April 26, 2025 • 15 mins
Auckland FC's historic A-League premiership win will be celebrated this afternoon when they lift the regular season silverware following their clash against Perth Glory at Mt Smart.
Thanks to results overnight, the Black Knights have an unassailable lead at the top of the table heading into their penultimate match.
Gun midfielder Louis Verstraete joined Piney to unpack what made the side so successful in its debut season.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from Newstalks.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
A be loive Strata joins us. Thanks for taking our call,
LOWI why do you think Auckland FC have been so
successful this season?
Speaker 3 (00:21):
Yeah, I've thought about it.
Speaker 4 (00:22):
I think the main so obviously, there is a lot
of quality in the team. Without quality, it's it's not
possible to reach anything. But second of all, I think
the way we defend as a as a team. I
think this is what what makes us better than other
teams because we obviously we will score goals, but I
(00:43):
think we have the best defense in the in the
league statistic wise. But it's not just the defenders, it's
also mediealds and and even strikers.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
The way they they help the team out.
Speaker 4 (00:54):
I think this is quite extraordinary because if you look
at other teams, I think not not the not eleven
players on the pitch really work for each other, and
I think this has been the main difference between us
and other teams. I think why have we been successful?
Speaker 2 (01:09):
I remember your coach Steve Carriker saying that when you
first spoke to him, you told him that you love
to defend. It's not everybody's cap of tea, but you
love defending in those midfield spaces. So do you take
a sense of personal pride for your part in the
solid defense of the team this season?
Speaker 4 (01:28):
Yeah, I think I'd try to do my job as
good as possible. Like you said, I told Steve before
I came here what he can expect from me and
what I like to do on the pitch, and I
tried to do as good as possible. And I must
say I'm quite satisfied with my season so far, but
we still have.
Speaker 3 (01:46):
To finish it off at a quity good note.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
So and last week, of course, you scored a goal
and assisted another one against Melbourne Victory and the two
nil went over there. But a superb all round performance
from you as well, Louis. I know you probably don't
want to talk about yourself too much, but was that
one of your best games for AUKLANDFCA this season.
Speaker 3 (02:09):
Yeah, I think I felt pretty good in that game.
Speaker 4 (02:12):
But it's always when when you get some statistics, when
you have a goal and an assist, all of a sudden,
your performance is.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
Like is way better than it than it actually was.
Speaker 4 (02:22):
I think I was satisfied with the performance but I,
for example, I had a better feeling the week before.
So sometimes like your your own personal feeling on the pitch,
it's maybe not how people perceive the game when they
were watching. But obviously I felt I felt good and
it was nice to get the goal. And that's also
what what what the support is and what everyone remembers,
(02:43):
so that's that's good.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
When you first agreed to come to AUCKLANDFC, what were
your expectations before you arrived.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
To be fair, I did not really know what to
expect because there was so many question marks. I didn't
know how the what the level of the league was,
how our new team was, how we were going to
perform the first year. We we obviously most of us
didn't know each other. We we hadn't played with each
other yet, so there was a lot of uncertainty. And
(03:15):
I think I just came with an open mind and
I wanted to be I want to personally, I just
wanted to prove myself to to to all the people
gave me.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
The confidence to to sign here.
Speaker 4 (03:27):
But it was yeah, I didn't really have like a
goal in mind for what I wanted to achieve the season.
I just wanted to play every game, and and I
wanted to be a reliable player for the team.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
That was my main main objective.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
How long after you arrived then did you realize that
this team was a good team and that it could
actually do something pretty special in this first season.
Speaker 4 (03:51):
I think to be fair, I noticed straight away that
we had we had called in the team, but especially
the preseason games. We when I arrived at the same
time as a Gamin in Philippe and Nada still had
to come so we were not like our full strength
yet and we still we still also physically weren't at
(04:12):
our best. So for me, I think after our first
first two or three official games, then then I started
to realize, okay, we might we might be able to
do something this season. But I think for for me
and for the team, those first victories were really important
to to get the self believe up and to give
(04:32):
us a boost and what we could have achieved, what
we could achieve this season.
Speaker 2 (04:38):
And what about the standard of the football in the
I League? Louis was that what do you expected? What
do you what do you make of the standard in
the I League?
Speaker 4 (04:45):
Like I said, I didn't know what to expect, but
I must say it's it's a very good league, a
very competitive league, A lot of talent in the league
as well.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
I think.
Speaker 4 (04:55):
I think also that that that I think on on
a global skill, I think the A League is not
valued as it should. I think there are very very
good players in this league, and the way I think
as a neutral fan, I think it's also nice to
watch the Gays because there was so much, so much goals,
and it's it's open place, so I didn't know what
(05:18):
to expect, but I didn't expect this, that's for sure.
It's it's been a very good experience, I must say.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
And what about the travel, because I know when you
were based in Europe and playing over there, you wouldn't
have had to travel the distances you do here for
away games. You know, trains Tasman across to Australia every
other week. How have you adjusted to the extra travel
required down here.
Speaker 4 (05:41):
Yeah, for me, especially in the beginning, it was it
was a bit hard for me because, like you said,
like the longest trip I did in Belgium was two
hours with the bus, and in my mind that was
already a long trip. So we went to Perth or
even the first time we went to Sydney, and for me,
it was I needed. It was quite an adaptation for
(06:01):
me because especially the flying for me, it takes takes
a bit of energy out of me. But yeah, we
we always go a little bit on beforehand. We we
have a lot of we tried. Let's say our physical coach.
He wants to create the best circumstances. So yeah, that
(06:23):
all helps. But in the end, it's it's tricky and
you have to you have to be mindful, like how
you travel, trying to get up in the plane. Also
you have to get used to sleeping in a hotel
so much away from home. So it's all little factors.
But now I'm quite used to it. But yeah, that
was that was quite often I had to.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
Adapt to that. Yeah, I wasn't. I wasn't ready in
the beginning, let's.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Say, and before last weekend, when of course you beat
Melbourne victory, you had drawn five of the previous six games,
and three of those were at home after holding the lead.
So was that becoming in any way frustrating that you
couldn't convert some of those draws, particularly at home, into wins.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
Yeah, I think.
Speaker 4 (07:07):
I think Also you could say, like in the beginning
of the season, look was a little bit on our side,
and I think at that period luck wasn't. There were
a few games I think we always should have won.
They also it's always easy afterwards. But I think also
I remember, like the Adelade game, like some referee decisions
that were not in our favor. So I think it
(07:29):
was multiple factors and I'm.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
Not quite sure what it was why we drew so much.
Speaker 4 (07:36):
But I felt that we should have won at least
a few of those games. But in the end, it's
football and you need that bit of luck and sometimes
you have it and sometimes you don't. So yeah, it's
it's part of the game, all right.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Hey, Louis, thanks for taking the time today. DEVI chat
to us. Enjoy yourself this afternoon at what will be
a great occasion to go media stadium. Louisvistrata, Belgian midfield
of Auckland. Have seen now in goal for Perth a
familiar face, all white goalkeeper Ollie Style as back in
as hometown and he joins us, how does it feel
to be back in your hometown Onie for a game
(08:10):
of football, even though you are on the opposition side.
Speaker 5 (08:13):
It's great, mate, Obviously I love playing at home in
Auckland in front of friends and family, and obviously an
exciting time for myself first taste of orcan f C.
Speaker 6 (08:24):
And nowt's smart and modern occasion.
Speaker 5 (08:26):
Because obviously it's going to be a big crowd and
it's nice to kind of tap into what they're feeling
this year and all that excitement.
Speaker 6 (08:34):
So I'm really looking forward to this evening.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Absolutely a big occasion coming, as I say, for the
home side. But how do you approach it as the visitors,
as you try to spoil their party?
Speaker 5 (08:45):
Yeah, look, obviously without coming across as too much of
a villain. I don't want people to dislike me too much.
We are here to spoil the party. And you know,
from my perspective as a usual football advocate, as an
orcand boy, as a friend of.
Speaker 6 (09:00):
Many of the Orkland boys.
Speaker 5 (09:03):
There, there's so much I mean, it's really excited about
what they're doing and I'm so proud of them, and
you know, it's easy. It's slightly easier for me to
say because we're not at the end of the table
competing with them, but I am extremely happy for them.
Speaker 6 (09:17):
But yeah, like I said, we've got a job to do.
Speaker 5 (09:19):
And you know, we got one over one over them
at home earlier in the season, and for us, we've
got our own ambitions, so yeah, look we're here to
spoil the party.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Just on the game where you beat them over in
Western Australia. There only lost two games all year, as
you'll know, only one away and that was to you guys.
Can you take anything from that game that might be
useful today.
Speaker 6 (09:42):
Absolutely, you know that they are.
Speaker 5 (09:44):
A really big side, a very physical side, and looking
back on it, probably it was one of the few
games this season where we really fronted up physically with energy.
Obviously at home we're very fortunate even during tough circumstances
we get a really good following and HbF Park is
a fantastic atmosphere, and yeah, we.
Speaker 6 (10:04):
Just really fronted up physically.
Speaker 5 (10:06):
We matched everything there through it us We almost bullied them,
which is a really strong part of their game.
Speaker 6 (10:12):
And yeah, we just didn't really allow them into the game.
Speaker 5 (10:14):
They started to build some momentum in the back end
of the second half and we were very resolute and
just stood tall. So yeah, looking to hurt them early
like we did last time, I think that helps. They're
a very strong side, but they don't necessarily score heaps
of goals. I think it's their defense, defensive structure and
defensive efforts that have put them in this position. So
(10:37):
if we can rattle their cage early and hopefully score
really then I think, yeah, it puts the pressure on them.
And obviously, like you just touched on, it's an occasion
for them and we don't really have anything to lose,
so we're just going out there playing with freedom and
looking to enjoy the occasion in the atmosphere.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
The win over Auckland FC was one of the high
points in what has been a difficult season for Perth Glory.
Why hasn't it gone your way this season?
Speaker 5 (11:02):
Look, it's obviously still a period of change and I
know the fan probably frustrated here in that and we
are too. I think since the beginning of last season
when we went through some difficulties with ownership and all
of that sort of stuff. We're slowly rebuilding. But I
think we started the season with a very very young
side and we were on the back foot early. We've
(11:23):
got a new coach's that's implementing his structure and philosophies.
Speaker 6 (11:27):
And it just hasn't quite.
Speaker 5 (11:30):
Arrived quickly enough, and everything hasn't quite fallen into place
quickly enough.
Speaker 6 (11:34):
There's been glimpses. I think probably.
Speaker 5 (11:36):
Since January we've shown enough and just about every game,
probably by one or two to win and to take
positives out of the game. But we're just we're just
struggling to complete a really solid ninety minutes. I think
a really good example is we played probably our best
game of the year last time out at home against
(12:00):
so against Adelaide United, and we just put them to
the sword, but even so we still managed to give
them a really off goal, and that's just kind of
been the story of our campaign. Fortunately enough for us,
we played so well and took our chances at the
other end, which it didn't really matter, but we just
we tend.
Speaker 6 (12:16):
To play quite well but then just let teams into
the game.
Speaker 5 (12:20):
So it's about consistency for us and putting together ninety
minute performance. But I think what we're building is starting
to look positive, and I think the back half of
the season has kind of shone more glimpses of that.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
Certainly, and talking of building and rebuilding and adding on,
nothing's been confirmed here yet, but there's some fairly strong
male that a couple of your former Phoenix teammates might
be joining you at Perth Glory next season. Sam Sutton
Scott Wooton if that were to happen, what would they
add to your playing group?
Speaker 5 (12:50):
Well, yeah, like you said, I have heard those rumors too,
so I think for me, whether it's true or not,
it signals the shows that the clubs got the right intent.
You know, they want to add experience, they want to
add good quality, like young player in the form of
sut who brings energy and knows what it takes to
(13:11):
compete at the top of the league off the back
of last seasons fantastic campaign for Wellington. And then obviously
you've got Scotty who just brings a wealth of experience and.
Speaker 6 (13:22):
Solidity at the back.
Speaker 5 (13:25):
He's played at all sorts of levels and both great
characters as I know. Well, so yeah, if those two
signings were to come true and those come to fruition,
then I think from the fans perspective at Perth it's
a strong shove and tenth and I hope that we
can continue building building a really strong squad.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
And it wasn't that long ago you were in Augland
actually of course, with the All Whites securing your place
at the World Cup next year, how motivated are you
personally only to be part of that squad that goes
to the World Cup?
Speaker 6 (13:56):
Hugely? Hugely.
Speaker 5 (13:57):
Obviously, it's been a gyom mine for a long time
and it's been something that I've been working towards for
a long period of time, and the decisions that I've
made over the last few seasons have all kind of
centered around the plan to play it next year's World Cup.
And for me, obviously, it's been a frustrating period with
football over the last two seasons and I've kind of
slipped down the pecking order a little bit at the
(14:17):
All Whites. But if anything, being a part of the
qualification campaign most recently in those games in March, it
just it just fueled the fire inside of me that
I want to be playing and that I want to
be out there performing at the World Cups. So yeah,
it was it was so much fun. It's fantastic group.
I can't speak highly enough of the group and the
culture that everyone a part of that. Everyone at news
(14:41):
in football has been a part of the build that
and yeah, it's very exciting time.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
Yeah, absolutely, it has an exciting occasion coming this afternoon. Well,
I hope, as far as you're concerned, Olie En for
Perth Glory, that you can play the villain this afternoon.
I get the feeling, as I say, you'll still be
asked for plenty of autographs and selfies afterwards. Mate, thanks
for taking the time for a chat. Look forward to
seeing you in a few hours my pleasure.
Speaker 6 (15:04):
Thanks for having me as always, Pony.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk set B weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from Newstalks.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
A be loive Strata joins us. Thanks for taking our call,
LOWI why do you think Auckland FC have been so
successful this season?
Speaker 3 (00:21):
Yeah, I've thought about it.
Speaker 4 (00:22):
I think the main so obviously, there is a lot
of quality in the team. Without quality, it's it's not
possible to reach anything. But second of all, I think
the way we defend as a as a team. I
think this is what what makes us better than other
teams because we obviously we will score goals, but I
(00:43):
think we have the best defense in the in the
league statistic wise. But it's not just the defenders, it's
also mediealds and and even strikers.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
The way they they help the team out.
Speaker 4 (00:54):
I think this is quite extraordinary because if you look
at other teams, I think not not the not eleven
players on the pitch really work for each other, and
I think this has been the main difference between us
and other teams. I think why have we been successful?
Speaker 2 (01:09):
I remember your coach Steve Carriker saying that when you
first spoke to him, you told him that you love
to defend. It's not everybody's cap of tea, but you
love defending in those midfield spaces. So do you take
a sense of personal pride for your part in the
solid defense of the team this season?
Speaker 4 (01:28):
Yeah, I think I'd try to do my job as
good as possible. Like you said, I told Steve before
I came here what he can expect from me and
what I like to do on the pitch, and I
tried to do as good as possible. And I must
say I'm quite satisfied with my season so far, but
we still have.
Speaker 3 (01:46):
To finish it off at a quity good note.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
So and last week, of course, you scored a goal
and assisted another one against Melbourne Victory and the two
nil went over there. But a superb all round performance
from you as well, Louis. I know you probably don't
want to talk about yourself too much, but was that
one of your best games for AUKLANDFCA this season.
Speaker 3 (02:09):
Yeah, I think I felt pretty good in that game.
Speaker 4 (02:12):
But it's always when when you get some statistics, when
you have a goal and an assist, all of a sudden,
your performance is.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
Like is way better than it than it actually was.
Speaker 4 (02:22):
I think I was satisfied with the performance but I,
for example, I had a better feeling the week before.
So sometimes like your your own personal feeling on the pitch,
it's maybe not how people perceive the game when they
were watching. But obviously I felt I felt good and
it was nice to get the goal. And that's also
what what what the support is and what everyone remembers,
(02:43):
so that's that's good.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
When you first agreed to come to AUCKLANDFC, what were
your expectations before you arrived.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
To be fair, I did not really know what to
expect because there was so many question marks. I didn't
know how the what the level of the league was,
how our new team was, how we were going to
perform the first year. We we obviously most of us
didn't know each other. We we hadn't played with each
other yet, so there was a lot of uncertainty. And
(03:15):
I think I just came with an open mind and
I wanted to be I want to personally, I just
wanted to prove myself to to to all the people
gave me.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
The confidence to to sign here.
Speaker 4 (03:27):
But it was yeah, I didn't really have like a
goal in mind for what I wanted to achieve the season.
I just wanted to play every game, and and I
wanted to be a reliable player for the team.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
That was my main main objective.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
How long after you arrived then did you realize that
this team was a good team and that it could
actually do something pretty special in this first season.
Speaker 4 (03:51):
I think to be fair, I noticed straight away that
we had we had called in the team, but especially
the preseason games. We when I arrived at the same
time as a Gamin in Philippe and Nada still had
to come so we were not like our full strength
yet and we still we still also physically weren't at
(04:12):
our best. So for me, I think after our first
first two or three official games, then then I started
to realize, okay, we might we might be able to
do something this season. But I think for for me
and for the team, those first victories were really important
to to get the self believe up and to give
(04:32):
us a boost and what we could have achieved, what
we could achieve this season.
Speaker 2 (04:38):
And what about the standard of the football in the
I League? Louis was that what do you expected? What
do you what do you make of the standard in
the I League?
Speaker 4 (04:45):
Like I said, I didn't know what to expect, but
I must say it's it's a very good league, a
very competitive league, A lot of talent in the league
as well.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
I think.
Speaker 4 (04:55):
I think also that that that I think on on
a global skill, I think the A League is not
valued as it should. I think there are very very
good players in this league, and the way I think
as a neutral fan, I think it's also nice to
watch the Gays because there was so much, so much goals,
and it's it's open place, so I didn't know what
(05:18):
to expect, but I didn't expect this, that's for sure.
It's it's been a very good experience, I must say.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
And what about the travel, because I know when you
were based in Europe and playing over there, you wouldn't
have had to travel the distances you do here for
away games. You know, trains Tasman across to Australia every
other week. How have you adjusted to the extra travel
required down here.
Speaker 4 (05:41):
Yeah, for me, especially in the beginning, it was it
was a bit hard for me because, like you said,
like the longest trip I did in Belgium was two
hours with the bus, and in my mind that was
already a long trip. So we went to Perth or
even the first time we went to Sydney, and for me,
it was I needed. It was quite an adaptation for
(06:01):
me because especially the flying for me, it takes takes
a bit of energy out of me. But yeah, we
we always go a little bit on beforehand. We we
have a lot of we tried. Let's say our physical coach.
He wants to create the best circumstances. So yeah, that
(06:23):
all helps. But in the end, it's it's tricky and
you have to you have to be mindful, like how
you travel, trying to get up in the plane. Also
you have to get used to sleeping in a hotel
so much away from home. So it's all little factors.
But now I'm quite used to it. But yeah, that
was that was quite often I had to.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
Adapt to that. Yeah, I wasn't. I wasn't ready in
the beginning, let's.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Say, and before last weekend, when of course you beat
Melbourne victory, you had drawn five of the previous six games,
and three of those were at home after holding the lead.
So was that becoming in any way frustrating that you
couldn't convert some of those draws, particularly at home, into wins.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
Yeah, I think.
Speaker 4 (07:07):
I think Also you could say, like in the beginning
of the season, look was a little bit on our side,
and I think at that period luck wasn't. There were
a few games I think we always should have won.
They also it's always easy afterwards. But I think also
I remember, like the Adelade game, like some referee decisions
that were not in our favor. So I think it
(07:29):
was multiple factors and I'm.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
Not quite sure what it was why we drew so much.
Speaker 4 (07:36):
But I felt that we should have won at least
a few of those games. But in the end, it's
football and you need that bit of luck and sometimes
you have it and sometimes you don't. So yeah, it's
it's part of the game, all right.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Hey, Louis, thanks for taking the time today. DEVI chat
to us. Enjoy yourself this afternoon at what will be
a great occasion to go media stadium. Louisvistrata, Belgian midfield
of Auckland. Have seen now in goal for Perth a
familiar face, all white goalkeeper Ollie Style as back in
as hometown and he joins us, how does it feel
to be back in your hometown Onie for a game
(08:10):
of football, even though you are on the opposition side.
Speaker 5 (08:13):
It's great, mate, Obviously I love playing at home in
Auckland in front of friends and family, and obviously an
exciting time for myself first taste of orcan f C.
Speaker 6 (08:24):
And nowt's smart and modern occasion.
Speaker 5 (08:26):
Because obviously it's going to be a big crowd and
it's nice to kind of tap into what they're feeling
this year and all that excitement.
Speaker 6 (08:34):
So I'm really looking forward to this evening.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Absolutely a big occasion coming, as I say, for the
home side. But how do you approach it as the visitors,
as you try to spoil their party?
Speaker 5 (08:45):
Yeah, look, obviously without coming across as too much of
a villain. I don't want people to dislike me too much.
We are here to spoil the party. And you know,
from my perspective as a usual football advocate, as an
orcand boy, as a friend of.
Speaker 6 (09:00):
Many of the Orkland boys.
Speaker 5 (09:03):
There, there's so much I mean, it's really excited about
what they're doing and I'm so proud of them, and
you know, it's easy. It's slightly easier for me to
say because we're not at the end of the table
competing with them, but I am extremely happy for them.
Speaker 6 (09:17):
But yeah, like I said, we've got a job to do.
Speaker 5 (09:19):
And you know, we got one over one over them
at home earlier in the season, and for us, we've
got our own ambitions, so yeah, look we're here to
spoil the party.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Just on the game where you beat them over in
Western Australia. There only lost two games all year, as
you'll know, only one away and that was to you guys.
Can you take anything from that game that might be
useful today.
Speaker 6 (09:42):
Absolutely, you know that they are.
Speaker 5 (09:44):
A really big side, a very physical side, and looking
back on it, probably it was one of the few
games this season where we really fronted up physically with energy.
Obviously at home we're very fortunate even during tough circumstances
we get a really good following and HbF Park is
a fantastic atmosphere, and yeah, we.
Speaker 6 (10:04):
Just really fronted up physically.
Speaker 5 (10:06):
We matched everything there through it us We almost bullied them,
which is a really strong part of their game.
Speaker 6 (10:12):
And yeah, we just didn't really allow them into the game.
Speaker 5 (10:14):
They started to build some momentum in the back end
of the second half and we were very resolute and
just stood tall. So yeah, looking to hurt them early
like we did last time, I think that helps. They're
a very strong side, but they don't necessarily score heaps
of goals. I think it's their defense, defensive structure and
defensive efforts that have put them in this position. So
(10:37):
if we can rattle their cage early and hopefully score
really then I think, yeah, it puts the pressure on them.
And obviously, like you just touched on, it's an occasion
for them and we don't really have anything to lose,
so we're just going out there playing with freedom and
looking to enjoy the occasion in the atmosphere.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
The win over Auckland FC was one of the high
points in what has been a difficult season for Perth Glory.
Why hasn't it gone your way this season?
Speaker 5 (11:02):
Look, it's obviously still a period of change and I
know the fan probably frustrated here in that and we
are too. I think since the beginning of last season
when we went through some difficulties with ownership and all
of that sort of stuff. We're slowly rebuilding. But I
think we started the season with a very very young
side and we were on the back foot early. We've
(11:23):
got a new coach's that's implementing his structure and philosophies.
Speaker 6 (11:27):
And it just hasn't quite.
Speaker 5 (11:30):
Arrived quickly enough, and everything hasn't quite fallen into place
quickly enough.
Speaker 6 (11:34):
There's been glimpses. I think probably.
Speaker 5 (11:36):
Since January we've shown enough and just about every game,
probably by one or two to win and to take
positives out of the game. But we're just we're just
struggling to complete a really solid ninety minutes. I think
a really good example is we played probably our best
game of the year last time out at home against
(12:00):
so against Adelaide United, and we just put them to
the sword, but even so we still managed to give
them a really off goal, and that's just kind of
been the story of our campaign. Fortunately enough for us,
we played so well and took our chances at the
other end, which it didn't really matter, but we just
we tend.
Speaker 6 (12:16):
To play quite well but then just let teams into
the game.
Speaker 5 (12:20):
So it's about consistency for us and putting together ninety
minute performance. But I think what we're building is starting
to look positive, and I think the back half of
the season has kind of shone more glimpses of that.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
Certainly, and talking of building and rebuilding and adding on,
nothing's been confirmed here yet, but there's some fairly strong
male that a couple of your former Phoenix teammates might
be joining you at Perth Glory next season. Sam Sutton
Scott Wooton if that were to happen, what would they
add to your playing group?
Speaker 5 (12:50):
Well, yeah, like you said, I have heard those rumors too,
so I think for me, whether it's true or not,
it signals the shows that the clubs got the right intent.
You know, they want to add experience, they want to
add good quality, like young player in the form of
sut who brings energy and knows what it takes to
(13:11):
compete at the top of the league off the back
of last seasons fantastic campaign for Wellington. And then obviously
you've got Scotty who just brings a wealth of experience and.
Speaker 6 (13:22):
Solidity at the back.
Speaker 5 (13:25):
He's played at all sorts of levels and both great
characters as I know. Well, so yeah, if those two
signings were to come true and those come to fruition,
then I think from the fans perspective at Perth it's
a strong shove and tenth and I hope that we
can continue building building a really strong squad.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
And it wasn't that long ago you were in Augland
actually of course, with the All Whites securing your place
at the World Cup next year, how motivated are you
personally only to be part of that squad that goes
to the World Cup?
Speaker 6 (13:56):
Hugely? Hugely.
Speaker 5 (13:57):
Obviously, it's been a gyom mine for a long time
and it's been something that I've been working towards for
a long period of time, and the decisions that I've
made over the last few seasons have all kind of
centered around the plan to play it next year's World Cup.
And for me, obviously, it's been a frustrating period with
football over the last two seasons and I've kind of
slipped down the pecking order a little bit at the
(14:17):
All Whites. But if anything, being a part of the
qualification campaign most recently in those games in March, it
just it just fueled the fire inside of me that
I want to be playing and that I want to
be out there performing at the World Cups. So yeah,
it was it was so much fun. It's fantastic group.
I can't speak highly enough of the group and the
culture that everyone a part of that. Everyone at news
(14:41):
in football has been a part of the build that
and yeah, it's very exciting time.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
Yeah, absolutely, it has an exciting occasion coming this afternoon. Well,
I hope, as far as you're concerned, Olie En for
Perth Glory, that you can play the villain this afternoon.
I get the feeling, as I say, you'll still be
asked for plenty of autographs and selfies afterwards. Mate, thanks
for taking the time for a chat. Look forward to
seeing you in a few hours my pleasure.
Speaker 6 (15:04):
Thanks for having me as always, Pony.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk set B weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
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