November 7, 2025 • 11 mins
It’s the first NZ football derby of the new A-League season tonight, Auckland FC traveling down to meet the Wellington Phoenix on their home turf.
They’re looking to maintain their undefeated streak against their counterparts, with injury lay-offs on both sides.
Defender Francis De Vries is a key component for Auckland FC, his plays providing ample goal scoring opportunities for the team’s attackers.
He joined Piney for a chat about their plans to nullify the Phoenix’s threat, and delved into how big of a deal a derby is.
“I think it's a fantastic thing for all of New Zealand to have two teams in the competition and two opportunities for Kiwi players to step up and, and show the capabilities that we have in this country.”
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from Newstalks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
New Zealand A League Derby of the season tonight Wellington
Phoenix Auckland f C Sky Stadium, seven o'clock kickoff. Last
season it was derby domination for Auckland f C. We've
had seven and a half minutes. I've ad a time.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
New Zealand Football is blue.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Bragging rights for the A League's new.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Boys, breathtaking, farm storming, brilliant game of football, electric blue
in the derby. There can be absolutely no doubts. New
(00:56):
Zealand Football is blue and black. Auckland f C have
pulverized Wellington Phoenix today.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Last season two nil, two to one, six to one,
but it is a new season now. Both sides coming
into the match unbeaten after their first three matches, so
in pretty good form. We'll get you inside the Phoenix
camp soon. But Auckland f C and all Whites fallback.
Francis Devrees is with us on the show. Francis, thanks
for your time. What's your overall evaluation before we look
(01:26):
at tonight of the first three games of the season
for Auckland FC.
Speaker 4 (01:31):
It's been a positive start for us. I think we've
had tough fixtures, so it's nice to know that we
can gel together quickly as a team as we did
last year, and I think the feeling in the squad
is good, so I'm definitely looking forward to the game tonight.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
You've started well defensively again, just the one goal conceded
in three matches so far. What is behind this ongoing
defensive solidity that's become a real hallmark of Auckland FC.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
I think a couple of things, Like, obviously the work
rate of the whole team is exceptional. I think we
see that every week in terms of how we pressed
from the front and how much of the midfield is
to get back and everyone working together. So that's the start,
and then I think after that we really started to
build that as part of who we are as a
club and people take pride in it.
Speaker 5 (02:18):
So yeah, it's a combination of things. Obviously a lot of.
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Practice and a lot of hard work, but it's extremely
positive and a real joy to be a part of.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
At the other end, just the three goals scored in
three games so far, it's becoming a bit more prolific.
Is that a work on has that been a work
on for you guys for sure.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
I mean as a footballer individually and as a team,
you're you're always looking to improve, and it's definitely one
of the areas that we've identified that we can continue
to improve on and also gel together a little bit more.
I think you can see there are goals in the team,
so it's a question of when, not if, And personally,
(02:58):
I'm really looking forward to seeing who steps up and
who scores a.
Speaker 5 (03:02):
Few crackers like we had last year.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
So hopefully that's something that we can begin to add
more and more as the season goes on.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
We've got a new target man this season in English
striker Sam Cosgrove, a real aerial threat. We saw him
open his account last weekend from one of your crosses
at set peace time. How much have you worked together
on set piece and open play delivery the two of
you specifically.
Speaker 4 (03:26):
It's been a bit broken, to be honest, because I
mean I've been away with New Zealand so much in
this preseason, so I'd say we're still understanding each other
and still figuring out how to best connect. But as
you saw on the weekend, I think it is starting
to come together and it's always a great feeling to
do that in front of your home fans. So I
(03:46):
think for him was obviously a great moment and a
lot of pride in getting his first goal for Auckland
and hopefully plenty more to come. And whether they're off
my boot for the assistant or someone else's, it's all good.
Like as long as the team is going forwards, I
think everybody benefits, so we'll be nice to see how
he continues his one Like that.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Is Darby week different from a normal A league week?
Speaker 5 (04:11):
Do you mean, like in terms of how we prepare
for it.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Which is how it feels more than anything. I know
you probably prepare the same way, but do you do
you feel a bit different about such a you know,
such a big game.
Speaker 4 (04:22):
Yeah, I think I think definitely yes, And obviously being
from New Zealand, it's it's quite a special need.
Speaker 5 (04:27):
To be a part of.
Speaker 4 (04:28):
Like I just want to reiterate again, like it's I
think it's a fantastic thing for all of New Zealand
to have two teams in the competition and two opportunities
for KWI players to step up and show the capabilities
that we have in this country and more and more
we're growing as a nation with football, So I think
this is a super important aspect to it, and it
(04:50):
definitely makes you excited to play and when you have
this week of excitement coming up.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Yeah, I heard your coach Steve Corriker earlier in the
week and he does not shy away from it at all,
you know, he is, by the sounds of it anyway,
embracing the fact that this is an exciting occasion for players,
for fans, for coaches alike. Is there any danger for
any of letting letting the enormity of a game get
the better of you. Do you have to consciously stay grounded.
Speaker 4 (05:20):
Yeah, that's something that we've spoken about this week as well,
and we have some good help there with Hamous who
works with us on our mindset and got a lot
of experience in the squad as well.
Speaker 5 (05:29):
So there's definitely something to be.
Speaker 4 (05:31):
Conscious of and something that we have some strategies around
of how to regulate yourself, how to stay focused, how
to be composed in those big moments.
Speaker 5 (05:40):
So looking forward to putting that into practice this weekend.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
And your skip of Hierroarchi Sarki unfortunately is going to
miss not only this game, but by the sounds of it,
about six weeks with the hamstring injury he picked up
last weekend against Adelaide. How big a loss is Hiroki Sarki.
Speaker 5 (05:56):
It's tough, tough for him, tough for us.
Speaker 4 (05:59):
He's obviously a massive player in our team with what
he brings quality wise and also leadership was although I
would say when Callen came on, fantastic job, as he
does every time he plays in my opinion, So again,
it's another opportunity for a New Zealand player to excel
in the league, and no doubt he will do that
(06:20):
as he has done for us last year. So yeah,
it's a tough loss, but we also have a very
capable player coming into that position and someone who can
really positively impact the game for our team.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
What about in terms of the leadership on the field,
does Hiroki play a big part there or is that
more a guy I don't know from the outside, looking
like Jake Brimmer who seems to be a lot more
vocal on the grass.
Speaker 5 (06:43):
It's a good question. I think it depends a little
bit on the game.
Speaker 4 (06:47):
I think we have a lot of leaders within the team.
Speaker 5 (06:51):
Someone who stands.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
Out for me is Dan Hall with how he leads,
just in terms of how he communicates with other players
on the field, how he sees people, and how he
makes you feel like trusted and well after.
Speaker 5 (07:06):
So that's just one example. There's examples everywhere as well.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
Obviously HEROCKI is the man with the armband most games
and he's the one that is kind of the focal point.
But I think the leadership has also spread throughout the
team and that's been one of our strengths last year
and hopefully to continue this year as well.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Auckland FC played twenty eight games last season. Three this season.
You're the only player to have started every single one
of those thirty one games. How much do you pride
yourself on being hard to leave out?
Speaker 5 (07:38):
Yeah, it's a great feeling. Obviously.
Speaker 4 (07:39):
I think that the hallmark of a good player, and
this is what I've believed all my career is consistency
and being reliable and that kind of comes over time
and to see that happening now within this environment is
pretty special. It's something that I'm really proud of. And
you know, when I called Dad after the game and Mum,
they're stoked about it too, So it's just really nice
(08:01):
to be contributing and to be able to pass on
those great memories to the people that you care about.
Speaker 5 (08:08):
So yeah, no, it's a really big point of pride
for sure.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
And after this game International Window you jump on a
plane to the United States for the All White's latest
Window matches against Columbia and Ecuador. You've started the last
four matches for New Zealand, You're starting to feel as
though next year's World Cup is really solidifying for you
as a as a squad you're going to be a
part of.
Speaker 5 (08:31):
I don't think so, not yet.
Speaker 4 (08:32):
I mean there's a bit of baggage there with obviously
after the last qualifiers that's when I did my ACL
so I kind of know, you know that at one
small moment kind of changed everything for me in my
career and what I thought might happen and didn't end
up happening.
Speaker 5 (08:46):
So I'm definitely not taking it for granted.
Speaker 4 (08:49):
And and also again back to the consistency thing is that's
kind of what you want to show, is that there's
no guarantees in football in week to week things can
change so quickly.
Speaker 5 (08:59):
So now it would just be obviously.
Speaker 4 (09:01):
Stoked to be included and looking forward to hopefully contributing
a bit more on this tour and and sharing the
dressing room with some of the great players we have
with you always, but the big focus will be on
staying consistent throughout the season and being able to play a.
Speaker 5 (09:15):
Role where I can, and just to finish.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
You know, eighteen months ago you hadn't signed for Auckland FC.
You didn't have a club. I'm sure you had irons
in the fire, Auckland FC being one of them. But
to the last eighteen months or how do the last
eighteen months feel for you?
Speaker 5 (09:30):
They feel, they feel good. There's a lot of emotions
with the last eighteen months. It's hard to.
Speaker 4 (09:36):
Describe, but I think it's something that I knew internally.
Speaker 5 (09:42):
I was capable of.
Speaker 4 (09:43):
But of course you have to have other people believing
in you too, and and you know, my partner at home,
Lesser was was always like that ever since we left
Sweden and gave up professional football there like she's been
a massive support to me. And then to have Orkan
FC start up with all the people involved has been
pretty special. To to just see what what everyone here
(10:03):
is capable of, Like I know, like most of the
is an obvious one worth playing for Suburbs.
Speaker 5 (10:08):
And then coming here from amateur to professional.
Speaker 4 (10:11):
But there's a few other boys like for example, Issy Randall,
similar situation.
Speaker 5 (10:16):
He's now expelling for us and has been great when
he's been doing the New one set up as well.
Speaker 4 (10:21):
So that's just a great pathway for New Zealand players
and I guess that's what.
Speaker 5 (10:25):
This weekend is all about as well.
Speaker 4 (10:26):
Hopefully there'll be lots of young kids watching and regardless
of who they support, seeing that there is a pathway
for young New Zeale players now and they could be
part of that in the future.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
Absolutely always love chatting football with you, Francis, all the
best in the derby tonight, mate, thanks for taking the time.
Speaker 5 (10:42):
I appreciate it. Maye enjoy the conversation. Thank you very much.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
Now, thank you for joining us, Francis. Francis Deverice there
out of the Auckland FC camp water revelation. He's been incredible,
you know. I mean a year and a half ago,
a lot of sports fans and even some football fans
weren't really they're aware of Francis Devrees, but what a
season last year and he started again in the same
way Drop that ball on the head of San Cosgrove
(11:07):
last week for the opening goal against Adelaide United. There'll
be a threat up and down the left hand side
again at sky Stadium this evening.
Speaker 1 (11:15):
For more from Weekend 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 EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
New Zealand A League Derby of the season tonight Wellington
Phoenix Auckland f C Sky Stadium, seven o'clock kickoff. Last
season it was derby domination for Auckland f C. We've
had seven and a half minutes. I've ad a time.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
New Zealand Football is blue.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Bragging rights for the A League's new.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Boys, breathtaking, farm storming, brilliant game of football, electric blue
in the derby. There can be absolutely no doubts. New
(00:56):
Zealand Football is blue and black. Auckland f C have
pulverized Wellington Phoenix today.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Last season two nil, two to one, six to one,
but it is a new season now. Both sides coming
into the match unbeaten after their first three matches, so
in pretty good form. We'll get you inside the Phoenix
camp soon. But Auckland f C and all Whites fallback.
Francis Devrees is with us on the show. Francis, thanks
for your time. What's your overall evaluation before we look
(01:26):
at tonight of the first three games of the season
for Auckland FC.
Speaker 4 (01:31):
It's been a positive start for us. I think we've
had tough fixtures, so it's nice to know that we
can gel together quickly as a team as we did
last year, and I think the feeling in the squad
is good, so I'm definitely looking forward to the game tonight.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
You've started well defensively again, just the one goal conceded
in three matches so far. What is behind this ongoing
defensive solidity that's become a real hallmark of Auckland FC.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
I think a couple of things, Like, obviously the work
rate of the whole team is exceptional. I think we
see that every week in terms of how we pressed
from the front and how much of the midfield is
to get back and everyone working together. So that's the start,
and then I think after that we really started to
build that as part of who we are as a
club and people take pride in it.
Speaker 5 (02:18):
So yeah, it's a combination of things. Obviously a lot of.
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Practice and a lot of hard work, but it's extremely
positive and a real joy to be a part of.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
At the other end, just the three goals scored in
three games so far, it's becoming a bit more prolific.
Is that a work on has that been a work
on for you guys for sure.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
I mean as a footballer individually and as a team,
you're you're always looking to improve, and it's definitely one
of the areas that we've identified that we can continue
to improve on and also gel together a little bit more.
I think you can see there are goals in the team,
so it's a question of when, not if, And personally,
(02:58):
I'm really looking forward to seeing who steps up and
who scores a.
Speaker 5 (03:02):
Few crackers like we had last year.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
So hopefully that's something that we can begin to add
more and more as the season goes on.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
We've got a new target man this season in English
striker Sam Cosgrove, a real aerial threat. We saw him
open his account last weekend from one of your crosses
at set peace time. How much have you worked together
on set piece and open play delivery the two of
you specifically.
Speaker 4 (03:26):
It's been a bit broken, to be honest, because I
mean I've been away with New Zealand so much in
this preseason, so I'd say we're still understanding each other
and still figuring out how to best connect. But as
you saw on the weekend, I think it is starting
to come together and it's always a great feeling to
do that in front of your home fans. So I
(03:46):
think for him was obviously a great moment and a
lot of pride in getting his first goal for Auckland
and hopefully plenty more to come. And whether they're off
my boot for the assistant or someone else's, it's all good.
Like as long as the team is going forwards, I
think everybody benefits, so we'll be nice to see how
he continues his one Like that.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Is Darby week different from a normal A league week?
Speaker 5 (04:11):
Do you mean, like in terms of how we prepare
for it.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Which is how it feels more than anything. I know
you probably prepare the same way, but do you do
you feel a bit different about such a you know,
such a big game.
Speaker 4 (04:22):
Yeah, I think I think definitely yes, And obviously being
from New Zealand, it's it's quite a special need.
Speaker 5 (04:27):
To be a part of.
Speaker 4 (04:28):
Like I just want to reiterate again, like it's I
think it's a fantastic thing for all of New Zealand
to have two teams in the competition and two opportunities
for KWI players to step up and show the capabilities
that we have in this country and more and more
we're growing as a nation with football, So I think
this is a super important aspect to it, and it
(04:50):
definitely makes you excited to play and when you have
this week of excitement coming up.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Yeah, I heard your coach Steve Corriker earlier in the
week and he does not shy away from it at all,
you know, he is, by the sounds of it anyway,
embracing the fact that this is an exciting occasion for players,
for fans, for coaches alike. Is there any danger for
any of letting letting the enormity of a game get
the better of you. Do you have to consciously stay grounded.
Speaker 4 (05:20):
Yeah, that's something that we've spoken about this week as well,
and we have some good help there with Hamous who
works with us on our mindset and got a lot
of experience in the squad as well.
Speaker 5 (05:29):
So there's definitely something to be.
Speaker 4 (05:31):
Conscious of and something that we have some strategies around
of how to regulate yourself, how to stay focused, how
to be composed in those big moments.
Speaker 5 (05:40):
So looking forward to putting that into practice this weekend.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
And your skip of Hierroarchi Sarki unfortunately is going to
miss not only this game, but by the sounds of it,
about six weeks with the hamstring injury he picked up
last weekend against Adelaide. How big a loss is Hiroki Sarki.
Speaker 5 (05:56):
It's tough, tough for him, tough for us.
Speaker 4 (05:59):
He's obviously a massive player in our team with what
he brings quality wise and also leadership was although I
would say when Callen came on, fantastic job, as he
does every time he plays in my opinion, So again,
it's another opportunity for a New Zealand player to excel
in the league, and no doubt he will do that
(06:20):
as he has done for us last year. So yeah,
it's a tough loss, but we also have a very
capable player coming into that position and someone who can
really positively impact the game for our team.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
What about in terms of the leadership on the field,
does Hiroki play a big part there or is that
more a guy I don't know from the outside, looking
like Jake Brimmer who seems to be a lot more
vocal on the grass.
Speaker 5 (06:43):
It's a good question. I think it depends a little
bit on the game.
Speaker 4 (06:47):
I think we have a lot of leaders within the team.
Speaker 5 (06:51):
Someone who stands.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
Out for me is Dan Hall with how he leads,
just in terms of how he communicates with other players
on the field, how he sees people, and how he
makes you feel like trusted and well after.
Speaker 5 (07:06):
So that's just one example. There's examples everywhere as well.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
Obviously HEROCKI is the man with the armband most games
and he's the one that is kind of the focal point.
But I think the leadership has also spread throughout the
team and that's been one of our strengths last year
and hopefully to continue this year as well.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Auckland FC played twenty eight games last season. Three this season.
You're the only player to have started every single one
of those thirty one games. How much do you pride
yourself on being hard to leave out?
Speaker 5 (07:38):
Yeah, it's a great feeling. Obviously.
Speaker 4 (07:39):
I think that the hallmark of a good player, and
this is what I've believed all my career is consistency
and being reliable and that kind of comes over time
and to see that happening now within this environment is
pretty special. It's something that I'm really proud of. And
you know, when I called Dad after the game and Mum,
they're stoked about it too, So it's just really nice
(08:01):
to be contributing and to be able to pass on
those great memories to the people that you care about.
Speaker 5 (08:08):
So yeah, no, it's a really big point of pride
for sure.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
And after this game International Window you jump on a
plane to the United States for the All White's latest
Window matches against Columbia and Ecuador. You've started the last
four matches for New Zealand, You're starting to feel as
though next year's World Cup is really solidifying for you
as a as a squad you're going to be a
part of.
Speaker 5 (08:31):
I don't think so, not yet.
Speaker 4 (08:32):
I mean there's a bit of baggage there with obviously
after the last qualifiers that's when I did my ACL
so I kind of know, you know that at one
small moment kind of changed everything for me in my
career and what I thought might happen and didn't end
up happening.
Speaker 5 (08:46):
So I'm definitely not taking it for granted.
Speaker 4 (08:49):
And and also again back to the consistency thing is that's
kind of what you want to show, is that there's
no guarantees in football in week to week things can
change so quickly.
Speaker 5 (08:59):
So now it would just be obviously.
Speaker 4 (09:01):
Stoked to be included and looking forward to hopefully contributing
a bit more on this tour and and sharing the
dressing room with some of the great players we have
with you always, but the big focus will be on
staying consistent throughout the season and being able to play a.
Speaker 5 (09:15):
Role where I can, and just to finish.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
You know, eighteen months ago you hadn't signed for Auckland FC.
You didn't have a club. I'm sure you had irons
in the fire, Auckland FC being one of them. But
to the last eighteen months or how do the last
eighteen months feel for you?
Speaker 5 (09:30):
They feel, they feel good. There's a lot of emotions
with the last eighteen months. It's hard to.
Speaker 4 (09:36):
Describe, but I think it's something that I knew internally.
Speaker 5 (09:42):
I was capable of.
Speaker 4 (09:43):
But of course you have to have other people believing
in you too, and and you know, my partner at home,
Lesser was was always like that ever since we left
Sweden and gave up professional football there like she's been
a massive support to me. And then to have Orkan
FC start up with all the people involved has been
pretty special. To to just see what what everyone here
(10:03):
is capable of, Like I know, like most of the
is an obvious one worth playing for Suburbs.
Speaker 5 (10:08):
And then coming here from amateur to professional.
Speaker 4 (10:11):
But there's a few other boys like for example, Issy Randall,
similar situation.
Speaker 5 (10:16):
He's now expelling for us and has been great when
he's been doing the New one set up as well.
Speaker 4 (10:21):
So that's just a great pathway for New Zealand players
and I guess that's what.
Speaker 5 (10:25):
This weekend is all about as well.
Speaker 4 (10:26):
Hopefully there'll be lots of young kids watching and regardless
of who they support, seeing that there is a pathway
for young New Zeale players now and they could be
part of that in the future.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
Absolutely always love chatting football with you, Francis, all the
best in the derby tonight, mate, thanks for taking the time.
Speaker 5 (10:42):
I appreciate it. Maye enjoy the conversation. Thank you very much.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
Now, thank you for joining us, Francis. Francis Deverice there
out of the Auckland FC camp water revelation. He's been incredible,
you know. I mean a year and a half ago,
a lot of sports fans and even some football fans
weren't really they're aware of Francis Devrees, but what a
season last year and he started again in the same
way Drop that ball on the head of San Cosgrove
(11:07):
last week for the opening goal against Adelaide United. There'll
be a threat up and down the left hand side
again at sky Stadium this evening.
Speaker 1 (11:15):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk set B weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio.
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