November 20, 2024 • 37 mins
Piney and Bonnie review the All Whites' back-to-back eight-goal hauls in World Cup qualifying and the depth building in Darren Bazeley's squad.
Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix are back in men's A-League action this weekend, while the Phoenix women look to turn around a challenging start to their season.
And could Bev Priestman be a dark horse for the vacant Football Ferns coaching role?
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 (00:03):
Football Fever with News Talks v's Voice of Football Jason
Paine and Bonnie Jensen. Hello there and welcome into a
fresh episode of Football Fever with FIFA Plus Stream New
Zealand Football live and free on FIFA plus dot com.
I'm Jason Pine. Bonnie Jensen's here too. We've held off
until after the latest All Whites matches so that we
can include those in our in our analysis.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
How are you, Bonnie Joda Parney? Not two bad things.
I've been missing the A League men's action. I'm not
gonna lie.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
I feel exactly the same way. Last weekend was kind
of like, oh, we're we're at Awkar DEFC, We're at
Wellington Phoenix. Where are they gonna have another game? Well,
thankfully we don't have to wait too long because they're
both in action and new night rounds, which we will
get to. But can we start with the All Whites
eight one win over Vanuatu an eight nil win over Samoa?
(00:52):
I mean, comprehensive, utterly comprehensive on the scoreboard, overall thoughts
on this international window for Darren Baseley side.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
What a differentnce it makes playing here and altt oh,
you know, just the surfaces of the pitch just being
so much nicer for this, you know ofc football. You know,
no disrespect to playing over in the Islands. I think
it's great to get the All Whites over there and
players like Chris Wood. But in terms of for the
(01:20):
All Whites and their preparation looking Ford to twenty twenty six,
I think it was, yeah, pretty important because you know,
they wouldn't have got wins like they did eight goals
in both games had they played over there.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
I don't think, no, totally true. I was actually talking
to a former All Whites international during the week about
that very thing, and he made exactly that point that
you know, playing here at home on on good playing
surfaces in both Hamilton and in Auckland made all the
difference that you know, it is a leveler over there,
not just the surfaces but the heat and all that
sort of thing. But yeah, look, I think I said
(01:56):
before this window that you know, if you're the All
Whites playing at home Oceania, you're the big fish. Get
out there and beat your chest and win and win well.
And look, sixteen goals across the two games, just the
one conceded, which you know, much as I think the
value WA two player who scored it would like to
say that he was shooting. I'm reasonably positive he was
(02:17):
crossing and it found its way into Max Crokhum's top corner.
But really there's you know, there was a lot of goals,
a lot of guys got games combinations forged. I think
it's a massive tick, isn't it.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Yeah, exactly, and not a lot to complain about really.
I just there's so much depth in that side and
that's probably the only thing to complain about. But maybe
more for Darren Baizley is how he's gonna, you know,
come close to picking a team when it gets to
more important games, because yeah, a lot of those players
are putting their hands up and it's great for the
(02:50):
fans to watch. I think, you know, we're building more
of a connection with Obviously there's players like Creswood that
are just making waves at his own club. But you know,
there's so many players sticking out now with the AFC team.
You know, Francis Franny who's scored and he's been you know,
a hero for this new AFC side, as well Liam
(03:11):
Gillian getting minutes, Max Garbage and you know, just so
many players standing out and I think it's really.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Really positive just on Chris Wood, as I understand it.
You might have been there, I'm not sure, but after
the final whistle he was still out an hour later,
signing autographs, you know, selfies. Here's one of the you know,
our biggest player, our most important player, our biggest star,
a Premier league star, making sure that everybody who wanted
an autograph or a selfie got one. You know, I
cannot overstate how impressive a guy Chris Wood is always
(03:43):
available for the national team, leads the line, got five
goals in these two games, so his on field influence
is obviously huge. Forty one goals now for New Zealand.
I think he's going to give the all time New
Zealand goal scoring record held by Amber Hearn with fifty
four a pretty decent crack over the next couple of years.
But you know, a guy who is just such a
(04:04):
leader in this team. But you mentioned the depth that
has been built. Now when Darren basically comes to name
a World Cup squad, and you know, without wanting to
get too far ahead of ourselves, I think we can
both probably agree that New Zealand will make the World
Cup with Oceanny's direct entry. If it's twenty three or
twenty six, that hasn't been confirmed yet. Some good players
(04:25):
are not going to the World Cup.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
Oh, it's actually crazy, Like it's scary to think about
when we're having to do football fever in two years
time and we're having to try and you know, put
our picks in. It's you know, we did it for
the Football Ferns last year and it was kind of
a bit more straightforward that was maybe more subjective in
terms of who we think versus who got in. But
(04:47):
this is going to be tough and it's a great
problem to have, you know. I mean, we're complaining, but
we're not so And just back on Chris Wood, I think,
you know, we're so lucky to be living in an
era where we get to watch and play and he's
obviously shining at the moment. I mean, I didn't make
it to this game in Auckland, but I went to
the last one against Malaysia and the reason I was,
(05:07):
I need to see Chris Wood live because I haven't before.
And yeah, I've been telling all my friends the same thing.
You know, he's a Premier League goal scorer and you
don't want to miss him.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
The other thing that I thought was great was that
he played against some more because he could easily not have. Right,
they made a lot of changes, I think I think
Bays made seven changes for that game. But obviously in
discussion with Chris Wood, he said, Hey, wouldn't it be
great if exactly as you said, some people can watch
you play live. And you know, he played both games,
you know, came off from the second half of both,
(05:38):
by which stage he had got you know, two goals
in the first game and three in the second. But
he was out there. They could easily he could easily
have gone home after the first game to get you know,
a couple of extra days back in Nottingham. But no, no,
he stayed and played. And yeah, just such an impressive guy.
I reckon you can probably write down fifteen players who
(06:00):
you know, injury permitting going to go to that World
Cup and a squad. So I reckon there are and
in the remaining positions, I reckon there are twenty five
thirty guys with real designs on being part of that squad.
Even you mentioned Francis Devrez there, you know. I was
at Phoenix Media this morning. Sam Sutton missed this latest
(06:20):
squad wasn't included in it, having been included in squads
earlier this year, even you know, the games against Mexico
in the US, he was involved in that squad. You know,
he's absolutely desperate to get back in there and has
a whole A League season now and I'm not saying
he's head to head with Francis Devrees, but the two
of them have we can weak out now the chance
(06:42):
to impress Darren Basi with the performances in the A League.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
Oh, it's so exciting and it's going to be so
dependent on how they perform over the next couple of
years as well. You know, coaches, whether it's it's Darren
Baizley or the team behind him, watching week and week
out their club performances like that's going to be so
important for those players. Another one to mention is obviously
Cam Hollison as well. You know, another couple of great
performances for AFC and he could be back and someone
(07:08):
like Alex Rufer could be out.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
You know, anything could happen.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
So for these individuals, Yeah, the next eighteen months they're
going to have to you know, and they'll be they'll
be grinding. They're going to have to grind and that
they'll know that. So yeah, head down, I reckon.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
Yeah, I have so much to play for, so much
to play for, And I'll tell you what, no one's
going to miss a miss a window, now, you know.
I mean once they get past March where they have
the semi final and the final to qualify for the
World Cup. Between then and when the World Cup rolls
around in June of twenty twenty six, was that fifteen
months or so, you'd have to imagine the White will
(07:43):
get together half a dozen times for windows. Nobody's going
to say no. Everybody's going to want to come because
there's no way you want to miss a window. And
if somebody else dump into your place and play, well,
so yeah, it's going to be an exciting time ahead.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Well that's why you know, obviously Chris Wood putting his
hand up and coming down to to play in this
recent window.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
That's awesome.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
But also hats off to Nottingham as well, because I
feel like Forrest could have gone. You know, I know,
we're not releasing you for this window like some of
these clubs did for what is Marco at the Olympics.
You know, so players like that. I think, yeah, it's
great he could have he came back for it.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Yeah, no, that's absolutely right. Yet, because Nottingham Forrests are
flying in the Premier League. The next time Chris Wood plays,
he's going to be playing against Arsenal. Oh that's just magnificent,
you know, from Samoa to Arsenal, you know, with no
disrespect to some more. This is the rare if idea
that Chris Wood operates. And now, so New Zealand play
Fiji in the semi finals of World Cup qualifying that
(08:42):
is on Friday, the twenty first of March in Wellington.
If they win that, they will play the final at
Eden Park three days later against the winner of New
Caledonia and Tahiti that's the other semi and Wellington on
the Friday. The winner goes to the World Cup, the
loser goes to an intercontinental playoff. So yeah, all signs pointing.
And with those games back here in New Zealand as well,
(09:03):
with the good pitchers and all of that, like New
Zealand will be headed to the World Cup in twenty
twenty six. But yeah, lots of exciting football ahead for
our national side. Football for the football fever. Let's go
to the A League and the men's and the women's
both have you night round this weekend. Every team is
in Sydney across the weekend. The good weekend to be
in Sydney to watch all of these games. Can we
(09:23):
start with the men? I feel like I haven't seen
Auckland FC for about two months. The last time they
played was in the derby. They must have just wanted
to get back out there straight away.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Yeah, I remember Steve Craker saying to me at the time,
you know, we want to keep going and particularly if
we win this derby game, which they went on to do.
They wanted to keep going and riding off that momentum.
They had three from three wins. So yeah, hopefully the
break has been you know, only good for them.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
You know, it might not be the case though, no.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
That because they not only did they have the international window,
they had the buy as well. So by the time
they played MacArthur Ron Sunday, it would have been over
three weeks without a game, you know. But that's that's
the draw. That is the draw, and I guess you
get the chance to freshen up if that's what you're after.
First time they'll play outside of New Zealand. They had
the first two games of course at Mount Smart and
(10:14):
then the Derby and Wellington, So the first time they'll
travel across the Tasman to play MacArthur side, who are
doing all right? Actually there's sixth Are you thinking though
that that Auckland FC go four from four?
Speaker 2 (10:27):
I mean, I want to say that's the case, but
I honestly don't think it's gonna, you know, maybe go
as well as it has for them. It's hard to
put a score prediction. Maybe something like a draw would
be a safe bet. But I'm not confident that this
break has been you know, good for them. They've been
riding off this momentum as I just mentioned, and particularly
(10:49):
with having two home games or three home games almost
down in Wellington. If you include that, you know they've
they've had a huge following in fan base. So yeah,
I'm not sure going across the ditch playing their first
away game after having a two week break is you know,
I don't think that's playing in their favor of playing
to their advantage.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
Well, if they are our momentum team and we're going
to find that out, I guess one way or the other.
At least now they know they've got a really big
run of games, because between this game on Sunday against
MacArthur and the back end of January, they've got eleven
games in that two and a half months. I'm playing
every week over the Christmas break, you know, you get
games every couple of days during the Christmas New Year period.
(11:30):
They've got Melbourne victory at home on New Year's Day.
What a fixture that's going to be. The second Derby.
Let's not forget that. I get. I mean as I'm
hearing that game is just about already sold out the
Mount Smart Derby on the seventh of December.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
Oh, I'm so excited for that. It's all we're talking
about in the office party. I'm not sure if it's
the same for you down in Wellington, but yeah, we're
all excited and people are asking me, you know, where
are you sitting, and well, I got to get my tickets.
It's almost selling out, so yeah, everyone's definitely already talking
about it. You know, we heard of all the shenanigans
on before or after the game last time in terms
(12:05):
of signage and fans and things like that, so it's
just going to be more exciting.
Speaker 3 (12:09):
I hope, you know.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
I mean, we'll talk about it more on the podcast,
not next week, week after, but yeah, that's certainly the
one that Auckland f C.
Speaker 3 (12:18):
Will be targeting.
Speaker 1 (12:19):
All right, Let's go to the Phoenix, who off the
back of what was a very disappointing result anyway in
the derby, and as I understand it, those the players
and coaches, they were just gutted by it, you know,
more so than other losses that they might have suffered
over time. Just you know, the emotion of the derby
is real, it is real. But you have to give
(12:40):
it to the Phoenix. They picked themselves up, dusted themselves off,
went across to Gosford to take on the defending champion
Central Coast Mariners and had a really good three mil
win over there. Hideki Ashiga putting one of the top
corner one of the best free kick goals in Phoenix history.
Cost Of Barbarusa scored a goal, Sam Sutton got a goal.
I thought, as far as bounce backability was concerned, this
(13:03):
was exactly what the Phoenix needed to do.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Huge and I completely agree. I raally like the way
the Phoenix are playing this season. They haven't had the
results come in like Auckland have. And yes they may
have been gutted after that that derby, but I don't
think Auckland would necessarily deserved winners. Maybe if you say,
you know, they took their opportunities, they took their chances.
(13:26):
But Wellington were good in that in that clash. So yeah,
I'm glad they were able to pick their heads up
and go and get a greener one like that did.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
Yeah, and for Josh Ollaway and important because as we
know that the spotlight fell on him, the harsh glare
of the spotlight fell on him, and the Derby with
his mistake that led to Jake from his first goal,
went over to Gosford, continued to play the same way,
continued to play out and kept a clean sheet. You know.
So it's just football, a It's such a funny old game.
(13:55):
And in many ways I think the fact that the
Phoenix had a game straight away probably helped them that
they could, you know, they could put behind them the derby.
Their most recent game is a win. Then of course
they had the international break. Now on Sunday they play
Melbourne Victory, a team that they know all about obviously,
from the drama of the semi final last year Melbourne
(14:15):
victory of flying top of the table under their new
boss Patrick Usnorbo. You said Auckland might be happy with
a drawer on Sunday. I wonder whether the Phoenix will
be the same.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
Yeah, I think if the Phoenix can get a result,
whether that be a drawer or a win, ideally they're
you know, they're making a statement for what they're about
this season. And as again I mentioned, they haven't had
a full run of wins like Auckland have, but they've
had tougher fixtures. You know, this will be their third
time going over to Australia. If I'm right, and if
(14:46):
they can get a result that, yeah, they're definitely making
a statement. They're here to compete this season and Auckland
have had it easier, so yeah, I'm hoping they can
get up for this one. And they were able to
two against Central Coast, so why not against against Victory.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
The irony of the travelers that the Phoenix have played
twice on the road and won them both two games
at home are drawing a loss, So there are way
forms actually been. It's a small sample size, I know,
but there are wayforms actually been good this season, so
they won't worry about going to your night round. I
love your night round by the way, especially on Sunday
where we get the chance to watch the Phoenix at
three point thirty against Melbourne victory and then almost immediately
(15:25):
Auckland FC against MacArthur. So back to back couch time
Sunday afternoon.
Speaker 3 (15:30):
Bonnie, unreal.
Speaker 2 (15:31):
I might have to go and park up at the
new sports bar in Auckland full time bar the Warriors
one and just you know, get myself in a pause
right in front of the big screen and watch it.
Speaker 1 (15:42):
I'm surprised that you haven't got like your own allocated
seat there.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
Surely you are ill sort of an arrangement, Pinney. Don't
you worry about that?
Speaker 1 (15:51):
Right? So that's the men playing the night round. Both
games are on Sunday afternoon. The f with Bony and Bonnie.
Can we stay in the A League and go to
the Wellington Phoenix women three defeats in their first three games.
The latest was a one nill defeat away at Newcastle.
So they've had the lost to Western United four to two,
a one nil loss to Canberra at home and then
(16:13):
a one nil loss away to the Newcastle Jets. On
top of that, Rebecca Lake is out for the season.
She suffered an injury in the game against Canberra. She
played on until halftime but then came off and it
turned out to be quite bad ligament damage for Rebecca Lake,
so a real shame for her. She missed the back
end of last season with a high ankle sprain as well,
so really not having a lot of joy. We already
(16:35):
know Maurica van Damer is out for the season as well,
and Imman Schabelle, the Algerian international, has come and gone
without playing a game. That news came out this morning
that her contract has been terminated by mutual consent. US
defender Olivia Kelly has signed though, so she will be
(16:56):
available presumably for this weekend, maybe the following week in
the home game against Brisbane. But quite a bit of
squad turmoil and only Longo as well with a severely
bruised face. And you sent me a photo with us
You should have sent me a warning and send me
a photo trigger warning. This is going to really trigger you.
So a lot of a lot of a lot of
sort of squad turmoil at Wellington Phoenix Women's HQ.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
Yeah, it's not ideal.
Speaker 2 (17:21):
I mean when you started that, you said the three
defeats in three games. I mean, just on that, you know,
that's that's not ideal. It's not a good start for them.
But to have all these injuries really gut it because
I think their squad was actually looking pretty good this year,
in quite competitive considering all the names they lost after
last season.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
So yeah, really gutted.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
As I say for them, I'm just hoping that they
can somehow bounce back, because yes, they lost to Newcastle
one now at the weekend, but I thought they're actually,
you know, fairly competitive. Newcastle were definitely the better side,
and thought they just to win. But I'm not minding,
you know, the way they're trying to play, it's just
(18:06):
not quite clicking yet.
Speaker 1 (18:07):
They're not shipping goals. I mean four in the first game,
but that was that twenty minute period just before halftime.
Just inexplicable defending. Take that away. They've conceded only the
two goals in the last two games, and talk a
bit more about that in a moment. But the problem
reads the other end where they've got They've got the
two goals against Western United. One was an own goal
and one was a penalty. Nothing against Canberra, nothing against Newcastle.
(18:31):
And then you look across and you see Mudy Unaspect
by you know, scoring goals for fun for Melbourne City
and you think, oh for old for Muddy Unaspect might
have still be there.
Speaker 2 (18:39):
Yeah, exactly, And they just need to unlock someone like
Grace Jarlaye, who's obviously a football fern we can't forget.
Yeah she's played in the you know, just for other
A League teams, but yeah, she's got experience. So they
need to find a way to unlock someone like her.
Emma Maine as well. I think it's coming for her.
You can can feel it's she's going to be unleashed.
(19:03):
And she actually scored in that game against Newcastle but
it was called off side. So yeah, I think it's
it's going to happen for the next chicks as I
call them, but it's just not quite clicking yet. But
I think Paul Temple will find a way to get
them back on track.
Speaker 1 (19:20):
Yeah, I agree, I'd like to see, but more obviously
of Olivia Ferguson as well, the English striker. We've seen
her off the bench in the last two matches, so
I think they're hoping that she will be the one
and and alysta on them. I've got to say against Canberra,
created a lot in that home game, hit the post,
you know. And if she can add goal scoring as
(19:40):
a string to her bow, then I think it will
just make her such a way more potent proposition. I
think she's playing well Alyssa Winham, you know, and I
think she'll probably you know, play in that creative number
ten role for the Phoenix for most of the season.
I would just love to see her add you know,
half a dozen goals that would really you know, elevate her.
The goal that the Phoenix conceded against Newcastle, you know,
(20:03):
wide out on the left, sort of speculator into the area.
I know it's been dressed up on social media as
a worldie of a goal. I think that's a goalkeeping error.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
I actually didn't like. I didn't mind vilal and goal
for the Phoenix. I thought she she saved a lot
of shots coming in from Newcastle, as I say, they
were the better team. But yeah, I more think why
was she given the time to take that strike from
way out there? So yeah, she was the Newcastle captain.
(20:37):
I think it was just had a lot of time
to shoot or put across in that she did, So yeah,
I agree it probably wasn't a worldie, but I do
want to give a shout out to this Newcastle team
and one player in particular, Gallagher. She has played in
the NRLW, which is rugby league, and it's now playing
a league football. I just feel like that's a crossover
(20:58):
you don't often see. Maybe rugby union to rugby league,
but not rugby league to football.
Speaker 1 (21:03):
No, I can't. I can't remember an instance of that.
Speaker 3 (21:07):
You're right crazy, it's a beast.
Speaker 1 (21:09):
Yeah, people codop all the time, but not from rugby
league to football. I was totally unaware of that.
Speaker 2 (21:15):
Yeah, she was very impressive. I've obviously been talking to
Devin Jackson, who plays for Newcastle. She obviously played against
the Phoenix, but yeah, I was talking about this player
and she's just unbelievable. I think I believe she was
a young Matilda's captain, so she's played football growing up,
played for the junior Matilda's and then switched to league
and now she's back.
Speaker 3 (21:35):
I was just like, wow, yeah, in credible.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
Well it's not terminal for Wellington Phoenix and it's a
long season. Let's hope that they can get back on
track when they play their next game, which is against
Adelaide United in New Night Round Friday night. So it's
I think the first game of the round seven thirty
New Zealand time. Adelaide have a couple of wins in
a loss from their first three matches. Be a good
time for Wellington Phoenix as women's side to get their
(21:57):
first one on the board. This is football, Let's move
on to other matters. Your article in the New Zealand
Herald in the last couple of days with you chatted
to Tom Somani, former Football Ferns coach, and he's come
up with this idea of Bev Priestman as a candidate
(22:18):
for the vacant Football Ferns role. Now now Beev Priestman
has been basically sacked by Canada for drone gate during
the Olympics. When I first saw this headline, and when
you first alerted me to the fact that Tom Somanni
had made this claim, I thought this was the most
hair brained idea I'd ever heard. I thought it was
(22:39):
the most ridiculous proposition that I'd heard for quite some time.
And I've heard some ridiculous propositions in my time. Why
on earth would New Zealand football want beev priestman.
Speaker 3 (22:49):
Plot to us? Am I right?
Speaker 2 (22:52):
I actually don't mind it, Piney. I'm opposite to you,
and I think it's a great shout. Yes, obviously she
authorizedly authorize the drones to fly over New Zealand spying
on them at the Olympics. But she's a good coach
and I don't think she is the only one or
the only you know, manager that has been spying on
(23:14):
other teams in their time.
Speaker 3 (23:16):
And she's she's.
Speaker 2 (23:18):
Not a you know she's she won the Olympics, Olympic
gold medalists with Canada and Tokyo. She's obviously a good coach.
She's been involved with the New Zealand set up. That
was Tom Somani's main point is that she's used to
I think she was the former director of football or
the technical director. She has been involved in the junior
(23:40):
set up here, so she knows New Zealand and. As
Tom Somani pointed out in the article that that's the
number one thing the football firms need is someone that
understands the Kiwi culture and Beev obviously knows that.
Speaker 3 (23:54):
And as I mentioned, she's a good coach. I quite
like it, all.
Speaker 1 (23:57):
Right, So that's the case for the defense and presented
that case. Well, and you're right, there's no argument she's
a good coach. She's got a track record of success
as a coach. But at what point do you say, right,
she cheated, it's not alleged, it's been proven what she did.
She cheated, And if she is hiring to the New
(24:19):
Zealand job, that narrative, well, I believe anyway, overshadow the
Ferns for probably the first year or so, because every
time it's like, you know, every time Bev Priestman's name
is mentioned, people will immediately think of drones. They just will.
Speaker 2 (24:36):
I mean, yes they will, And I think that's absolutely right.
But what if Bev Priestman comes in. Yes, maybe for
the first month or two, that's the media headlines swirling,
she takes, you know, some hard hitting questions from journalists
and things like that. But then what if the team
starts winning, everyone's going to forget about that and ignore it.
And she seems like a person that could get this
(24:57):
team back on track. No, they're not going to go
in win the next World Cup.
Speaker 3 (25:01):
Let's be real.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
But you know, maybe she can get this team in line.
Obviously the football firms have had their own shit going on,
if I can say that word, and someone needs to
come in and regroup them completely, players and staff alike.
And you know, she seems like a person that could
do that. But I completely agree party that the drone
(25:22):
stuff is certainly awkward. And if we're being realistic here,
I do not think New Zealand Football will hire her.
Speaker 1 (25:28):
Yeah, look, pre Olympics, if you'd said, Okay is going
to go BEF priscetsman is going to be the next
coach of New Zealand. Pre Olympics, I would have said,
my god, what an appointment?
Speaker 3 (25:38):
What a score?
Speaker 1 (25:38):
What a score? Absolutely, because she is as before and
you've said, highly credentialed. And look she hasn't you know,
she hasn't been sacked for improper conduct. She hasn't been
sacked for anything internal as far as her treatment of
players is concerned. As far as I can say, it's
just that you know, she stuck drones up to spy
on opposition teams. It's a sackable offense. But is it?
(26:03):
You know, I guess it's a matter of where do
you draw the line as far as the as far
as the things you're willing to accept from a person's
past when you try to make them part of your future. That, yeah,
really is the question New Zealand Football have to ask.
And look, I'm a bit like you. I wonder whether
they just won't. It would just be a bridge too
far for them. I'll tell you I'd be talking to
I'd be talking to Tom Somani.
Speaker 3 (26:25):
Yeah, odd to get him in? Yeah coach?
Speaker 2 (26:27):
Yes, yeah, Well I asked him that Piney and he
said basically thanks, but no thanks. No, he didn't say
it like that, but he said he's just too old
basically No. He said he's at the end of his
career and they need someone more, more dynamic, I think
was his words, quote unquote.
Speaker 3 (26:48):
And yeah, I maybe I tend to agree with him.
Speaker 2 (26:50):
But the players that I have spoken to ten have
said they absolutely love Tom Somani, So he would be
great to bring in.
Speaker 1 (26:58):
Isn't either interim coach to the Matilda at the moment.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
He is? And what was so fun about talking to
him is I was like asking about Sam Kerr and
how her injury is going like you know that I've
just basically, you know, second friends with Sam Kerr and
I was like, oh, yeah, how's she going. He was, oh, yeah,
she's not too bad. She's returning probably in January. So
I was like, oh, great, good.
Speaker 1 (27:21):
To hear see Samku is going to be your mum
as well. That's great news.
Speaker 3 (27:24):
We got great news.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
Really excited for her and Christi mwis obviously she's a
midfielder Christie mus for the US women's national team. Really
really exciting for them. So big, big news in the
football world this week.
Speaker 1 (27:39):
Absolutely, well, we'll keep an eye on the whole. We
still don't really have a time frame, do we around
the new football Ferns coach. But yeah, I thought that
was a really interesting article and yeah, be interesting to
see whether it's something that potentially might come to pass.
I wouldn't be betting anything at all on it, but
it was a really really good conversation starter football football.
(28:00):
It's got to keep these overseas. Tell us about this
under twenty international who I'll freely admit I had never
heard of, who made her debut for samp Doria the
other day.
Speaker 2 (28:10):
Yeah, Kiara Bichelli, who debuted in the Italian Top Division
for against Katie Bowen's team. I believe she played up
here in Auckland, but yeah, really exciting to see top tier.
I had no idea she was going over there, and
it just seems like more and more young young kiwi's
(28:33):
you know, skipping this that, you know, the A League
Wellington Phoenix opportunity and by passing that and going straight
to Europe, which is kind of promising, I know, yet
care in New Zealand football put a big pressure on
the football ferns to try and go even further than
the A League or at least play in the A
League and professional football before they would get any consideration
(28:54):
for the senior national team.
Speaker 1 (28:55):
C Pinenberg got her first minutes the other day in
the in the Dutch top flight for her fine old site.
So good to see her getting some minutes over there.
And we've talked about a couple of others as well.
Now Claudia Bunge, she's come the other ways. Is you
back at Melbourn Victory.
Speaker 2 (29:10):
Yes, she's returned to Melbourne Victory, which, yeah, I believe
she wants to get back over to Europe obviously more
competitive football depending on how you look at it. But
she's she's had a cell start I think for the
Victory and their second on the table behind Melbourne City
where Rebecca Stop plays and assistant coach Gareth Turnbull is
(29:34):
there as well. Kiwi I think could also be another
consideration for the football fans role. Going back to that,
maybe we see him return.
Speaker 1 (29:41):
Just as he said his name then I thought would
he be an option? Would he be interested in that role?
Speaker 3 (29:46):
Well? I think maybe.
Speaker 2 (29:47):
I mean he is a Kiwi and you know it
is certainly you know he's done well with the Melbourne
Victory women's team. They wanted a couple of years ago
the A League woman So yeah, I think so certainly
someone to consider. He used to coach me at junior level,
but yeah, I rate him as a coach certainly. Maybe
(30:08):
also as well he coached for Auckland f C. Maybe
something he could consider or Auckland f C might look
at when they launched their women's team next year. He
obviously is the assistant at Victory now maybe he wants
to step up. Yeah, A few names to certainly consider.
Speaker 1 (30:24):
Good stuff and just one for the men. Matt Garbett
named in the EAFC Team of the week. Obviously two
big performances for the All Whites. In fact, I probably
should have mentioned Matt Garbett when we were talking about
the All Whites. I think across the two games he
was probably the standout player. Even though Chris Wood got
five goals, I think Matt Garbett probably set up about
four of them and across the two games was very
(30:47):
very good. So yeah, good to see him in the
EAFC Team of the Week for nack Bread and for
the New Zealand. Of course, can we finish with the
National League. There's one round to go before the finals
on Sunday, the first December. The Women's Grand Final is
already locked in even before the final round of matches
because Auckland United have twenty two points from their eight games,
(31:08):
Waterside Krori eighteen points from their eight games. Both of
those teams were unbeaten. They drew one all with one another.
I think we all expected Auckland United to be there.
Did I know you sort of? You were singing the
praises of Waterside Carori preseason. You must have known something.
The rest of us didn't really know. They're going to
play the Grand Final.
Speaker 2 (31:28):
Well, I do remember we spoke about it in the
first week of the National League and we spoke about
that one all result, Piney, and you said, is this
a surprise, Bonnie, and I kind of agreed with you.
I was like, this is a bit shocking that these
two sides drew one.
Speaker 3 (31:44):
All.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
I definitely didn't expect them. I expected Karrori to be competitive,
but I would have picked Wellington United to be the
more competitive team from Capitol. And yeah, they've certainly surprised me,
I must admit, but I hope they get up for
a day. I love to see a team outside of
Auckland win it this year particularly, I just, you know,
(32:05):
don't mind Auckland United, but I feel like they've won
a lot of trophies recently. Let's give it to someone else.
Same with the men as well. You know, we always
see Auckland City win or a guest Wellington Olympics. So
let's see someone else won it. And I hope that.
I hope that's Waterside Crory.
Speaker 1 (32:18):
All right, well all get to the menu of you're right,
But I mean Waterside Corory will go there with no
fear the games at North Harbor Stadium, so I guess
they're away, really to all intents and purposes, but that
might galvanize them as they make the trip up. They've
drawn one all with Auckland United, so there's no fear there. Yeah,
it should be a cracking, a cracking women's final. That's
one o'clock on Sunday, the first of December, as Auckland
(32:42):
United looks to defend their title against Waterside Men's Grand
Final at four o'clock is not decided. Four teams can
still make the final depending on the results of the
final round of matches. Birkenhead United have seventeen points, Auckland
City have sixteen, Western Springs have fifteen, Napier City Rovers
have fourteenth. So those four teams are all still in
(33:03):
contention and none of them play one another in the
final round. So I guess that that kind of hands
things to Birkenhead United in Auckland City. They know if
they both win, they're both in. I'm you know, I'd
love to see Napier there because what Western Springs and
Auckland Side as well, aren't they But I get the
feeling it might be the top two. It might be
Burkeo in Auckland City.
Speaker 2 (33:23):
Yeah, I would agree. Piney I'd love to see Napier
City there, but I'm glad it's not another Auckland City
Wellington Olympic Final. If I'm being really honest, I think,
you know, probably the community of New Zealand community of
football are probably sick of seeing those two teams in
a lot of these finals.
Speaker 3 (33:43):
I know, I am.
Speaker 2 (33:43):
You know, all due respect to them, obviously they deserve
to be there. They're great teams, but yeah, great to
see the likes of Birkenhead, Western Springs Napier compete for
one of these final spots.
Speaker 3 (33:54):
It will be cool as well. I mean, I guess for.
Speaker 2 (33:56):
Auckland City they've lost their skipper, Cam Hollison and obviously
Liam Gillian to Auckland FC, so if they can kind
of do it without them, it'll be cool for their
players and a great lead into the Club World Cup
next year that they'll have. But certainly interesting last round
of the National.
Speaker 1 (34:14):
League book donwell, are they kind of highly regarded Birkenhead.
Speaker 3 (34:18):
Yeah, they've done well.
Speaker 2 (34:19):
They were good in the Northern League. I remember they
took Auckland City to extra time in the Chatham Cup
semi final. I think it was four to two in
the end maybe four to three, But yeah, they've been
competitive and they're a fun team to watch. I went
out and commentated the Eastern Suburbs Birkenhead game a fortnight
(34:42):
ago and it ended two all, which was a bit
of an upset by Eastern Suburbs. But Birkenhead, they're certainly passionate,
and they've got Monty Patterson at the top, who's place
has played for New Zealand I believe in the past,
or at least at the age group level. So yeah,
they've got a couple characters who are yeah, kind of
(35:03):
leading this team and certainly really competitive and would be
exciting in the final.
Speaker 1 (35:06):
Tom Watch now. He was certainly a full or White.
In fact, he was in the team that went to
Peru for that at the continental playoff against Peru. The
reason I know this is because I was on the
same plane and halfway through the flight Monty Patterson came through.
Must have lost a bet because he get to sing
to the entire plane and and he did a pretty
good job. He sung Halo. Is that a Beyonce song? Halo?
Speaker 3 (35:30):
I believe it is.
Speaker 1 (35:31):
Yeah, I don't know how that song got chosen, but
he held a note pretty well. Monte Patterson obviously know
it'shere the back of the netters scoring goals for Birkenhead.
Speaker 2 (35:38):
So yeah, well, I think what's going to be interesting
is next year's National League and the Northern League when
the Auckland f C Academy come in. I hope they
don't because I know it kind of caused a few
riffles down in Wellington with the Wellington Phoenix Reserves poaching
a lot of the younger talent coming through or maybe
(35:59):
not even which just players wanting to go and play
for the Phoenix Academy. But I hope that's not the
case when Auckland f C get their academy team in
and you know we do see the likes of Birkenhead competing,
but you know, maybe a player like Monty Patterson might
you know, consider jumping ship to Auckland f C and
(36:21):
trying to make his way up in that. But you're
going to be interesting when they come in.
Speaker 1 (36:25):
Indeed. All right, so final round match just cash Mere
Tech Birkenhead Olympic against ap City Rovers, Western Springs, Wellington
Phoenix Eastern Suburbs, Western Suburbs and Auckland City against Coastal spirit.
Those are the games to come across the weekend. All right, Bonnie,
I think that brings us to the end of what
has become a bit of a marathon football fever episode.
(36:46):
Can't wait for a league to return, Exciting times in
the world of football plenty to focus on, So I
guess we should reconvene next week.
Speaker 3 (36:54):
I'll see you then, Piney the FF with Peny and
Body
Football Fever with News Talks v's Voice of Football Jason
Paine and Bonnie Jensen. Hello there and welcome into a
fresh episode of Football Fever with FIFA Plus Stream New
Zealand Football live and free on FIFA plus dot com.
I'm Jason Pine. Bonnie Jensen's here too. We've held off
until after the latest All Whites matches so that we
can include those in our in our analysis.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
How are you, Bonnie Joda Parney? Not two bad things.
I've been missing the A League men's action. I'm not
gonna lie.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
I feel exactly the same way. Last weekend was kind
of like, oh, we're we're at Awkar DEFC, We're at
Wellington Phoenix. Where are they gonna have another game? Well,
thankfully we don't have to wait too long because they're
both in action and new night rounds, which we will
get to. But can we start with the All Whites
eight one win over Vanuatu an eight nil win over Samoa?
(00:52):
I mean, comprehensive, utterly comprehensive on the scoreboard, overall thoughts
on this international window for Darren Baseley side.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
What a differentnce it makes playing here and altt oh,
you know, just the surfaces of the pitch just being
so much nicer for this, you know ofc football. You know,
no disrespect to playing over in the Islands. I think
it's great to get the All Whites over there and
players like Chris Wood. But in terms of for the
(01:20):
All Whites and their preparation looking Ford to twenty twenty six,
I think it was, yeah, pretty important because you know,
they wouldn't have got wins like they did eight goals
in both games had they played over there.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
I don't think, no, totally true. I was actually talking
to a former All Whites international during the week about
that very thing, and he made exactly that point that
you know, playing here at home on on good playing
surfaces in both Hamilton and in Auckland made all the
difference that you know, it is a leveler over there,
not just the surfaces but the heat and all that
sort of thing. But yeah, look, I think I said
(01:56):
before this window that you know, if you're the All
Whites playing at home Oceania, you're the big fish. Get
out there and beat your chest and win and win well.
And look, sixteen goals across the two games, just the
one conceded, which you know, much as I think the
value WA two player who scored it would like to
say that he was shooting. I'm reasonably positive he was
(02:17):
crossing and it found its way into Max Crokhum's top corner.
But really there's you know, there was a lot of goals,
a lot of guys got games combinations forged. I think
it's a massive tick, isn't it.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Yeah, exactly, and not a lot to complain about really.
I just there's so much depth in that side and
that's probably the only thing to complain about. But maybe
more for Darren Baizley is how he's gonna, you know,
come close to picking a team when it gets to
more important games, because yeah, a lot of those players
are putting their hands up and it's great for the
(02:50):
fans to watch. I think, you know, we're building more
of a connection with Obviously there's players like Creswood that
are just making waves at his own club. But you know,
there's so many players sticking out now with the AFC team.
You know, Francis Franny who's scored and he's been you know,
a hero for this new AFC side, as well Liam
(03:11):
Gillian getting minutes, Max Garbage and you know, just so
many players standing out and I think it's really.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Really positive just on Chris Wood, as I understand it.
You might have been there, I'm not sure, but after
the final whistle he was still out an hour later,
signing autographs, you know, selfies. Here's one of the you know,
our biggest player, our most important player, our biggest star,
a Premier league star, making sure that everybody who wanted
an autograph or a selfie got one. You know, I
cannot overstate how impressive a guy Chris Wood is always
(03:43):
available for the national team, leads the line, got five
goals in these two games, so his on field influence
is obviously huge. Forty one goals now for New Zealand.
I think he's going to give the all time New
Zealand goal scoring record held by Amber Hearn with fifty
four a pretty decent crack over the next couple of years.
But you know, a guy who is just such a
(04:04):
leader in this team. But you mentioned the depth that
has been built. Now when Darren basically comes to name
a World Cup squad, and you know, without wanting to
get too far ahead of ourselves, I think we can
both probably agree that New Zealand will make the World
Cup with Oceanny's direct entry. If it's twenty three or
twenty six, that hasn't been confirmed yet. Some good players
(04:25):
are not going to the World Cup.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
Oh, it's actually crazy, Like it's scary to think about
when we're having to do football fever in two years
time and we're having to try and you know, put
our picks in. It's you know, we did it for
the Football Ferns last year and it was kind of
a bit more straightforward that was maybe more subjective in
terms of who we think versus who got in. But
(04:47):
this is going to be tough and it's a great
problem to have, you know. I mean, we're complaining, but
we're not so And just back on Chris Wood, I think,
you know, we're so lucky to be living in an
era where we get to watch and play and he's
obviously shining at the moment. I mean, I didn't make
it to this game in Auckland, but I went to
the last one against Malaysia and the reason I was,
(05:07):
I need to see Chris Wood live because I haven't before.
And yeah, I've been telling all my friends the same thing.
You know, he's a Premier League goal scorer and you
don't want to miss him.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
The other thing that I thought was great was that
he played against some more because he could easily not have. Right,
they made a lot of changes, I think I think
Bays made seven changes for that game. But obviously in
discussion with Chris Wood, he said, Hey, wouldn't it be
great if exactly as you said, some people can watch
you play live. And you know, he played both games,
you know, came off from the second half of both,
(05:38):
by which stage he had got you know, two goals
in the first game and three in the second. But
he was out there. They could easily he could easily
have gone home after the first game to get you know,
a couple of extra days back in Nottingham. But no, no,
he stayed and played. And yeah, just such an impressive guy.
I reckon you can probably write down fifteen players who
(06:00):
you know, injury permitting going to go to that World
Cup and a squad. So I reckon there are and
in the remaining positions, I reckon there are twenty five
thirty guys with real designs on being part of that squad.
Even you mentioned Francis Devrez there, you know. I was
at Phoenix Media this morning. Sam Sutton missed this latest
(06:20):
squad wasn't included in it, having been included in squads
earlier this year, even you know, the games against Mexico
in the US, he was involved in that squad. You know,
he's absolutely desperate to get back in there and has
a whole A League season now and I'm not saying
he's head to head with Francis Devrees, but the two
of them have we can weak out now the chance
(06:42):
to impress Darren Basi with the performances in the A League.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
Oh, it's so exciting and it's going to be so
dependent on how they perform over the next couple of
years as well. You know, coaches, whether it's it's Darren
Baizley or the team behind him, watching week and week
out their club performances like that's going to be so
important for those players. Another one to mention is obviously
Cam Hollison as well. You know, another couple of great
performances for AFC and he could be back and someone
(07:08):
like Alex Rufer could be out.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
You know, anything could happen.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
So for these individuals, Yeah, the next eighteen months they're
going to have to you know, and they'll be they'll
be grinding. They're going to have to grind and that
they'll know that. So yeah, head down, I reckon.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
Yeah, I have so much to play for, so much
to play for, And I'll tell you what, no one's
going to miss a miss a window, now, you know.
I mean once they get past March where they have
the semi final and the final to qualify for the
World Cup. Between then and when the World Cup rolls
around in June of twenty twenty six, was that fifteen
months or so, you'd have to imagine the White will
(07:43):
get together half a dozen times for windows. Nobody's going
to say no. Everybody's going to want to come because
there's no way you want to miss a window. And
if somebody else dump into your place and play, well,
so yeah, it's going to be an exciting time ahead.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Well that's why you know, obviously Chris Wood putting his
hand up and coming down to to play in this
recent window.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
That's awesome.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
But also hats off to Nottingham as well, because I
feel like Forrest could have gone. You know, I know,
we're not releasing you for this window like some of
these clubs did for what is Marco at the Olympics.
You know, so players like that. I think, yeah, it's
great he could have he came back for it.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Yeah, no, that's absolutely right. Yet, because Nottingham Forrests are
flying in the Premier League. The next time Chris Wood plays,
he's going to be playing against Arsenal. Oh that's just magnificent,
you know, from Samoa to Arsenal, you know, with no
disrespect to some more. This is the rare if idea
that Chris Wood operates. And now, so New Zealand play
Fiji in the semi finals of World Cup qualifying that
(08:42):
is on Friday, the twenty first of March in Wellington.
If they win that, they will play the final at
Eden Park three days later against the winner of New
Caledonia and Tahiti that's the other semi and Wellington on
the Friday. The winner goes to the World Cup, the
loser goes to an intercontinental playoff. So yeah, all signs pointing.
And with those games back here in New Zealand as well,
(09:03):
with the good pitchers and all of that, like New
Zealand will be headed to the World Cup in twenty
twenty six. But yeah, lots of exciting football ahead for
our national side. Football for the football fever. Let's go
to the A League and the men's and the women's
both have you night round this weekend. Every team is
in Sydney across the weekend. The good weekend to be
in Sydney to watch all of these games. Can we
(09:23):
start with the men? I feel like I haven't seen
Auckland FC for about two months. The last time they
played was in the derby. They must have just wanted
to get back out there straight away.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Yeah, I remember Steve Craker saying to me at the time,
you know, we want to keep going and particularly if
we win this derby game, which they went on to do.
They wanted to keep going and riding off that momentum.
They had three from three wins. So yeah, hopefully the
break has been you know, only good for them.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
You know, it might not be the case though, no.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
That because they not only did they have the international window,
they had the buy as well. So by the time
they played MacArthur Ron Sunday, it would have been over
three weeks without a game, you know. But that's that's
the draw. That is the draw, and I guess you
get the chance to freshen up if that's what you're after.
First time they'll play outside of New Zealand. They had
the first two games of course at Mount Smart and
(10:14):
then the Derby and Wellington, So the first time they'll
travel across the Tasman to play MacArthur side, who are
doing all right? Actually there's sixth Are you thinking though
that that Auckland FC go four from four?
Speaker 2 (10:27):
I mean, I want to say that's the case, but
I honestly don't think it's gonna, you know, maybe go
as well as it has for them. It's hard to
put a score prediction. Maybe something like a draw would
be a safe bet. But I'm not confident that this
break has been you know, good for them. They've been
riding off this momentum as I just mentioned, and particularly
(10:49):
with having two home games or three home games almost
down in Wellington. If you include that, you know they've
they've had a huge following in fan base. So yeah,
I'm not sure going across the ditch playing their first
away game after having a two week break is you know,
I don't think that's playing in their favor of playing
to their advantage.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
Well, if they are our momentum team and we're going
to find that out, I guess one way or the other.
At least now they know they've got a really big
run of games, because between this game on Sunday against
MacArthur and the back end of January, they've got eleven
games in that two and a half months. I'm playing
every week over the Christmas break, you know, you get
games every couple of days during the Christmas New Year period.
(11:30):
They've got Melbourne victory at home on New Year's Day.
What a fixture that's going to be. The second Derby.
Let's not forget that. I get. I mean as I'm
hearing that game is just about already sold out the
Mount Smart Derby on the seventh of December.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
Oh, I'm so excited for that. It's all we're talking
about in the office party. I'm not sure if it's
the same for you down in Wellington, but yeah, we're
all excited and people are asking me, you know, where
are you sitting, and well, I got to get my tickets.
It's almost selling out, so yeah, everyone's definitely already talking
about it. You know, we heard of all the shenanigans
on before or after the game last time in terms
(12:05):
of signage and fans and things like that, so it's
just going to be more exciting.
Speaker 3 (12:09):
I hope, you know.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
I mean, we'll talk about it more on the podcast,
not next week, week after, but yeah, that's certainly the
one that Auckland f C.
Speaker 3 (12:18):
Will be targeting.
Speaker 1 (12:19):
All right, Let's go to the Phoenix, who off the
back of what was a very disappointing result anyway in
the derby, and as I understand it, those the players
and coaches, they were just gutted by it, you know,
more so than other losses that they might have suffered
over time. Just you know, the emotion of the derby
is real, it is real. But you have to give
(12:40):
it to the Phoenix. They picked themselves up, dusted themselves off,
went across to Gosford to take on the defending champion
Central Coast Mariners and had a really good three mil
win over there. Hideki Ashiga putting one of the top
corner one of the best free kick goals in Phoenix history.
Cost Of Barbarusa scored a goal, Sam Sutton got a goal.
I thought, as far as bounce backability was concerned, this
(13:03):
was exactly what the Phoenix needed to do.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Huge and I completely agree. I raally like the way
the Phoenix are playing this season. They haven't had the
results come in like Auckland have. And yes they may
have been gutted after that that derby, but I don't
think Auckland would necessarily deserved winners. Maybe if you say,
you know, they took their opportunities, they took their chances.
(13:26):
But Wellington were good in that in that clash. So yeah,
I'm glad they were able to pick their heads up
and go and get a greener one like that did.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
Yeah, and for Josh Ollaway and important because as we
know that the spotlight fell on him, the harsh glare
of the spotlight fell on him, and the Derby with
his mistake that led to Jake from his first goal,
went over to Gosford, continued to play the same way,
continued to play out and kept a clean sheet. You know.
So it's just football, a It's such a funny old game.
(13:55):
And in many ways I think the fact that the
Phoenix had a game straight away probably helped them that
they could, you know, they could put behind them the derby.
Their most recent game is a win. Then of course
they had the international break. Now on Sunday they play
Melbourne Victory, a team that they know all about obviously,
from the drama of the semi final last year Melbourne
(14:15):
victory of flying top of the table under their new
boss Patrick Usnorbo. You said Auckland might be happy with
a drawer on Sunday. I wonder whether the Phoenix will
be the same.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
Yeah, I think if the Phoenix can get a result,
whether that be a drawer or a win, ideally they're
you know, they're making a statement for what they're about
this season. And as again I mentioned, they haven't had
a full run of wins like Auckland have, but they've
had tougher fixtures. You know, this will be their third
time going over to Australia. If I'm right, and if
(14:46):
they can get a result that, yeah, they're definitely making
a statement. They're here to compete this season and Auckland
have had it easier, so yeah, I'm hoping they can
get up for this one. And they were able to
two against Central Coast, so why not against against Victory.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
The irony of the travelers that the Phoenix have played
twice on the road and won them both two games
at home are drawing a loss, So there are way
forms actually been. It's a small sample size, I know,
but there are wayforms actually been good this season, so
they won't worry about going to your night round. I
love your night round by the way, especially on Sunday
where we get the chance to watch the Phoenix at
three point thirty against Melbourne victory and then almost immediately
(15:25):
Auckland FC against MacArthur. So back to back couch time
Sunday afternoon.
Speaker 3 (15:30):
Bonnie, unreal.
Speaker 2 (15:31):
I might have to go and park up at the
new sports bar in Auckland full time bar the Warriors
one and just you know, get myself in a pause
right in front of the big screen and watch it.
Speaker 1 (15:42):
I'm surprised that you haven't got like your own allocated
seat there.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
Surely you are ill sort of an arrangement, Pinney. Don't
you worry about that?
Speaker 1 (15:51):
Right? So that's the men playing the night round. Both
games are on Sunday afternoon. The f with Bony and Bonnie.
Can we stay in the A League and go to
the Wellington Phoenix women three defeats in their first three games.
The latest was a one nill defeat away at Newcastle.
So they've had the lost to Western United four to two,
a one nil loss to Canberra at home and then
(16:13):
a one nil loss away to the Newcastle Jets. On
top of that, Rebecca Lake is out for the season.
She suffered an injury in the game against Canberra. She
played on until halftime but then came off and it
turned out to be quite bad ligament damage for Rebecca Lake,
so a real shame for her. She missed the back
end of last season with a high ankle sprain as well,
so really not having a lot of joy. We already
(16:35):
know Maurica van Damer is out for the season as well,
and Imman Schabelle, the Algerian international, has come and gone
without playing a game. That news came out this morning
that her contract has been terminated by mutual consent. US
defender Olivia Kelly has signed though, so she will be
(16:56):
available presumably for this weekend, maybe the following week in
the home game against Brisbane. But quite a bit of
squad turmoil and only Longo as well with a severely
bruised face. And you sent me a photo with us
You should have sent me a warning and send me
a photo trigger warning. This is going to really trigger you.
So a lot of a lot of a lot of
sort of squad turmoil at Wellington Phoenix Women's HQ.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
Yeah, it's not ideal.
Speaker 2 (17:21):
I mean when you started that, you said the three
defeats in three games. I mean, just on that, you know,
that's that's not ideal. It's not a good start for them.
But to have all these injuries really gut it because
I think their squad was actually looking pretty good this year,
in quite competitive considering all the names they lost after
last season.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
So yeah, really gutted.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
As I say for them, I'm just hoping that they
can somehow bounce back, because yes, they lost to Newcastle
one now at the weekend, but I thought they're actually,
you know, fairly competitive. Newcastle were definitely the better side,
and thought they just to win. But I'm not minding,
you know, the way they're trying to play, it's just
(18:06):
not quite clicking yet.
Speaker 1 (18:07):
They're not shipping goals. I mean four in the first game,
but that was that twenty minute period just before halftime.
Just inexplicable defending. Take that away. They've conceded only the
two goals in the last two games, and talk a
bit more about that in a moment. But the problem
reads the other end where they've got They've got the
two goals against Western United. One was an own goal
and one was a penalty. Nothing against Canberra, nothing against Newcastle.
(18:31):
And then you look across and you see Mudy Unaspect
by you know, scoring goals for fun for Melbourne City
and you think, oh for old for Muddy Unaspect might
have still be there.
Speaker 2 (18:39):
Yeah, exactly, And they just need to unlock someone like
Grace Jarlaye, who's obviously a football fern we can't forget.
Yeah she's played in the you know, just for other
A League teams, but yeah, she's got experience. So they
need to find a way to unlock someone like her.
Emma Maine as well. I think it's coming for her.
You can can feel it's she's going to be unleashed.
(19:03):
And she actually scored in that game against Newcastle but
it was called off side. So yeah, I think it's
it's going to happen for the next chicks as I
call them, but it's just not quite clicking yet. But
I think Paul Temple will find a way to get
them back on track.
Speaker 1 (19:20):
Yeah, I agree, I'd like to see, but more obviously
of Olivia Ferguson as well, the English striker. We've seen
her off the bench in the last two matches, so
I think they're hoping that she will be the one
and and alysta on them. I've got to say against Canberra,
created a lot in that home game, hit the post,
you know. And if she can add goal scoring as
(19:40):
a string to her bow, then I think it will
just make her such a way more potent proposition. I
think she's playing well Alyssa Winham, you know, and I
think she'll probably you know, play in that creative number
ten role for the Phoenix for most of the season.
I would just love to see her add you know,
half a dozen goals that would really you know, elevate her.
The goal that the Phoenix conceded against Newcastle, you know,
(20:03):
wide out on the left, sort of speculator into the area.
I know it's been dressed up on social media as
a worldie of a goal. I think that's a goalkeeping error.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
I actually didn't like. I didn't mind vilal and goal
for the Phoenix. I thought she she saved a lot
of shots coming in from Newcastle, as I say, they
were the better team. But yeah, I more think why
was she given the time to take that strike from
way out there? So yeah, she was the Newcastle captain.
(20:37):
I think it was just had a lot of time
to shoot or put across in that she did, So yeah,
I agree it probably wasn't a worldie, but I do
want to give a shout out to this Newcastle team
and one player in particular, Gallagher. She has played in
the NRLW, which is rugby league, and it's now playing
a league football. I just feel like that's a crossover
(20:58):
you don't often see. Maybe rugby union to rugby league,
but not rugby league to football.
Speaker 1 (21:03):
No, I can't. I can't remember an instance of that.
Speaker 3 (21:07):
You're right crazy, it's a beast.
Speaker 1 (21:09):
Yeah, people codop all the time, but not from rugby
league to football. I was totally unaware of that.
Speaker 2 (21:15):
Yeah, she was very impressive. I've obviously been talking to
Devin Jackson, who plays for Newcastle. She obviously played against
the Phoenix, but yeah, I was talking about this player
and she's just unbelievable. I think I believe she was
a young Matilda's captain, so she's played football growing up,
played for the junior Matilda's and then switched to league
and now she's back.
Speaker 3 (21:35):
I was just like, wow, yeah, in credible.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
Well it's not terminal for Wellington Phoenix and it's a
long season. Let's hope that they can get back on
track when they play their next game, which is against
Adelaide United in New Night Round Friday night. So it's
I think the first game of the round seven thirty
New Zealand time. Adelaide have a couple of wins in
a loss from their first three matches. Be a good
time for Wellington Phoenix as women's side to get their
(21:57):
first one on the board. This is football, Let's move
on to other matters. Your article in the New Zealand
Herald in the last couple of days with you chatted
to Tom Somani, former Football Ferns coach, and he's come
up with this idea of Bev Priestman as a candidate
(22:18):
for the vacant Football Ferns role. Now now Beev Priestman
has been basically sacked by Canada for drone gate during
the Olympics. When I first saw this headline, and when
you first alerted me to the fact that Tom Somanni
had made this claim, I thought this was the most
hair brained idea I'd ever heard. I thought it was
(22:39):
the most ridiculous proposition that I'd heard for quite some time.
And I've heard some ridiculous propositions in my time. Why
on earth would New Zealand football want beev priestman.
Speaker 3 (22:49):
Plot to us? Am I right?
Speaker 2 (22:52):
I actually don't mind it, Piney. I'm opposite to you,
and I think it's a great shout. Yes, obviously she
authorizedly authorize the drones to fly over New Zealand spying
on them at the Olympics. But she's a good coach
and I don't think she is the only one or
the only you know, manager that has been spying on
(23:14):
other teams in their time.
Speaker 3 (23:16):
And she's she's.
Speaker 2 (23:18):
Not a you know she's she won the Olympics, Olympic
gold medalists with Canada and Tokyo. She's obviously a good coach.
She's been involved with the New Zealand set up. That
was Tom Somani's main point is that she's used to
I think she was the former director of football or
the technical director. She has been involved in the junior
(23:40):
set up here, so she knows New Zealand and. As
Tom Somani pointed out in the article that that's the
number one thing the football firms need is someone that
understands the Kiwi culture and Beev obviously knows that.
Speaker 3 (23:54):
And as I mentioned, she's a good coach. I quite
like it, all.
Speaker 1 (23:57):
Right, So that's the case for the defense and presented
that case. Well, and you're right, there's no argument she's
a good coach. She's got a track record of success
as a coach. But at what point do you say, right,
she cheated, it's not alleged, it's been proven what she did.
She cheated, And if she is hiring to the New
(24:19):
Zealand job, that narrative, well, I believe anyway, overshadow the
Ferns for probably the first year or so, because every
time it's like, you know, every time Bev Priestman's name
is mentioned, people will immediately think of drones. They just will.
Speaker 2 (24:36):
I mean, yes they will, And I think that's absolutely right.
But what if Bev Priestman comes in. Yes, maybe for
the first month or two, that's the media headlines swirling,
she takes, you know, some hard hitting questions from journalists
and things like that. But then what if the team
starts winning, everyone's going to forget about that and ignore it.
And she seems like a person that could get this
(24:57):
team back on track. No, they're not going to go
in win the next World Cup.
Speaker 3 (25:01):
Let's be real.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
But you know, maybe she can get this team in line.
Obviously the football firms have had their own shit going on,
if I can say that word, and someone needs to
come in and regroup them completely, players and staff alike.
And you know, she seems like a person that could
do that. But I completely agree party that the drone
(25:22):
stuff is certainly awkward. And if we're being realistic here,
I do not think New Zealand Football will hire her.
Speaker 1 (25:28):
Yeah, look, pre Olympics, if you'd said, Okay is going
to go BEF priscetsman is going to be the next
coach of New Zealand. Pre Olympics, I would have said,
my god, what an appointment?
Speaker 3 (25:38):
What a score?
Speaker 1 (25:38):
What a score? Absolutely, because she is as before and
you've said, highly credentialed. And look she hasn't you know,
she hasn't been sacked for improper conduct. She hasn't been
sacked for anything internal as far as her treatment of
players is concerned. As far as I can say, it's
just that you know, she stuck drones up to spy
on opposition teams. It's a sackable offense. But is it?
(26:03):
You know, I guess it's a matter of where do
you draw the line as far as the as far
as the things you're willing to accept from a person's
past when you try to make them part of your future. That, yeah,
really is the question New Zealand Football have to ask.
And look, I'm a bit like you. I wonder whether
they just won't. It would just be a bridge too
far for them. I'll tell you I'd be talking to
I'd be talking to Tom Somani.
Speaker 3 (26:25):
Yeah, odd to get him in? Yeah coach?
Speaker 2 (26:27):
Yes, yeah, Well I asked him that Piney and he
said basically thanks, but no thanks. No, he didn't say
it like that, but he said he's just too old
basically No. He said he's at the end of his
career and they need someone more, more dynamic, I think
was his words, quote unquote.
Speaker 3 (26:48):
And yeah, I maybe I tend to agree with him.
Speaker 2 (26:50):
But the players that I have spoken to ten have
said they absolutely love Tom Somani, So he would be
great to bring in.
Speaker 1 (26:58):
Isn't either interim coach to the Matilda at the moment.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
He is? And what was so fun about talking to
him is I was like asking about Sam Kerr and
how her injury is going like you know that I've
just basically, you know, second friends with Sam Kerr and
I was like, oh, yeah, how's she going. He was, oh, yeah,
she's not too bad. She's returning probably in January. So
I was like, oh, great, good.
Speaker 1 (27:21):
To hear see Samku is going to be your mum
as well. That's great news.
Speaker 3 (27:24):
We got great news.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
Really excited for her and Christi mwis obviously she's a
midfielder Christie mus for the US women's national team. Really
really exciting for them. So big, big news in the
football world this week.
Speaker 1 (27:39):
Absolutely, well, we'll keep an eye on the whole. We
still don't really have a time frame, do we around
the new football Ferns coach. But yeah, I thought that
was a really interesting article and yeah, be interesting to
see whether it's something that potentially might come to pass.
I wouldn't be betting anything at all on it, but
it was a really really good conversation starter football football.
(28:00):
It's got to keep these overseas. Tell us about this
under twenty international who I'll freely admit I had never
heard of, who made her debut for samp Doria the
other day.
Speaker 2 (28:10):
Yeah, Kiara Bichelli, who debuted in the Italian Top Division
for against Katie Bowen's team. I believe she played up
here in Auckland, but yeah, really exciting to see top tier.
I had no idea she was going over there, and
it just seems like more and more young young kiwi's
(28:33):
you know, skipping this that, you know, the A League
Wellington Phoenix opportunity and by passing that and going straight
to Europe, which is kind of promising, I know, yet
care in New Zealand football put a big pressure on
the football ferns to try and go even further than
the A League or at least play in the A
League and professional football before they would get any consideration
(28:54):
for the senior national team.
Speaker 1 (28:55):
C Pinenberg got her first minutes the other day in
the in the Dutch top flight for her fine old site.
So good to see her getting some minutes over there.
And we've talked about a couple of others as well.
Now Claudia Bunge, she's come the other ways. Is you
back at Melbourn Victory.
Speaker 2 (29:10):
Yes, she's returned to Melbourne Victory, which, yeah, I believe
she wants to get back over to Europe obviously more
competitive football depending on how you look at it. But
she's she's had a cell start I think for the
Victory and their second on the table behind Melbourne City
where Rebecca Stop plays and assistant coach Gareth Turnbull is
(29:34):
there as well. Kiwi I think could also be another
consideration for the football fans role. Going back to that,
maybe we see him return.
Speaker 1 (29:41):
Just as he said his name then I thought would
he be an option? Would he be interested in that role?
Speaker 3 (29:46):
Well? I think maybe.
Speaker 2 (29:47):
I mean he is a Kiwi and you know it
is certainly you know he's done well with the Melbourne
Victory women's team. They wanted a couple of years ago
the A League woman So yeah, I think so certainly
someone to consider. He used to coach me at junior level,
but yeah, I rate him as a coach certainly. Maybe
(30:08):
also as well he coached for Auckland f C. Maybe
something he could consider or Auckland f C might look
at when they launched their women's team next year. He
obviously is the assistant at Victory now maybe he wants
to step up. Yeah, A few names to certainly consider.
Speaker 1 (30:24):
Good stuff and just one for the men. Matt Garbett
named in the EAFC Team of the week. Obviously two
big performances for the All Whites. In fact, I probably
should have mentioned Matt Garbett when we were talking about
the All Whites. I think across the two games he
was probably the standout player. Even though Chris Wood got
five goals, I think Matt Garbett probably set up about
four of them and across the two games was very
(30:47):
very good. So yeah, good to see him in the
EAFC Team of the Week for nack Bread and for
the New Zealand. Of course, can we finish with the
National League. There's one round to go before the finals
on Sunday, the first December. The Women's Grand Final is
already locked in even before the final round of matches
because Auckland United have twenty two points from their eight games,
(31:08):
Waterside Krori eighteen points from their eight games. Both of
those teams were unbeaten. They drew one all with one another.
I think we all expected Auckland United to be there.
Did I know you sort of? You were singing the
praises of Waterside Carori preseason. You must have known something.
The rest of us didn't really know. They're going to
play the Grand Final.
Speaker 2 (31:28):
Well, I do remember we spoke about it in the
first week of the National League and we spoke about
that one all result, Piney, and you said, is this
a surprise, Bonnie, and I kind of agreed with you.
I was like, this is a bit shocking that these
two sides drew one.
Speaker 3 (31:44):
All.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
I definitely didn't expect them. I expected Karrori to be competitive,
but I would have picked Wellington United to be the
more competitive team from Capitol. And yeah, they've certainly surprised me,
I must admit, but I hope they get up for
a day. I love to see a team outside of
Auckland win it this year particularly, I just, you know,
(32:05):
don't mind Auckland United, but I feel like they've won
a lot of trophies recently. Let's give it to someone else.
Same with the men as well. You know, we always
see Auckland City win or a guest Wellington Olympics. So
let's see someone else won it. And I hope that.
I hope that's Waterside Crory.
Speaker 1 (32:18):
All right, well all get to the menu of you're right,
But I mean Waterside Corory will go there with no
fear the games at North Harbor Stadium, so I guess
they're away, really to all intents and purposes, but that
might galvanize them as they make the trip up. They've
drawn one all with Auckland United, so there's no fear there. Yeah,
it should be a cracking, a cracking women's final. That's
one o'clock on Sunday, the first of December, as Auckland
(32:42):
United looks to defend their title against Waterside Men's Grand
Final at four o'clock is not decided. Four teams can
still make the final depending on the results of the
final round of matches. Birkenhead United have seventeen points, Auckland
City have sixteen, Western Springs have fifteen, Napier City Rovers
have fourteenth. So those four teams are all still in
(33:03):
contention and none of them play one another in the
final round. So I guess that that kind of hands
things to Birkenhead United in Auckland City. They know if
they both win, they're both in. I'm you know, I'd
love to see Napier there because what Western Springs and
Auckland Side as well, aren't they But I get the
feeling it might be the top two. It might be
Burkeo in Auckland City.
Speaker 2 (33:23):
Yeah, I would agree. Piney I'd love to see Napier
City there, but I'm glad it's not another Auckland City
Wellington Olympic Final. If I'm being really honest, I think,
you know, probably the community of New Zealand community of
football are probably sick of seeing those two teams in
a lot of these finals.
Speaker 3 (33:43):
I know, I am.
Speaker 2 (33:43):
You know, all due respect to them, obviously they deserve
to be there. They're great teams, but yeah, great to
see the likes of Birkenhead, Western Springs Napier compete for
one of these final spots.
Speaker 3 (33:54):
It will be cool as well. I mean, I guess for.
Speaker 2 (33:56):
Auckland City they've lost their skipper, Cam Hollison and obviously
Liam Gillian to Auckland FC, so if they can kind
of do it without them, it'll be cool for their
players and a great lead into the Club World Cup
next year that they'll have. But certainly interesting last round
of the National.
Speaker 1 (34:14):
League book donwell, are they kind of highly regarded Birkenhead.
Speaker 3 (34:18):
Yeah, they've done well.
Speaker 2 (34:19):
They were good in the Northern League. I remember they
took Auckland City to extra time in the Chatham Cup
semi final. I think it was four to two in
the end maybe four to three, But yeah, they've been
competitive and they're a fun team to watch. I went
out and commentated the Eastern Suburbs Birkenhead game a fortnight
(34:42):
ago and it ended two all, which was a bit
of an upset by Eastern Suburbs. But Birkenhead, they're certainly passionate,
and they've got Monty Patterson at the top, who's place
has played for New Zealand I believe in the past,
or at least at the age group level. So yeah,
they've got a couple characters who are yeah, kind of
(35:03):
leading this team and certainly really competitive and would be
exciting in the final.
Speaker 1 (35:06):
Tom Watch now. He was certainly a full or White.
In fact, he was in the team that went to
Peru for that at the continental playoff against Peru. The
reason I know this is because I was on the
same plane and halfway through the flight Monty Patterson came through.
Must have lost a bet because he get to sing
to the entire plane and and he did a pretty
good job. He sung Halo. Is that a Beyonce song? Halo?
Speaker 3 (35:30):
I believe it is.
Speaker 1 (35:31):
Yeah, I don't know how that song got chosen, but
he held a note pretty well. Monte Patterson obviously know
it'shere the back of the netters scoring goals for Birkenhead.
Speaker 2 (35:38):
So yeah, well, I think what's going to be interesting
is next year's National League and the Northern League when
the Auckland f C Academy come in. I hope they
don't because I know it kind of caused a few
riffles down in Wellington with the Wellington Phoenix Reserves poaching
a lot of the younger talent coming through or maybe
(35:59):
not even which just players wanting to go and play
for the Phoenix Academy. But I hope that's not the
case when Auckland f C get their academy team in
and you know we do see the likes of Birkenhead competing,
but you know, maybe a player like Monty Patterson might
you know, consider jumping ship to Auckland f C and
(36:21):
trying to make his way up in that. But you're
going to be interesting when they come in.
Speaker 1 (36:25):
Indeed. All right, so final round match just cash Mere
Tech Birkenhead Olympic against ap City Rovers, Western Springs, Wellington
Phoenix Eastern Suburbs, Western Suburbs and Auckland City against Coastal spirit.
Those are the games to come across the weekend. All right, Bonnie,
I think that brings us to the end of what
has become a bit of a marathon football fever episode.
(36:46):
Can't wait for a league to return, Exciting times in
the world of football plenty to focus on, So I
guess we should reconvene next week.
Speaker 3 (36:54):
I'll see you then, Piney the FF with Peny and
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