought he was quite Diplomatic. Ashley he, says, yeah
of courses, offside but these things. Happen everybody makes, mistakes
so THAT'S i think that's very magnanimous of him to,
not you, know chuck his toys out of the cock
AS i tell you WHAT i would Have Melbourne city,
though like they, were in some ways the architects of
their own. Demise they Lost Lordes bosh after twenty five
minutes for an inexplicable red. CARD i don't know what
(28:12):
she's doing here in such a big. Game you, know
she got into a bit of AN rgi bargie and
just basically threw her hands in an opponent's. Head there's
only one way you're going to go from, there and
that's off the. Field.
Speaker 1 (28:24):
YEAH i saw clips of, that and, YEAH i just
that's the, thing LIKE i mentioned before with The AUCKLAND,
defc we can't be having any of, that you, know
they can't be you, know in these home and away,
leagues it's a little you gotta play things a little
bit safer and, yeah probably just silly heat of the moment.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
Stuff Melbourne city also Lost holly, McNamara who's such a
big player for, them with concussion after eighteen. Minutes so
even if they had made it through to the, final
she probably wouldn't have been available And bosh would. Neither
she would have been serving a. Suspension they're not. There
The mariners Against Melbourne Victory Amy park this Coming sunday
at five point, fifteen just before we go a couple
of of kiwis. Overseas Chris wood scored his Twentieth Premier
(29:03):
league goal of the season this. Morning wasn't enough to
Give forest victory Over, lester but eighty nine all Time
Premier league goals now For Chris, Wood Michael boxall Marked
Leonel messi. YESTERDAY i love This Minnesota united against Into
miami And boxy played pretty well actually even threw in
a long throw for an assisted goal in there for one.
(29:23):
Win And Ben wayne has been released By Plymouth. Arguyle
Ben wayne does not have a. Club can you see
him back in THE A league with Either Wellington phoenix
or Even AUCKLAND fc next?
Speaker 1 (29:35):
Season not, REALLY i would love for that to be.
TRUE i feel like we had similar discussions this time
last year About jackie hand and whether you know she
would potentially come back and play in THE A. League
obviously she's The Football ferns, forward AND i feel like
when You Ben wayne's on a similar kind of, level and,
(29:58):
YEAH i mean it be. Great he'd be guaranteed. Minutes
that's what these players. Need we speak about it almost
every podcast about these all whites. Players but, NO i
feel like he's done really well over seas and maybe
he will want to stay over In.
Speaker 2 (30:13):
Europe, YEAH i just wonder whether he has to be,
playing you, know especially given Its World cup. Time, again
these guys just know they have to be somewhere where
they're getting. Games, Look i'm sure his agent's got irons
in the, fire but he knows if he comes back
here and plays for either The phoenix Or auckland F.
C If Max marta, goes for, example he might get
recalled from his, loan he might not be. There Ben
(30:34):
wayne's a straight swap For Max marta At auckland F.
C if he comes To Wellington, phoenix he knows he's
going to play every week and so in the lead
up to A World CUP i wonder whether that's the
most important. Thing and If auckland F c have shown
us anything it's the players can come, back play well
and then go again if they want. To Nando pinneker
is an absolute case study in this wasn't really sure
(30:55):
what he was going to, do came back, here has
said a terrific. Season we'll probably have one maybe two
more in then go. Again there's nothing wrong with that
For Ben, wayne AND i don't Reckon he's only twenty
two to twenty three years. Old there were plenty of,
time but he has to be.
Speaker 1 (31:05):
PLAYING i find it hard to see him going To AUCKLAND,
fc given he is a hut boy and played you,
know very well for The Wellington phoenix for some. Time
but you never. Know there might be a bit more
uproar from from both clubs after what happened To Alex
paulson And Logan. ROGERSON i guess.
Speaker 2 (31:24):
Too, yeah different, situation but, yeah who. KNOWS i, MEAN
i THINK i think the next twenty thirty forty years
will be littered with players who play for. Both you,
know there's a lot of players who play for. Both
Melbourne victory In Melbourne, City Western, United SYDNEY. Ffc everyone jumps.
Around Once AUCKLAND fc has been around for a, Decade
i'm sure you will find players who play for.
Speaker 1 (31:41):
Both the leveraging of these two odd players between these
two clubs have be, insane Right they would probably be
threaten to Know i'm going to The, phoenix So i'm
going To AUCKLAND. Fe it'd be, great it'd be great
to be behind behind those doors and in the involved
with the agent's. CONVERSATIONS i don't mind.
Speaker 2 (31:56):
That, ACTUALLY i don't mind that because up until, now you,
Know New zealand player have only had The, phoenix so you,
know often it's a matter of, okay take it or leave,
it you. Know from that To, LEAVERRIDGE i don't think
it's too. BAD i don't think it's too. Bad, Hey,
bonnie good luck making your decision. Around we are going
to watch the game On saturday. Night what are you
leaning towards as we sit here On monday?
Speaker 1 (32:14):
Afternoon, well like hearing that you're going to be Commentating
piney AND i don't have to listen to The. AUSSIES
i think Probably i'm going to have to be locked
in at home and THE tv on full. Volume, Okay, well.
Speaker 2 (32:25):
LOOK i hope that's not the tipping point in your decision,
making Because i'm sure they'll have the commentary on down
at the fans own as. Well, yeah looking for looking
forward to to commentating this. One, look whatever you, decide
enjoy the. Game we'll reconvene a week from now and
see which of our, predictions if either of, them is
right with this first. Leg but until, then, everybody thanks
for joining us On Football. Fever see you Next, monday
(32:46):
Bonny Ma too a
Welcomes of football fevers talks.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
It's Monday, start of a new week, an exciting week
ahead and exciting couple of weeks ahead. This is football fever.
I'm Jason Pine with Bonnie Jansen alongside. We know who
Auckland FC are going to play in the A League
Men's semi finals. Bonnie, it's Melbourne Victory. How are you
feeling about that in general terms?
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Well, I had a feeling this was going to happen.
Finey I think I've said it for some time. I've
just you know what that the hurt we all went
through about this time last year with the Wellington Phoenix
and how they came so close and Melbourne Victoria are
so good this time of year. Heading into that elimination
final over the weekend, I just knew they were going
(00:50):
to get up despite the incredible form Wes since Sydney
have had at the moment, I just, you know, thought
Melbourne Victory are too good at this time of year
and proved just that.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Yep, So it proved. You sent me a message saying
exactly that before the game. I went back to and said, no, no,
it'll be Western Sydney who come through. So we all
know who was right there you as per usual a
two to one win at Combank Stadium, so on Western
Sydney's home ground for Melbourne Victory, Casey Boss with an
early goal to put them one up, Zach Sapsford square
the LEDGEI midway through the first half and then just
(01:22):
before half times in a den mashash gave Victory a
two to one lead which they never relinquished. Pretty even
game really was. I don't know, I was a little
bit underwhelmed by Western Sydney. I have to sign the
second half for you know, knowing that this season was
on the line. Nicholas Milanovitch, for example, had one of
his quietest games of the whole season.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
Yeah, I thought the same Piney that that first half
was super exciting. Obviously with the three goals, I thought
were for sure we were in for a big game.
But obviously the second half was a little bit more lackluster.
But no, you're right, Western Sydney have had such a
good season. They've had the best recent run of other
than Auckland f C. I believe so. Yeah that it
(02:05):
was surprising and a real shame their season had to
be in that way.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
But Melbourne victory. You're right, you know, and I probably
should have seen this, just know how to get things
done at this time of the season. They are perennial
finalists going back through history. I saw a stat yesterday
they've won more finals games than anybody else in the
twenty year history of the A League. And they just
got it done. Daniel Arzani was the standout, assisting the
(02:30):
first goal and amazing run to set up the winner.
Before we really unpack it me who would be favorite
for the semi final? Would it be Melbourne victory with
their history and their proud pedigree or is it the
new boys Auckland f who and take you any bias
out of this, who would be favorite to go through
(02:51):
to the grand final?
Speaker 1 (02:53):
You know, you look at the season Auckland f C
of having and it's hard to look past them being
the favorites, particularly with the defense have had. It's not
going to be easy for Melbourne to break down. But honestly,
I feel like Melbourne victory just with the experience that
they have at this time of year in these knockout games,
these big games. We don't know what Auckland are like.
(03:16):
They've shown us time and time again they can get
up in big moments and they can push right to
the end of it of a match and get a
late winner. But you know, this is new territory for Auckland. No,
new territory doesn't scare them. It hasn't scared them all
season long. But yeah, it's they'll be feeling nerves, I'm
sure far more than than Melbourne victory will.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
Now such a unique situation too, across the two legs.
It's not like anything they've had to do before. Because
when the final whistle blows on Saturday night, we're only
at halftime, aren't we in the tie? So we'll talk
about what a good, bad and in between result is
in a moment. There is the schedule. Auckland f C.
Melbourne victory in the semi final Leg one this coming Saturday,
the seventeenth of May, Amy Park in Melbourne, nine thirty
(03:59):
five pm New Zealand time, Saturday night. Now, Tyler Street, Sport,
the brit and Tuckle Tye Square are all hosting watch parties.
They're putting a big thirty meters screen up in Tucker
Tie Square having some cage football or DJ and other games.
So they're saying that's good for families. Tyler Street Sport
I think is where the port will be, and the
Brits I think a little more relaxed and suited to
(04:22):
I guess the less fanatical football fan. I don't know
any of these places. Have I got that right?
Speaker 1 (04:29):
Yeah? No, I think you've yeah, you've said it. Well,
it's down in Britamar and it's yeah, big open space.
It should go well down there. I'm currently tossing up
myself as a fan whether I go down there and
watch it and so can all the atmosphere and be
with people that will be so obsessed with the game
like I will be, or whether it's better for me
(04:52):
to sit at home, pony and watch it locked in
with no distractions. I'm not sure yet. I'm still deciding.
But yeah, it's good Auckland putting on a show. I
mean we're not surprised, are we, with the amount of
shows that put on all season.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Yeah. It's a great innovation again by them to not
only come up with one idea, but you know, three
different ideas, three different environments that you can watch this
game from. You've got a few days to make up
your mind whether you choose one of those environments or
the environment of your couch. The Second League is on
the Saturday, May twenty fourth, go Media six o'clock. They're
(05:25):
adding twenty seven hundred extra seats for the semi another
eight hundred of Auckland FC make the Grand Final. General
admission tickets incidentally for the home leg of the Semi
go on sale tomorrow Tuesday at three o'clock. Members have
all been having the opportunity already to buy them. Without
doubt this game will sell out, So Auckland FC Melbourne victory.
(05:47):
They've played one another twice this season, a nil all
draw at go Media Stadium on New Year's Day and
then just three and a bit weeks ago Auckland f
C won two nil at Amy Park with goals to
Louis Vustrata and Gizmo May and what is widely regarded
as one of Auckland f C's best performances of the season.
In that game, Bonnie, he went with a back five.
(06:09):
He brought Callen Elliott into the starting lineup, Sarki Hall
Pinekeer Devrees. They all started the strata Guy Gossen Brimmer
and midfield My and Rogerson up fronts given it work
so well, three weeks ago, you reckon he'll go back
to a back five on Saturday.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
It's so hard to call piney. I don't think he will.
I think what he'll do instead is start someone like
Nate Modano, who tends to drop a little bit deeper.
Ye see, he played with that back three and all
back five as you like to call it. So well,
but that was the only time they've really played with
(06:46):
that this season other than when you know, late in
the game when they like to bring Tommy Smith on.
But I don't feel like they'll pull out that one again,
particularly now that Melbourne victory. No, that's you know, they
can play that way and they did that so well.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
Yeah, maybe it's a one and done kind of arrangement.
And yeah they did it, and it was somewhat of
a surprise to Melbourne victory. It wouldn't be a great surprise,
to be honest, because again, Steve Corack can go one
of two ways. He can do that again, or he
can do what he traditionally does as you say, with
the back four. Just go SARKI hauled Pinekeer divrees and
then whatever he decides to do in front. The only
(07:24):
thing that might be perhaps swinging him towards the five
is just how good Melbourne victory are. In the attacking
third mentioned Daniel Larzani, Nishan Vloupola and other current SOCCA
roon Nikos Virgos, Bruno Fauna Roli who will likely come
off the bench. Zinnadin Mashasho scored the winner the other night.
Ryan Tige sort of sits there. They do have a
lot of attacking threats. I kind of feel like at
(07:45):
home they'll go for it. So I wonder whether Auckland
FC might just want to soak that up in the
first leg.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Well that's why I don't think they'll go for a
back three, because they'll want to have that type back
four and yeah, just not sit off, but do something
that they've done so well all season, right They've they've
had the best defense in the league. Maybe it's that
second game where they do look to attack a little
bit more with the with wing backs. I'm not sure,
(08:15):
but I was listening to your show on the weekend
Pineyer on Weekend Sport with the A League commentator I
can't quite remember his name.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
Oh, Daniel McBrien, Yes, yes.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Yes, And I think you guys both thought or Daniel
thought that maybe Auckland f C would hold off a
bit in that first game and maybe not attack and
put full you know, full foot on the throttle. But
I just think the complete opposite. I feel like Auckland
f C a not a team to shy away from
a challenge. And we know Steve Corricer's mentality all season
(08:46):
has been to win, so I feel like they'll they'll
go at it and want to you know, get up
a couple of goals in that first leak.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
We know that the Phoenix didn't do that last season.
They went to Melbourne victory and we're extremely happy to
come away with the nil draw to bring back home
and eventually it didn't work out for them, but I
don't know whether that was to do with the way
they played in the first leg. But yeah, okay, they
answer me this. It's nil all after seventy minutes on
Saturday night, Okay, remembering it's only the first leg. Seventy minutes.
(09:15):
So if you look to the bench, do you see
Jesse Randall coming on or Tommy Smith.
Speaker 1 (09:24):
Steve Cricle will bring on Tommy Smith.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
Yeah, kick, so your close at nil all. That's what
you're feeling rather than.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
At seventy minutes. But in terms of the starting lineup,
I feel like he's starting Nita Medano, Gmo, even Maxmutter
and Logan. You know, I feel like he wants, he
wants to go hard in that first seventy minutes.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Yep, look, you may well be right, and I hope
you're right. Actually, I don't know where there being kg
actually fits the DNA of Auckland FC. Even when they
played five at the back that day against Melbourne Victory,
you know, still from memory anyway, created quite a bit.
Well they won turnill, didn't they their second goals right
at the end. But yeah they Yeah, they don't seem
(10:09):
like a park the bust type of proposition to me.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
You just have to look at their last two games
right their game against their home game against Perth Glory
and their final round game against Western United. Both of
those matches they had already won the league. Yet Steve
Corricer still put on his best or best about starting
lineup and where he could have rested players or could
have gone for a more defensive or more attacking approach,
(10:35):
you know, he didn't he played his best eleven or
what he thought at the time and they went for it.
So yeah, I just don't see them, as you say,
it's not in their DNA. I don't see them, yeah,
ben kg at all.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
All right, So a good results of win, if they
bring a win back home, they will absolutely back themselves
to close that out, either by winning again or by
drawing in the home league. If it's a draw, I
thing that's a bad result. In fact, it's one of
those that if you offered it. Steve Coricker obviously wants
to win, but if you offered it to him, this
is hypothetical, he would probably take a drawer and then
(11:10):
just turn the home leg into a one off game.
What is the What is a deficit that would have
you really worried? Like, for example, if they come back
and if Melbourne Victory win one nill on Saturday night,
that doesn't seem too bad to me, But I don't
know what is it. What is a deficit that that
would be too big for them to pull back?
Speaker 1 (11:29):
Yeah? One nill certainly stresses me out because it's you know,
the pressures immediately on and you know Melbourne Victory come
with this mindset where they don't they just can't concede
you know, and they can come and part the bus
in Auckland and get in Auckland's head and slow the
game down and things like that. So one nil, you know,
(11:50):
definitely able to come back from, particularly with the way
they sell out and play play at home. But anything
more than that, yeah, it's a really tough field claim.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
Yeah, And that's the other thing about these games as well,
is that if you're one nil down late in the
game on Saturday night the First League, you've still got
to defend as though your life depends on it, right
because you know, one nil is okay, you don't want
to be coming back two nils, so you've got to
play the whole ninety minutes on Saturday night. See that
the mood among the crowd at you know, if it's
at Britdemat or wherever it is among Auckland FC fans
(12:24):
will be so interesting because regardless of what happens on
Saturday night, there won't be this explosion of elation, will there,
you know, because they haven't made the Grand Final, We've
only like I say, reached half time. So quite an
interesting viewing experience as well, Yeah it is.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
And I mean, you know, most football fans and football
heads know that in these home and away games you
look at it as the first half. In the second half,
so well, they won't be able to you know, think
of it as a done deal. If if they come
away and win three nil or whatever they do over
(13:00):
in Melbourne, they can certainly carry some confidence if if
they're on the right side of the score sheet Auckland Auckland.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
So yeah, it's going to be interesting score prediction.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
I think it'll be two nil to Auckland f C.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
All right, I've got a goal of straw in the
first one. Yeah, I do, I do. Yeah, for whatever reason,
I just think a goal of straw.
Speaker 1 (13:25):
The deficit I am worried about is injuries or cards
read cards or injuries. You know, I think that's probably more.
Maybe Auckland f C's concerned, yes, that their depth is growing,
but I still do worry about they don't that their
starting lineup is so so good, that that starting core
of like eleven to thirteen players, But then after that,
(13:47):
you know it's getting a bit Nigoli.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
Yeah, that's another very good point, another very good point.
All right. So that's Saturday night, the other semi final
by the way, home and away between Melbourne City and
Western United. Western United been Adelade three to two Friday night.
No a bot, it's got two goals. Both legs of
that semi are going to be at Amy Park, which
is a bit odd. I feel a bit for Western United.
They took the game the other night against Adelaide out
to iron Bark Fields out at Tarnet, but clearly the
(14:12):
A League has decided that's not big enough for a
semi final. So both legs are the semi going to
be at Amy Park. The first one is on Friday night,
the second one is on Saturday the twenty fourth, So
after the Auckland FC melbourn victory one, who is your
pick to go through from Melbourne City in Western United?
Speaker 1 (14:31):
I think wes Sydney United. I can already feel it now.
It's going to be a West Sidney United Auckland FC final.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
Do you think then that Steve Corika, the players, anybody
associated with the club, its fans us, do you think
that they would rather have Western United knocked out given
the fact that they've beaten Auckland FC twice reasonably convincingly
already this season.
Speaker 1 (14:58):
Yeah. Absolutely. I remember speaking to them at the Auckland
f C Awards night, which we'll get on too soon.
But I do remember after a few beverages. It's coming
back to me, but that Steve Courica and Nick Becker
and people like them wanted to play Adelaide. They were
really keen to play Adelaide because they hadn't beaten them,
(15:19):
and that was kind of their mindset that they wanted
to get one up. So I do wonder if maybe
that's their mindset with Western United as well, that they
want to play the next best team and they want
to beat the team that they couldn't beat two times.
I'm not sure. Maybe they just say that for show
and they actually would prefer them to get knocked out.
Speaker 2 (15:36):
Yeah, it's out of their hands anyway, isn't it. You know,
you can say who would you rather play? You know,
whoever they play well, First of all, they have to
look after their own business, don't they, and get through
to the grand final themselves before we can even talk
about who they might play. So Melbourne City in Western
United in one semi final and Auckland FC and Melbourne
Victory in the other. As you alluded to, Bonnie, you
(16:07):
went to the Auckland FC Awards night last week the glitzy,
glamorous affair. I also was at the awards night for
Wellington Phoenix, which was slightly more subdued, you might say,
given the season that that had. You were sending me
information across the evening members Player of the Year, Francis Devrees, Players,
Player of the Alex Paulson MVP, Gazumo. My you happy
(16:31):
enough with those three award winners.
Speaker 1 (16:34):
I probably wouldn't have had my as the MVP. I
was surprised by by that one. I thought he was
such a standout all season long and the way he
contributed on and off the boards was incredible. Obviously was
the top goal scorer as well. But when you look
at a team that is they have prided themselves on
(16:56):
their defense all season long, and they've conceded the least
least goals, why wouldn't you put someone in the back
line like Alex Paulson, like your Francis Tavreiz, Dan Hall
or Hiroki Saka.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
I'm not sure, yeah, I said afterwards. I think I
tweeted this out that you know you if you said
to a lot of said, a bunch of people are here,
who's Aukland FC's best player? Being and you ask them
to name it. I think a lot of people would
say Hiroki Saka has been across the season, but you know,
doesn't pick up an award. I'm sure he doesn't care
at all. And you know you can only give these
awards to one person, you know. Players player is one
(17:30):
that I think if you're in a team, you know
that's the one you probably want to win, right The
one that is is voted for by your fellow your
fellow men, your fellow teammates, your fellow women. The players
player is almost I think, more illustrious, isn't it than MVP.
I don't don't even know who votes for MVP.
Speaker 1 (17:48):
Well, yeah, I believe it was a pool of the
coaching staff and the club staff, So I think either
of those members. Player of the Year would also be
cool to win. But yeah, I agree with you Piney
that that players play. Certainly you want to feel, you
want to feel good amongst your peers, don't you.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
One hundred percent? Absolutely, that's that's the one I'd want
to win if I was in a top class football team.
What was the mood?
Speaker 1 (18:11):
Like?
Speaker 2 (18:12):
I saw a few photos. I could almost smell the
after shave.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
Yeah, it was it was a fun night. There were
members from the Port there. It was great to see
John o' ross there, who was obviously one of the
founders of the Port, who obviously got Ellen Sydney was
it Sydney game Melbourne game, and yeah, got stuck over
in Australia and missed that that final home game, so
it was good to see him there. And yeah, it
(18:39):
was a fun night. The players were told they weren't
able to have a large one and they had training
first thing the next morning. I believe they said their
final night for celebrations was that the end of that
following game Western United. I think they had a big
night over in Melbourne that weekend and then yet it
was back full focused on in the semifinals. So no,
(19:02):
it was a good night. It was a fun vibe
and you got the sense that this was only just
the first night of celebrations and they're hoping to do
something similar in a few weeks hopefully when they left
the trophy.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
Yeah, slightly odd day that and I think most teams
do it. They have their awards night before the season ends,
you know, because they don't know they're going to make
the finals or whatever. Maybe they've got a book venues.
I don't know, but yeah, I mean, what if somebody
is absolutely sensational in the in the two semi finals,
in the final. But yeah, maybe that is to say,
maybe they have an extended awards night or something. Wellington
(19:33):
Phoenix had their awards night last week as well, Costa
Barbarusis and Annale Longo absolutely cleaning up. Costa Barbarusis won
Fans Player, Media Player, Players Player, Goal of the Year,
Golden Boot and MVP, so he went home with plenty
of medals. Annale similarly Fans Player, Media Player, Players Player,
Overall Women's Play, MVP and also a very illustrious award
(19:57):
at Wellington Phoenix HQ, the Spirit of the Phoenix Award,
which is given out every year to somebody who you know,
who shows just that really spirit and you know a
kind of humanity and just the qualities that the club
and the club owner like owners like to see in
those who are connected to the club. So Anally Longo
with plenty of there. Corbyn Piper was the Young Player
(20:19):
of the Year, Mania Elliott the Young Player of the
Year for the women. So yeah, like I say, by
comparison a little bit more subdued. Although I have to say,
you know, people say, oh, why would you have an
awards after such a bad season. You still have to
have them, And I had also acknowledged a lot of people,
particularly the volunteers, who all got a good night out,
they got to get dressed up. They know, they enjoyed themselves.
(20:41):
They look after the volunteers. I have to say, at
Wellington Phoenix they have awards for them, you know. Yeah.
It was actually I came away thinking, you know what,
that was actually okay, given the season that the Phoenix
have had, that was all right.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
Yeah, and at least you know, they would have been
able to celebrate and not have to think about the
finals this time around like they had last year. Parney,
do you think your mate Scott Wotton was ripped off?
Speaker 2 (21:06):
He was second in the MVP voting, So yeah, I
find it hard not to give it to Costa if
I'm honest. I know, when we gave out our awards
last week, I chose Scotty over over Costa barbarusis. But yeah,
you can see how Costa got it, you know, and look,
given the fact that he won all of the awards.
I think the general mood and Annalie as well, whether
(21:27):
they were the standout, standout place just on Scott Wotton,
you would have seen this news today. The Phoenix have
confirmed that he and Sam Sutton leaving the club. They'll
play in the Australia Cup game against Brisbane Raw in
Darwin on Wednesday night and then leave, both having played
over one hundred games and all competitions for the team.
I think their legacy at Phoenix HQ, both of them
(21:50):
is pretty sound, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
Yeah? I yes, Scott Wooton has been had another great
season and he was particularly good last season for for
the Phoenix. I think looking at Sam Sutton, it's the
right move for him. He was guaranteed minutes at the
Phoenix and they hope wherever he's going, we think it's
Perth Glory. But wherever he's going, he continues to get
(22:13):
minutes because that's going to be crucial if he wants
to put his hand up for the World Cup next year.
But no, yeah, two obviously starters and experienced players that
chief you will certainly miss.
Speaker 2 (22:25):
Indeed, so they as you say, we don't know where
they're going, we're pretty sure they're going to Perth Glory.
By the time you listen to this, Perth Glory might
even have made an announcement on that, but yeah, there
are They're finished as Phoenix player Sam Sutton and Scott
Wooton leaving the club following the Australia Cup Wednesday night.
Just before we leave the Phoenix, Amy Shephard was re
signed in the last week or so as Wellington Phoenix
(22:48):
women's assistant coach. She was assistant to Paul Temple, who
we know is leaving. She'll be interim head coach until
a permanent appointment is made in late July. Bonnie. In
late July, Bev Priestman's band runs out. It does two
plus two make four hair? Surely it does.
Speaker 1 (23:06):
I think something like that, Pinty. You know, when you
think about Beev Priestman, you know her partner, her wife
works for the Wellington Phoenix. They seem pretty settled back
here in New Zealand. The Phoenix, on the other hand,
have not had you know, a great campaign really in
any of their seasons in the woman's competition. Bev is
(23:29):
available as far as I know, and might just be
the perfect candidate to take this woman's team. And I
think the thing is is she you know, some people
might write her off because of that that drone scandal
last year at the Olympics, but I think what can't
be forgotten is the fact she's a gold Olympic gold
medalist winning coach. You know, she coached one of the
(23:49):
best teams in the world for some time, that being Canada,
of course, So I hope, I hope. So for the
Phoenix women's case.
Speaker 2 (23:58):
I remember when we spoke about it on an earlier
pod that she might be in the mix for the
Football Ferns job. I thought that might be a bit
close to home, given the fact that it was the
Football Ferns that she was caught spying on with the drone.
But you're dead right. She's a top class coach. Emma Humphries,
her wife works as academy director at the club. She
was at the awards night the other night, you know,
(24:19):
as Emma's wife. So you know, whether you can put
two and two together there, I think it would be
a good appointment and one that I think would be
very palatable to players who were thinking about coming to Wellington.
If they're trying to attract players and Bev Priestman as
your head coach, then I think that probably maybe swings
things in the favor of the Phoenix. We'll wait and
(24:42):
see that appointment whoever it might be expected in late July.
This is football, even and so we moved to the
Ninja A League. The A League Women's Competition semi finals
are done. The second leag Eggs Claudia Bunge and Melbourne
Victory safely through to the final six' to two on
(25:04):
aggregate back to back three to one wins Over Adelaide.
United they will play The Central Coast, mariners who have
made it through to their first EVER A League Women's
Grand final courtesy of a one nil win Over Melbourne
city right at the end of extra time. Yesterday Isabel,
gomez of, course Former phoenix, player scoring the goal in
the one hundred and twentieth, minute just as we were
(25:26):
all ready for a penalty shootout to send The mariners.
THROUGH i have never seen a more blatant offside goal than.
Speaker 1 (25:36):
That it's actually AM i completely agree, Firstly. Piney, SECONDLY
i feel really bad for the lino and the referee
because they're going to have to go back and look
at that on replay and just know they absolutely got that.
WRONG i feel terrible for The Melbourne city players that you,
(25:58):
know after their incredible beaten season that that's how their season.
Ends maybe it's one that they can just laugh at
and know they were absolutely. Robbed i'm not. Sure and,
yeah it JUST i don't even want to get started on, It,
piney because it just rous me up on why still
there is not firstly more camera angles in the woman's
(26:20):
game and secondly why there's No. Var it's just a.
Speaker 2 (26:24):
Joke, well Hopefully bond this will be a catalyst for.
That this will be the incident that will compel them
to say we can't not Have, var because look what
happens when we. Don't you know THAT var would have
pulled that one back, Right you're right the LINE i
should have got, it. Didn't people make. Mistakes that was
(26:44):
a big, mistake you. KNOW i think the angle that
we all saw on, television it just seems so obvious
That Isabelle gomez was two or three meters. Offside BUT
i wonder whether this might be the catalyst for investment
INTO var in The NINJA A, league because otherwise how
serious are?
Speaker 1 (27:02):
They well you'd think, so you hope. So and you
know the only Thing i'll except you, know If AUCKLAND
fc aren't going to get a woman's team next, year
which also rails me. Up but if they're, nice and
if that's because THE A league doesn't have enough, money that's.
Fine But i'm hoping that that money is being spent,
wisely and it is being spent ON. Var that should
(27:23):
be the, first the first point of.
Speaker 2 (27:25):
CALL i, think, YEAH i don't think you'll get an
argument from anybody who watched that game. Yesterday even The
mariness Coach Emily husband, Said i'm going to be honest with.
YOU i knew it was, offside but the flag didn't
go up and that's, football, look you, know and she's,
right she's. Right you, know this isn't the first decision
that's been missed by. Officials you, know many many were
in the PRE var. Era Melbourne city Coach Michael, MATRASIANI
(27:49):
i thought he was quite Diplomatic. Ashley he, says, yeah
of courses, offside but these things. Happen everybody makes, mistakes
so THAT'S i think that's very magnanimous of him to,
not you, know chuck his toys out of the cock
AS i tell you WHAT i would Have Melbourne city,
though like they, were in some ways the architects of
their own. Demise they Lost Lordes bosh after twenty five
minutes for an inexplicable red. CARD i don't know what
(28:12):
she's doing here in such a big. Game you, know
she got into a bit of AN rgi bargie and
just basically threw her hands in an opponent's. Head there's
only one way you're going to go from, there and
that's off the. Field.
Speaker 1 (28:24):
YEAH i saw clips of, that and, YEAH i just
that's the, thing LIKE i mentioned before with The AUCKLAND,
defc we can't be having any of, that you, know
they can't be you, know in these home and away,
leagues it's a little you gotta play things a little
bit safer and, yeah probably just silly heat of the moment.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
Stuff Melbourne city also Lost holly, McNamara who's such a
big player for, them with concussion after eighteen. Minutes so
even if they had made it through to the, final
she probably wouldn't have been available And bosh would. Neither
she would have been serving a. Suspension they're not. There
The mariners Against Melbourne Victory Amy park this Coming sunday
at five point, fifteen just before we go a couple
of of kiwis. Overseas Chris wood scored his Twentieth Premier
(29:03):
league goal of the season this. Morning wasn't enough to
Give forest victory Over, lester but eighty nine all Time
Premier league goals now For Chris, Wood Michael boxall Marked
Leonel messi. YESTERDAY i love This Minnesota united against Into
miami And boxy played pretty well actually even threw in
a long throw for an assisted goal in there for one.
(29:23):
Win And Ben wayne has been released By Plymouth. Arguyle
Ben wayne does not have a. Club can you see
him back in THE A league with Either Wellington phoenix
or Even AUCKLAND fc next?
Speaker 1 (29:35):
Season not, REALLY i would love for that to be.
TRUE i feel like we had similar discussions this time
last year About jackie hand and whether you know she
would potentially come back and play in THE A. League
obviously she's The Football ferns, forward AND i feel like
when You Ben wayne's on a similar kind of, level and,
(29:58):
YEAH i mean it be. Great he'd be guaranteed. Minutes
that's what these players. Need we speak about it almost
every podcast about these all whites. Players but, NO i
feel like he's done really well over seas and maybe
he will want to stay over In.
Speaker 2 (30:13):
Europe, YEAH i just wonder whether he has to be,
playing you, know especially given Its World cup. Time, again
these guys just know they have to be somewhere where
they're getting. Games, Look i'm sure his agent's got irons
in the, fire but he knows if he comes back
here and plays for either The phoenix Or auckland F.
C If Max marta, goes for, example he might get
recalled from his, loan he might not be. There Ben
(30:34):
wayne's a straight swap For Max marta At auckland F.
C if he comes To Wellington, phoenix he knows he's
going to play every week and so in the lead
up to A World CUP i wonder whether that's the
most important. Thing and If auckland F c have shown
us anything it's the players can come, back play well
and then go again if they want. To Nando pinneker
is an absolute case study in this wasn't really sure
(30:55):
what he was going to, do came back, here has
said a terrific. Season we'll probably have one maybe two
more in then go. Again there's nothing wrong with that
For Ben, wayne AND i don't Reckon he's only twenty
two to twenty three years. Old there were plenty of,
time but he has to be.
Speaker 1 (31:05):
PLAYING i find it hard to see him going To AUCKLAND,
fc given he is a hut boy and played you,
know very well for The Wellington phoenix for some. Time
but you never. Know there might be a bit more
uproar from from both clubs after what happened To Alex
paulson And Logan. ROGERSON i guess.
Speaker 2 (31:24):
Too, yeah different, situation but, yeah who. KNOWS i, MEAN
i THINK i think the next twenty thirty forty years
will be littered with players who play for. Both you,
know there's a lot of players who play for. Both
Melbourne victory In Melbourne, City Western, United SYDNEY. Ffc everyone jumps.
Around Once AUCKLAND fc has been around for a, Decade
i'm sure you will find players who play for.
Speaker 1 (31:41):
Both the leveraging of these two odd players between these
two clubs have be, insane Right they would probably be
threaten to Know i'm going to The, phoenix So i'm
going To AUCKLAND. Fe it'd be, great it'd be great
to be behind behind those doors and in the involved
with the agent's. CONVERSATIONS i don't mind.
Speaker 2 (31:56):
That, ACTUALLY i don't mind that because up until, now you,
Know New zealand player have only had The, phoenix so you,
know often it's a matter of, okay take it or leave,
it you. Know from that To, LEAVERRIDGE i don't think
it's too. BAD i don't think it's too. Bad, Hey,
bonnie good luck making your decision. Around we are going
to watch the game On saturday. Night what are you
leaning towards as we sit here On monday?
Speaker 1 (32:14):
Afternoon, well like hearing that you're going to be Commentating
piney AND i don't have to listen to The. AUSSIES
i think Probably i'm going to have to be locked
in at home and THE tv on full. Volume, Okay, well.
Speaker 2 (32:25):
LOOK i hope that's not the tipping point in your decision,
making Because i'm sure they'll have the commentary on down
at the fans own as. Well, yeah looking for looking
forward to to commentating this. One, look whatever you, decide
enjoy the. Game we'll reconvene a week from now and
see which of our, predictions if either of, them is
right with this first. Leg but until, then, everybody thanks
for joining us On Football. Fever see you Next, monday
(32:46):
Bonny Ma too a
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