April 4, 2025 • 9 mins
Auckland FC look to continue their momentum as they chase silverware in their first season of existence.
They face the inform West Sydney Wanderers to try extend their lead at the top of the table.
Defender Dan Hall joins Piney to preview the match.
“I think we'll just try and focus on trusting the process and what we've done throughout the week in practise to try and, y'know, keep them quiet.”
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from Newstalks edb.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Auckland FC Western Sydney wanderer is this afternoon five o'clock
Go Media Stadium.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
That's the last opportunity of the contest. Auckland too strong
in this battle, the first versus second from bottom, the
form guide respected, the league table respected and most importantly,
seven points clear atop the standings with just five matches
(00:40):
left to play.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Isn't he that was a week ago and went over
Brisbane Raw This afternoon Western Sydney should provide a much
stiffer opponent. Let's bring an Auckland FC central defender Dan Hall,
who has recently returned to the side from a long
stint on the sidelines with a broken ankle. Dan, great
to have you back in the side and thanks for
joining us on match day. How do you reflect back
on your time out? By my maths, it was ninety
(01:01):
nine days out of the side. How do you reflect
back on that time?
Speaker 4 (01:07):
Obviously yeah, I didn't do the math, but it did
feel like a long time, so ninety nine days makes
sense to me. It was obviously frustrating because I wanted
to be there helping my team. But you know, the
boys did really well without me there, and I was
just proud to watch on from the sideline and focus
on my rehab to be back out on the pitch
with him.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
How did the injury actually happen?
Speaker 4 (01:29):
Yeah, so it was actually just a training incident. It
was literally the lot final ball of training, match day
minus two, and I've gone for a slide tackle. I
do a lot of them usually in training, and my
foot just got stuck in the ground and I've just
gone over the top of my ankle and then yeah,
broken fibula and torn ligaments. So not ideal.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Not ideal. Indeed, had you suffered an injury previously in
your career which had kept you out for that length
of time or even longer.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
No, this was probably my most severe injury today. And
I've had obviously a few things that have kept me
out for a while, but for one that's during the season,
this has definitely been the most severe for sure.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
And how were you watching? I know most most sports
people don't like watching injured. How were you watching from
the sidelines as you as you recovered and rehabbed.
Speaker 4 (02:22):
Yeah, it's it's obviously a different vibe when watching and playing.
I honestly think I was more stressed just watching ON
than playing. I feel like when you're when you're actually playing,
you know, it's you just you're in the moment, much
more than watching on the sideline, where you know you
ride every tackle when you're watching and stuff like that.
So it was stressful times watching ON for sure.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
So you came back in after all that time away,
you could have been forgiven for being a bit short
of match fitness. But you've played ninety minutes in both
of the games since your return, So how are you
able to keep your your aerobic fitness and your match
fitness up while you were out?
Speaker 4 (03:00):
Yeah, obviously it wasn't wasn't It wasn't easy, But credit
to credit to the physio teams and the people doing
my rehab. I guess I spent the last three months
I was in the gym and then on the assault bike.
I became quite familiar with the assault bike every day,
so you know, they done well. Even though I couldn't
(03:21):
physically run and stay fit that way, there was other
ways to try and keep me fit, and you know,
I was just grateful that I somehow got through the
first ninety and then once you get through that first
ninety then you know you're good to go.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Yeah, that first came back, it was ironically enough against
your former side, the Mariners. I think you said to
me afterward, John, he's supposed to play an hour. But
I mean, were you're blowing me at the end of
But how were you feeling after the ninety the first
ninety minutes back?
Speaker 4 (03:45):
Yeah, man, it was pretty funny. I mean I remember
looking up thinking like, I don't know how much longer
I got and it was literally the fifty third minutes.
So I think just a lot of I think, you know,
I think for my family were sending me their best
wishes and prayers, So I think that's what got me through,
to be honest, fantastic.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
Well you're back and then last time out tonlawyin away
at Brisbane. That's the first clean sheet the team has
kept for the for the last four games. How pleasing
was it to, you know, to keep the clean sheet
against Brisbane and come away with the three points?
Speaker 4 (04:19):
Yeah? Obviously, you know, at the start of the season
we focus on maintaining clean sheets and we were very
strong defensively. I think we've still been quite strong defensively,
just conceding a few unfortunate goals here and there. But
as I said, you know, the coaches pleased with us
getting back on that clean sheet mentality and hopefully we
(04:40):
continue that come the weekend.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
You came into the side, I mean everybody's new, right,
So you came into a defensive unit that you were
pretty unfamiliar with in terms of personnel, but quickly established
a really solid defensive unit. I mean, all those clean
sheets in a row to start the season. How did
that all come about?
Speaker 4 (05:01):
Yeah? I think with any team, I think it's important
that you build good connection off the pitch and then
as a result, you know, you see the good results
on the pitch. But obviously credit to the scouting team
from Auckland. See they've put together a very strong team
and talented players and good people as well. So whoever's
(05:24):
in that role playing center back or playing left back,
right back, then you know they do a job for
the team. And obviously, when you have Alex Toolson behind you,
if you do make a mistake, there's a good likelihood
that he'll bail you out, so credit to him as well.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
So your next assignment Western Sydney, this afternoon. They're the
league's leading goal scorers. So how big a defensive challenge
are you expecting from the Wanderers this afternoon?
Speaker 4 (05:47):
Yeah, there are credit they're a very good side. Obviously,
they score lots and lots of goals. So I guess
for a defender it's my job to try and prevent
that today. And you know, I think we're just trying
and focus on trusting the process and what we've done
throughout the week in practice to try and you know,
keep them quiet is hopefully what we'll do. And I
(06:09):
guess at the end of the ninety we'll see who
comes out on top.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
I guess the feature of their side, too, Dan, is
they've got a number of threats. You know, it's not
just one guy's getting all their goals. Nicholas Milanovitch has
got ten, but Bodjerd kry of seven, Zac Satsford seven,
Mark Zanons and six Brandon Morello current Zakaru with six.
How much more challenging does it make it when you're
not just focusing on on shutting down one guy.
Speaker 4 (06:33):
Yeah, exactly. When obviously a quality side like the Wonderers
have goals coming in from every way. It's obviously quite
a challenge, but you know, I think we're quite sound
defensively as well, So I think as a defender, you know,
you look forward to these games where you know there's
multiple threats coming in at once. So I'm excited to
(06:54):
play and I'll see how I go.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
So depending on how things go over the next couple
of weeks, it's possible that you could secure the Premier's
plate as early as next weekend. This relies on a
few things happening. You guys winning other teams, not that
sort of thing. Do you look at the table? Do
you do the maths? Are you that kind of play
that kind of footballer?
Speaker 4 (07:16):
Piiney. Look, I've never been very good at math, so
I feel like even if I wanted to do the math,
I wouldn't be able to work it out in my
head or I'd be here until the end of the
season trying to figure out if we've won or not.
So that being said, you know, it's been quite common
throughout the team that we all stay humble and we
just look at it each week, week by week, and hopefully,
(07:38):
you know, we're trusting the process by building results each week,
we'll get their awards by the end of the season.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Well, you you come in with championship pedigree. Of course,
you went back to back A league championships with the
Mariners last two seasons. Last season, you want to treble
of trophies. Do you sense in this Auckland FC team
some similar qualities to the Mariners teams that you were
a part of in the last couple of seasons.
Speaker 4 (08:01):
Yeah, definitely. I think, you know, having a winning mentality
and just being very competitive in training translates a lot
of the games. And obviously with my former side and
current side, you know, there's good people around you that
push you each week and each day. So I think
that's just the recipe for success and it's working so far.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Certainly is. And you are still waiting for your first
Auckland FC goal. I know you've been out for a while,
you know that, so that hasn't helped. But has that
been a topic of conversation at all? Nando's got one,
Freendy's got one, Heroki? You know, has it been talked
about at all that you're still to open your account?
Speaker 4 (08:37):
Yeah, well, I'm glad. I think you're the first one
to mention it, because I've been I've been to be fair, Piney,
I've been thinking about it. I mean, this Nando guy
that plays next to me is almost our leading goal scorer,
so he's not making me look very good. So I
think I'll have to work out something because I've got enough.
I've got lots and lots of celebrations to pull out
when I do finally get one, So you'll have to
(08:58):
stay tuned.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
I will stay tuned. Hopefully it will happen this afternoon
and or certainly at a very important time. Dan, such
a pleasure to catch up. Awesome to have you back
out there with Auckland FC for the run towards the finals.
Thanks for the chat mate, and all the best against
the Wanderers this afternoon. Thank you very much to take
care now you take care to Dan Hall. What a
character center back for Auckland f C. Western Sydney Wanderers
(09:19):
are their opponent this afternoon five o'clock kickoff at go
Media Stadium.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk zed B weekends from midday or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from Newstalks edb.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Auckland FC Western Sydney wanderer is this afternoon five o'clock
Go Media Stadium.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
That's the last opportunity of the contest. Auckland too strong
in this battle, the first versus second from bottom, the
form guide respected, the league table respected and most importantly,
seven points clear atop the standings with just five matches
(00:40):
left to play.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Isn't he that was a week ago and went over
Brisbane Raw This afternoon Western Sydney should provide a much
stiffer opponent. Let's bring an Auckland FC central defender Dan Hall,
who has recently returned to the side from a long
stint on the sidelines with a broken ankle. Dan, great
to have you back in the side and thanks for
joining us on match day. How do you reflect back
on your time out? By my maths, it was ninety
(01:01):
nine days out of the side. How do you reflect
back on that time?
Speaker 4 (01:07):
Obviously yeah, I didn't do the math, but it did
feel like a long time, so ninety nine days makes
sense to me. It was obviously frustrating because I wanted
to be there helping my team. But you know, the
boys did really well without me there, and I was
just proud to watch on from the sideline and focus
on my rehab to be back out on the pitch
with him.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
How did the injury actually happen?
Speaker 4 (01:29):
Yeah, so it was actually just a training incident. It
was literally the lot final ball of training, match day
minus two, and I've gone for a slide tackle. I
do a lot of them usually in training, and my
foot just got stuck in the ground and I've just
gone over the top of my ankle and then yeah,
broken fibula and torn ligaments. So not ideal.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Not ideal. Indeed, had you suffered an injury previously in
your career which had kept you out for that length
of time or even longer.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
No, this was probably my most severe injury today. And
I've had obviously a few things that have kept me
out for a while, but for one that's during the season,
this has definitely been the most severe for sure.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
And how were you watching? I know most most sports
people don't like watching injured. How were you watching from
the sidelines as you as you recovered and rehabbed.
Speaker 4 (02:22):
Yeah, it's it's obviously a different vibe when watching and playing.
I honestly think I was more stressed just watching ON
than playing. I feel like when you're when you're actually playing,
you know, it's you just you're in the moment, much
more than watching on the sideline, where you know you
ride every tackle when you're watching and stuff like that.
So it was stressful times watching ON for sure.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
So you came back in after all that time away,
you could have been forgiven for being a bit short
of match fitness. But you've played ninety minutes in both
of the games since your return, So how are you
able to keep your your aerobic fitness and your match
fitness up while you were out?
Speaker 4 (03:00):
Yeah, obviously it wasn't wasn't It wasn't easy, But credit
to credit to the physio teams and the people doing
my rehab. I guess I spent the last three months
I was in the gym and then on the assault bike.
I became quite familiar with the assault bike every day,
so you know, they done well. Even though I couldn't
(03:21):
physically run and stay fit that way, there was other
ways to try and keep me fit, and you know,
I was just grateful that I somehow got through the
first ninety and then once you get through that first
ninety then you know you're good to go.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Yeah, that first came back, it was ironically enough against
your former side, the Mariners. I think you said to
me afterward, John, he's supposed to play an hour. But
I mean, were you're blowing me at the end of
But how were you feeling after the ninety the first
ninety minutes back?
Speaker 4 (03:45):
Yeah, man, it was pretty funny. I mean I remember
looking up thinking like, I don't know how much longer
I got and it was literally the fifty third minutes.
So I think just a lot of I think, you know,
I think for my family were sending me their best
wishes and prayers, So I think that's what got me through,
to be honest, fantastic.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
Well you're back and then last time out tonlawyin away
at Brisbane. That's the first clean sheet the team has
kept for the for the last four games. How pleasing
was it to, you know, to keep the clean sheet
against Brisbane and come away with the three points?
Speaker 4 (04:19):
Yeah? Obviously, you know, at the start of the season
we focus on maintaining clean sheets and we were very
strong defensively. I think we've still been quite strong defensively,
just conceding a few unfortunate goals here and there. But
as I said, you know, the coaches pleased with us
getting back on that clean sheet mentality and hopefully we
(04:40):
continue that come the weekend.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
You came into the side, I mean everybody's new, right,
So you came into a defensive unit that you were
pretty unfamiliar with in terms of personnel, but quickly established
a really solid defensive unit. I mean, all those clean
sheets in a row to start the season. How did
that all come about?
Speaker 4 (05:01):
Yeah? I think with any team, I think it's important
that you build good connection off the pitch and then
as a result, you know, you see the good results
on the pitch. But obviously credit to the scouting team
from Auckland. See they've put together a very strong team
and talented players and good people as well. So whoever's
(05:24):
in that role playing center back or playing left back,
right back, then you know they do a job for
the team. And obviously, when you have Alex Toolson behind you,
if you do make a mistake, there's a good likelihood
that he'll bail you out, so credit to him as well.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
So your next assignment Western Sydney, this afternoon. They're the
league's leading goal scorers. So how big a defensive challenge
are you expecting from the Wanderers this afternoon?
Speaker 4 (05:47):
Yeah, there are credit they're a very good side. Obviously,
they score lots and lots of goals. So I guess
for a defender it's my job to try and prevent
that today. And you know, I think we're just trying
and focus on trusting the process and what we've done
throughout the week in practice to try and you know,
keep them quiet is hopefully what we'll do. And I
(06:09):
guess at the end of the ninety we'll see who
comes out on top.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
I guess the feature of their side, too, Dan, is
they've got a number of threats. You know, it's not
just one guy's getting all their goals. Nicholas Milanovitch has
got ten, but Bodjerd kry of seven, Zac Satsford seven,
Mark Zanons and six Brandon Morello current Zakaru with six.
How much more challenging does it make it when you're
not just focusing on on shutting down one guy.
Speaker 4 (06:33):
Yeah, exactly. When obviously a quality side like the Wonderers
have goals coming in from every way. It's obviously quite
a challenge, but you know, I think we're quite sound
defensively as well, So I think as a defender, you know,
you look forward to these games where you know there's
multiple threats coming in at once. So I'm excited to
(06:54):
play and I'll see how I go.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
So depending on how things go over the next couple
of weeks, it's possible that you could secure the Premier's
plate as early as next weekend. This relies on a
few things happening. You guys winning other teams, not that
sort of thing. Do you look at the table? Do
you do the maths? Are you that kind of play
that kind of footballer?
Speaker 4 (07:16):
Piiney. Look, I've never been very good at math, so
I feel like even if I wanted to do the math,
I wouldn't be able to work it out in my
head or I'd be here until the end of the
season trying to figure out if we've won or not.
So that being said, you know, it's been quite common
throughout the team that we all stay humble and we
just look at it each week, week by week, and hopefully,
(07:38):
you know, we're trusting the process by building results each week,
we'll get their awards by the end of the season.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Well, you you come in with championship pedigree. Of course,
you went back to back A league championships with the
Mariners last two seasons. Last season, you want to treble
of trophies. Do you sense in this Auckland FC team
some similar qualities to the Mariners teams that you were
a part of in the last couple of seasons.
Speaker 4 (08:01):
Yeah, definitely. I think, you know, having a winning mentality
and just being very competitive in training translates a lot
of the games. And obviously with my former side and
current side, you know, there's good people around you that
push you each week and each day. So I think
that's just the recipe for success and it's working so far.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Certainly is. And you are still waiting for your first
Auckland FC goal. I know you've been out for a while,
you know that, so that hasn't helped. But has that
been a topic of conversation at all? Nando's got one,
Freendy's got one, Heroki? You know, has it been talked
about at all that you're still to open your account?
Speaker 4 (08:37):
Yeah, well, I'm glad. I think you're the first one
to mention it, because I've been I've been to be fair, Piney,
I've been thinking about it. I mean, this Nando guy
that plays next to me is almost our leading goal scorer,
so he's not making me look very good. So I
think I'll have to work out something because I've got enough.
I've got lots and lots of celebrations to pull out
when I do finally get one, So you'll have to
(08:58):
stay tuned.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
I will stay tuned. Hopefully it will happen this afternoon
and or certainly at a very important time. Dan, such
a pleasure to catch up. Awesome to have you back
out there with Auckland FC for the run towards the finals.
Thanks for the chat mate, and all the best against
the Wanderers this afternoon. Thank you very much to take
care now you take care to Dan Hall. What a
character center back for Auckland f C. Western Sydney Wanderers
(09:19):
are their opponent this afternoon five o'clock kickoff at go
Media Stadium.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk zed B weekends from midday or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com