October 2, 2024 • 34 mins
With the new A-League season fast approaching, Piney and Bonnie discuss the likely make-up of Auckland FC's best starting 11 and we hear from two of their Kiwi attackers, Liam Gillion and Logan Rogerson.
Meanwhile, Yellow Fever have been allocated their away section at Mount Smart for December's derby - are they in the right place?
We review round one of the women's and men's National League seasons and there's a wrap of Kiwis playing overseas.
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 on their quest for an A-League title - all the goals, all the drama, all the glory!
Plus, the latest Auckland FC news, and updates from around the world including the English Premier League!
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:03):
Football Fever with News Talks MB's voice of Football Jason
Payne and Money Jansen. Hello and welcome into a fresh
episode of Football Fever. We're here 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're really need
to land on an actual day for this, don't We
were Monday for a long time. Here we are again
(00:23):
on a Thursday. Maybe we need to get a bit
more regular once once we get into the A League season,
maybe we go back to Monday's you know, full time. Bonnie,
what do you reckon?
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Yeah, well two weeks tomorrow, Piney, it's super exciting. So yeah,
I guess now that the A League's pretty much around
the corner, we can become a regular thing.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
Indeed, yes, the clocks have gone forward and the A
League season is approaching. Quick smart, let's start there. Actually.
Auckland FC are continuing their preparations. They had a they
had a sort of a game or games last night,
as I understand, at two thirty minute halves against Birkenhea
two thirty minute halves against Western Springs out at Albany.
(01:03):
You went along the watch, what was What were your takeaways?
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Yeah, no, it was good to see Auckland FC come
up against you know, the club teams, two of the
top clubs here in Auckland. I think you'll know as well,
Piney that there's not much between these clubs, especially in
pre season two the A League sides. Obviously the Phoenix
played Wellington Olympic the other week. Anyway, there wasn't much
(01:26):
between these two teams. I don't know what the final
score was. I think they beat Birkenhead two nil, but
it was all kind of one big mixed friendly, but
yet really positive. I kind of got a sense you
can see what Steve Crick is going to do with
his starting lineup kind of worked out. It was a
bit of a four to two three one type situation,
(01:50):
maybe a four to three three the look, they're looking
pretty good.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Okay, So the imports all played, did they? Apart from
the new Columbian winger who's yet to be announced. I
think everybody knows who it is, but we'll leave him
off to one side. So Sarkai, Galagosvstrate and GMO Mai
they all.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Played, Yes they did. Yeah, they kind of filled the
filled the midfield and you know kind of linking up
up the top there that that number nine position Sakai
was playing on the right, the right hand fullback that
they're looking good as well, and you can see, you know,
(02:27):
with the likes of Cam Howison who didn't start, you
can see Steve Corrick is trying to familiarize himself with
these imports and obviously he knows what Cam is about.
So yeah, that was kind of the bart.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
Do you think Cam Howison will start the first game
or do you think he'll go with his two imports?
If he plays two six is sitting? Do you think
it'll be Galagos investrata?
Speaker 2 (02:51):
Potentially, and that is due to the all whites to it.
I believe the players get back about the day before
or two days before that first kickoff, so potentially maybe
that's what Corricer's plan was last night to really get
this team gelling for the players that will be back
(03:12):
and fit and fresh ready for that opening game. Going
forward into the season, I feel like Cam will cement
his spot obviously because of who he is as a player,
but also his leadership is undeniable, which we've seen through
his time at Auckland City.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
It's just interesting though, isn't it that two of the
imports play in those central midfield roles. Look, I don't
know enough about them just yet to know whether one
of them or both is more of an eight for example,
or what Cam Howison's role to play and this team
will be. But yeah, and it feels to me as
though there'll be real competition for places, which is what
you want. But as I think I said on a
(03:50):
couple of podcasts ago, the imports really need to start
Otherwise why are they there exactly?
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Yeah, And that's the other thing. And I do wonder
you might be able to speak more on this, Piney,
But what is it the same deal for the Aussie
players that that guy Galloway he didn't he didn't start
last night. And I'd say some of the guys from
Aussie you know, Dan Hall might not have his his
spot secured with the likes of Tommy Smith there and Nando.
(04:18):
So is it the same deal for them or are
they easier to put on the bench compared with the
imports coming from Europe and South America.
Speaker 1 (04:26):
And that yeah, I think, well, I think that their
places are less guaranteed and often you you'll bring in
Australian players to fill out your squad rather than to
really be rusted on starters. I think Jake Brimmer is
probably of all of them, or of all of the Australians,
and there aren't many in the in the in the
Auckland FC squad, I think Jake Brimm is likely to
play Hall will probably get first crack. I would imagine
(04:48):
it center back alongside Pinaker. Galloway can play both sides
of the back for but I wonder whether Francis Devrez
might be your man up and down the left hand side.
What about what about Liam Gillian. I've seen a little
bit of so media footage and I know those are
just edited highlights, but he's looking quite sharp, is he?
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Yeah, he is looking sharp. I really liked him last night.
Him and Logan Rogerson as well. We're both pretty dominant
up the wings. And I think Liam Gillian, you know,
he followed him for a few years. He's played for
Auckland City. He has done very well there in kind
of cementing his starting spot. And he's still young, like
(05:25):
we need to remember that, but he's started with that
quite senior experienced Auckland City side in the northern League.
He could have followed in his brother's footsteps and gone
down to the Wellington Phoenix Academy, but he's stuck with
that and I think it's paying dividends now because you
can see he's kind of potentially without offending Fergus here,
(05:47):
his younger brother who plays for the Phoenix, he's gone
beyond that and it's now contending a starting spot here
with Auckland.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
All right, looking forward to seeing how that goes. We'll
here from Liam Gillian in just a moment. Alex porstonin goal?
Was he for the first.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Game he was in goal? Yes, I'm hearing rumors that
Michael vaud might have a slight injury. I think they
did rotate the keepers last night from memory, but yes,
Alex Poulson started.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Okay, let's hear from Liam Gillian, who you've just been
speaking about. You were there and I had a chat
to Liam Gillian afterwards to see how we're settling into
life as a professional footballer. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
I've been enjoying it.
Speaker 4 (06:24):
It's good fund It's definitely a change coming from amateur football,
but it's definitely something I enjoy.
Speaker 3 (06:30):
I enjoy coming to training every day. Good group of.
Speaker 4 (06:33):
Lads, good coaching staff, everyone's very supportive and yeah, great,
great facilities.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Yeah, I love it.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
Obviously you're in pre season right now, but you've beat
over to Ozzie, you've played some here. How do you
think the team is locking? Yeah, you're going to be
a competitive.
Speaker 5 (06:49):
Team this season.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
Yeah, I think we're shaping up.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
Well. It's looking good, getting good at each day and training. Yeah,
got the your phone is just coming as well. There
no egos and the team you know, everyone through friendly
and you know, it's great, it's good fun.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
What are you kind of want out of this? This
is your first pro contract, I believe you know, what
do you want out of this first season?
Speaker 4 (07:12):
Obviously it'd be great to get some decent aleague minutes,
you know, first proper sort of professional league. So it
would be cool to make a name for myself and
sort of Yeah, I mean i'd try my best, I guess.
Speaker 5 (07:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
And your younger brother plays down in Wellington. What will
it be like going up against them?
Speaker 3 (07:33):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (07:34):
Yeah, I mean the family has spoken about this a
couple of times, so they're saying they might have to
get a half and half shit.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
Obviously, I don't know if that would.
Speaker 4 (07:42):
Slide, but yeah, it'll be definitely interesting and it would
cause a good friendly rivaly.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
So looking forward to it.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Have you guys spoken much about the fact you're both
playing in.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
The A League. Yeah, I thought it was We thought
it was pretty cool.
Speaker 4 (07:55):
I mean, you know, it's not every day you see
brothers playing for it for two, I guess the Kimi Derby,
you know.
Speaker 3 (08:01):
Yeah, so yeah, I know, it's definitely be interesting.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
I think I can say, Bonnie, without fear of contradiction,
there will be no half and half shirts. There will
be no apart from in the Gillian family where there's
a player on each side, I can almost say, you know,
without fear of contradiction, no one's going to wear a
half and half shirt. Phoenix in Auckland FC.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
I don't know, but it's hard to say because there's
so many, so many pre existing Phoenix fans up here
in Auckland and are they going to stay or switch?
I don't know, but yeah, I feel like that that's
a bit soft if we've seen that around.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
Well, I just don't make football exactly mate. Yeah, yeah,
that's it. Choose your side, choose your side. But I
get it for the gillions they do have a foot
in both camps, so I kind of get that. But yeah,
I don't think you'll see too many just normal football
fans wearing the half and half going to talk more
about the derby actually in just a moment, But you're
also caught up with Logan Rogerson, who is back in
(08:59):
New Zealand after time playing overseas, to see how he's
enjoying himself at Auckland FC.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
No.
Speaker 5 (09:04):
I love being back.
Speaker 6 (09:05):
Yeah, the setup's good here. I've been enjoying pre season.
I've got a good group of ads, and I've been
enjoying working under Steve and the staff.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
What is it about the setup that's kind of like
working so well?
Speaker 6 (09:18):
Do you again? I think the club's been providing us
with everything we need. We've got good resources here and
you know a lot of stuff helping us out. Which
is you know, compared to the other environments I've been in,
this has got to be up there.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
You've played a bit overseas, obviously, welcoming those international players here,
what is that like and the jailed Well.
Speaker 6 (09:41):
Yeah, obviously you know, I know what it's like being
that foreigner coming in and so yeah, I think you know,
I've just tried to, you know, try and welcome them
in and you know, introducing a little bit Qui culture.
It's a bit different to probably what they used to
but yeah, I think the boys have done a nice
effort to help them and i've they feel at homehouse,
(10:01):
so I think it'll be important for us, and yeah,
hopefully they can be key to our success for the season.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
Do you the squad from the outlock seems quite competitive?
Do you feel like it is in the are you're
going to be fighting for your spots we can weep out?
Speaker 5 (10:18):
Yeah, I think there's a lot of competition.
Speaker 6 (10:19):
Obviously there's another player coming in, so you know that's
going to add more competition, which you know, it's good
for a team.
Speaker 5 (10:27):
You know, training against each other and working for spots.
Speaker 6 (10:30):
Is all part of football and you know it drives
success as well.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Yeah, and you spent some time with the Next, right,
so what will it be like going up against them?
Speaker 6 (10:39):
Yeah, I've kind of supported the Next, you know, even
since I was younger and obviously had the opportunity to
play for them my first professional club.
Speaker 5 (10:45):
So yeah, I feel it feels like we'll be like
a mixed.
Speaker 6 (10:48):
Emotions playing them, But you know, this is our job.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
We're professionals. So on the field, it's you know, it's
real competitive.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
And you've had a call up to the All White.
How exciting is that? And do you think you know
your your time here at Auckland is going to kind
of help you secure that spot within the All Yeah.
Speaker 5 (11:09):
No, I'm buzzy going to be back in the in
the set out of the national team.
Speaker 6 (11:12):
And I definitely feel coming back home to Auckland kind
of puts me under the microscope of the national team,
and I definitely feel coming back has helped me. You know,
I put my foot in the door for you know,
the qualify for the World Cup and hopefully for the
World Cup.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
That's Logan Rogerson. What do you predict for him this
a league season?
Speaker 2 (11:28):
Yeah, we're looking at him. Last night he was definitely dominant.
I think he kind of you know, still a little
bit taller than some of the other players, potentially, you know,
the likes of Francis Devrees or Liam Gillian, who have
been really good playing here domestically in the last couple
of years. But yeah, you can see Logan's got some
(11:48):
experience behind him, so I hope he stands out for
the for all. I was going to say the Phoenix
for Auckland and yeah, cements that spot in the All White.
So far, so good. He's looking like he's on track
to do so good.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
To hear you, I'll have competition with the Columbian winger
to be announced. Maybe even by the time people are
listening to this, he may have been announced. Anyway, we
know another attacking wide attacking player is coming, so that's
what you want within a squad, though, there's plenty of
competition for places and the likes of Logan Rogerson and
Liam Gillian who we heard from there well and truly
in the mix. Hearing that ticket sales for the opening
(12:26):
game Auckland FC's opening match against Brisbane on Saturday October
nineteen are going really well, heading for a sellout, I hear.
Is that what you're hearing as well? That there's good
uptake on tickets for the opening match.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
I did hear that, Piney. I heard from Nick Becker,
the CEO of Auckland FC. He's been very busy forming
this new club, but he's ye excited that they are
on track for a sellout, which I think is great.
I mean, we know what Auckland football fans have done
for the Phoenix in the past and got some of
their biggest crowds. So yeah, fully yet goes gangbusters on
(13:02):
that opening day.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
Yeah, and you're so right. You know, people turned up
they regularly to watch the Phoenix when they had games
in Auckland's, so we know the crowd are there, and
you kind of feel as though, I think, you know,
they've built a good squad. There's been good cut through
on the likes of social media and other things like that.
They've been reaching out to their community. So there's no
real reason why they shouldn't get good crowds, particularly early
(13:25):
on when when you know it's it's new, and if
they if they start to win matches and do well,
I think it'll be Yeah, I think we'll get good crowds.
The derby will be so good. The first derby at
Mount Smart. The first derby of course, is in round
three at Sky Stadium. Get to that in the moment.
But for a long for a long time, there was
(13:46):
there was no release of where the away fans would
be at Mount Smart. I saw a lot of chatter
on social media about you know, if you're a Phoenix fan,
where you're supposed to buy your tickets. Where is the
away fan area because they always allocate one, And I
see that they've allocated sections eight and nine at Mount Smart,
which is at the top of the west stand if
(14:10):
you're looking up into that stand to the left of
where the corporate boxes are. I don't know about that.
I wonder whether they should be down the other end.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
Yeah, I can't quite work that out thinking about it
now where it is, but yeah, I feel like Auckland
def C were playing a bit with how long it
took to allocate these away bays. I get the sense
that Auckland f C are really grabbing onto this rivalry
and playing with it a bit more piny. You and
(14:39):
I discussed that apparently there's going to be a shirt
swap replacement where old Phoenix fans can come and replace
their old gear with Auckland City. Honestly, I think the
rivals heading up regardless, and I hope, honestly you do
wonder if maybe the Auckland f C fans will be
outnumbered when the Phoenix here because of those pre existing fans.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
Well, it'll be interesting to see. I mean, they've only
allocated the two bays as dedicated bays, but I would
be completely unsurprised if there are Phoenix shirts dotted around
the ground. For those who know Mount Smart, it's the
south stand, which is as you look on television. It's
to the right the south stand there is where the
(15:23):
port are going to be. That's the Auckland FC version
of yellow fever, if you like the hardcore fans. I
kind of feel as a yellow fever should have been
down the other end. Compare it to Sky Stadium, for example.
The Yellow Fever are at the city end. As the
players ran out the tunnel, they're right there. I think
anyone who's watched The Phoenix knows where they are the
away fans, regardless of who they are, and this will
(15:44):
include Auckland down the other end, under the scoreboard at
the northern end. And what you hope for the derby
in round three is that you know Aisle thirty four,
which is where the away fans sit, is heaving with
Auckland fans who make the trip down for the first derby.
But yeah, I thought that was a rather unusual place
to put the away fans at Mount Smart.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
So you're saying they're down towards the port more rather
the other end, because there's no stand down that other end.
That's like the grassy bank where all the you know,
interactions are activations. But you're suggesting they go more down
on one of the side stands around the other end.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
That end, because as it stands, if you're in the port,
you look up to your left, and that's where the
Yellow Fever are up to the left, sort of almost
up on the nose bleach really where I feel like
they should be closer to the ground as well. But
then and so yellow Fever as they're up in eight
to nine are looking down to their right, so they're
looking down on the port. I just feel like it
(16:44):
works better if they're at at each end. They're both
at the same end, really, which I think. I don't know.
There must be a reason for it, but I just
thought it was a bit unusual.
Speaker 2 (16:55):
I just think it's gonna make it really challenging to
get a Mexican wave going because both sets of fans
are going to be competing with each other and not
want to connect the Mexican wave.
Speaker 1 (17:04):
Bonnie Bonnie. The Yellow people do not do the Mexican wave.
Oh they boo the Mexican waves.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
Ah, I'm sure I've.
Speaker 1 (17:13):
No there has there has been, but you watch when
the Mexican wave gets to the Yellow Fever. They will
not do it.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
It's not that happening anyway.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
They are not. They are no fans of artificial hype.
So yeah, so look, if there's a if there's a
if there's a Mexican wave, well it certainly won't go
past the Yellow fair right. Doubt the port will do
it either. Dobby too busy doing whatever it is that
they want to do to add Mexican waves. This isn't Rugby.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
Bonnie, Ah, come on, come on.
Speaker 1 (17:40):
So yeah, the Derbies are set to be absolute crackers.
Just while we're still on the A League, Phoenix unveiled
their strip yesterday. They're gonna have a home strip and
a way strip, which is a departure from recent season.
Sometimes you didn't know which strip they were going to
wear at home and away. We now know. The yellow
home kit is going to be worn at home every time,
features sort of subtle pinches. It's largely yellow, but subtle
(18:02):
pin stripes and a bit of black trim. The away
strip is going to be released next week. We've already
seen Auckland FC's home and away strips, the blue and
black and the white away strip. And just a word
on the women, the Wellington Phoenix Women. Lara Wall, another
Canterbury United player, has signed for the Phoenix Women. Nineteen
players confirmed in the Phoenix squad now and I'm hearing
(18:24):
as we're recording this there's going to be another import
signing announced in the next little while as well. So
anything else to add before we move on from the
A leagues.
Speaker 2 (18:35):
No, I'm just looking forward to it foricially kind of
two weeks away.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Bring it on, Bring it on. Indeed, the FFV with
Piny and body other footballing matters around the All White
squad for the OFC qualify the World Cup qualifier against
Tahiti and Vanuatu, which is on Friday October eleven and
then Malaysia at North Harbor Monday October fourteen, has been announced.
No real surprises here. Good to see the big names
(19:00):
mostly their Storm roose Back hasn't played for New Zealand
since coming off the bench in the loss to Australia
Eden Park in September of twenty twenty two. That was
Winston Reid's last game for New Zealand and storm Roo's
only played twice for New Zealand since twenty seventeen, which
is a bit strange really because he's been in a
back to back a league winning Central Coast Mariners team,
so good to see him back. Tyler Binden back, Cam
(19:22):
Howison back, no Joe Bellfinn Sermon, sarprets In, Callum macowitt
or Dalton Wilkins. The Finn Sermon one's really interesting to me, Bonnie.
He's obviously left the Phoenix and is with Portland Timbers
in the MLS, but hasn't had a single minute of
action yet, and Darren Baisley's either said to him, look,
(19:43):
stay there and try and get some minutes or you're
not playing, so I'm not picking you.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Yeah, well I've am gusted he's not there either. I
feel like it would more likely be the former, being
not a massive tournament or massive kind of international window rather,
But yeah, it is a bit of a shame for Finn.
I kind of hoped he would get more minutes than
(20:09):
what we have seen from him over in the States.
So yeah, it is gutting not having him here.
Speaker 1 (20:15):
I guess he has just be patient and he's used
to that because for a long time he wasn't in
the Phoenix side either, had to bide his time and
then had that amazing season last year when he played
We started every game and played pretty much every minute.
It must be hard for him to sort of go
back a square or two and just wait for his
opportunity at Portland, But I guess that's what happens when
you move to a new club. You've got to buy
your time and wait. But I kind of thought Bayes
(20:37):
might pick him, just might say to them, hey, Finn,
you're going to be a big part of this all
white squad moving forward. Come over here and have a game.
Give him a game.
Speaker 2 (20:45):
Yeah, I guess, yes, and no, it's a kind of
a long way to come just for a couple of
games when yes, he is trying to earn a spot
on the team and coming in and out I can
imagine would be tough. But in saying that, yeah, you
you know, patience is key. But you do wonder if
(21:05):
maybe another another year in the A League would have
been good for him. And that's why I'm kind of
seeing the positives and the likes of Alex Paulson being
loaned back out. As controversial as that was, you know,
at least, he's almost all but guaranteed minutes here, and
that's probably what Finn needs right now in his early career.
(21:27):
I guess bringing him out to the All Whites probably
would have guaranteed him some minutes. But yeah, it is.
It is certainly an interesting one.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
It's a good point you make, in one that Darren
Basley made as well, and has made for the last
couple of windows, saying that there are so many players
to choose from now that he is going to favor
those who are playing regularly at club level, and with
Finn Sermon not doing that and the likes of Bill
Tuilama also missing from the squad, he's not getting minutes either.
Joe Bell is an unusual one. He's playing every week
for his club Viking. I don't quite know why he's
(21:57):
not coming back. Kellam macowitt and Dalton Wilkins and Sarapara
are all sort of returning from injury and in various stages.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
I have heard a tap on Joe Bell that I
believe the deal was he would be able to go
to the Olympics, but not for this next window, but
he will be back, so must have been some deal
with his club.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
Okay, it's not like we need Joe Bell to beat
to beat. I mean because the first games as a
World Cup qualifiers, so it is important. But if we
can't beat Tahiti without Joe Bell, then what are we
doing the other game Malaysian game as a friendly so
that you know, it may be that some of these
players are actually released back to their clubs, especially the
ones who are based in Europe after the first game
(22:38):
up in Vanuatu. They play Tahiti in Vanuatu. It may
be that, you know, a bunch of bunch of players
head back and the ones who are still here play
against Malaysia at North Harbor on the Monday, so there
may have been deals deals done in the background there
in the November window, there are two more World Cup qualifiers,
so you know, another squad to be named to be
(22:59):
named for that football fever with Jason Vine and Bonnie Jensen.
All right, Key's overseas? Where is Jackie Hand?
Speaker 2 (23:07):
We've found her, pioneer, We've found her. She has gone
to Sheffield United in the league under the Woman's Super
League in England.
Speaker 1 (23:19):
So was that where Lewis was as well? Was that
where she was previously? I think it was, wasn't it
Lewis Yeah.
Speaker 2 (23:27):
Yes, yes, sorry Louis so yeah yeah, yes, that's the
same league. So she's obviously just just jumped clubs. But
she is joining another fellow Kiwi who we haven't probably
mentioned on the podcast. Her name is Olivia Paige. She
went to the Under twenty World Cup with New Zealand.
I used to play with her at Eastern Suburbs. She
(23:48):
was a very good player there. Absolute athlete, can kind
of play multiple positions. But she is half British, so
she went over and trialed at different clubs over there
and landed a contract with she Field United last season,
so she's had minutes for the first team. So it's
positive for Jackie going over that. I'm confident that she'll
(24:09):
break in and get good, you know, starting minutes with
that club.
Speaker 1 (24:13):
All right, and cross off. Where is Jackie Hand on
my regular podcast notes? Now we know where she is.
She feeled United. I saw she debuted over the weekend,
so many many more games to come. We hope for
Jackie Hand. Good to see that she's found a new
club and Mickey Foster we spoke about her at Durham.
She's she started to get games pretty much straight away.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
Yeah, she she has and she's started this morning had
her first start for Durham. They had a two to
one win League Cup win over Blackburn Rovers and Hannah
Blake also started. I'd like to see Hannah Blake start
being welcome back into the fern. It's not going to lie.
Speaker 1 (24:52):
And what about Macy Fraser is what is the story here?
Because she hasn't played for Utah since the Olympics and
the last I heard or saw she was back in
christ Church. What's going on here?
Speaker 2 (25:06):
Yeah, I've seen her back in christ Church. She's I
don't know why she's not over in the NWUSL. We
know that she got subbed off at the Olympics with
some sort of injury or illness. Again, there was no
real confirmation on why she came off. She was obviously
(25:26):
distraught as we saw when we were calling the game Piney,
so you know, we need to find out what happened there.
But she hasn't been back to Utah. She has been
in christ Church. I have seen her posting her juggling
videos on her highly popular followed TikTok, but I haven't
seen her over in the NWSL, which is such a
(25:46):
shame because that was a real platform for her to
kind of kick off her career. So gutted she's not
over there.
Speaker 1 (25:52):
Yeah, I'm same, And if she's doing juggling videos on TikTok,
then clearly she's not severely injured. Look, I have no
knowledge of what's going on here at all, but I
feel like if you if you're at a club, you're
at that club and she's not. And I saw a
phrase like excused absence or something similar. We know Mac's
(26:14):
been quite open about, you know, some some mental health
struggles that she's had. I just hope that she can
overcome those and be the player we all know she can.
Speaker 2 (26:22):
Be exactly, And that's I think that's the biggest shame
of it all. You know, like she's such a good player.
We have seen what she's capable of. Even if, you know,
even if maybe America is not right for her come
back and play for the Phoenix. We know, you know,
she got a lot out of playing there, and she
kind of you know, it was her big break and football.
(26:43):
So just to just to see her keep keep playing
football at a decent level would be really nice. You know,
it would be great to see her play in the
nws L. The game she did play in America, she
stood out to me. She held her own and that's
really positive for the future of football. But if it's
not right for her, that's fine. But I'd still love her.
(27:05):
It's love to see her play football in some capacity.
Speaker 1 (27:07):
Absolutely well, we'll wait and see on that. Just for
the men, Ben Wayne scoring his first goal for Mansfield Town.
This is the club he's on loan at from Plymouth
Argyle too. Neil went away at Crawley in League One
during the week. He scored the second goal. It was
late in the peace, but good to see him off
the mark for Mansfield. Mansfield are doing pretty well in
League One. They're in third place at the moment. Football
(27:27):
fever okay close to the home. National League Round one
is in the books for both the men and the women.
I catching wins for Kashmir Tech four Nell over Western
Suburbs and Napier City Rovers four New over Western Springs.
So yeah, two big wins there.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
That was huge. Nap City Rovers upset?
Speaker 1 (27:46):
Yeah what a Western Springs. You know more about the
Auckland football scene than I do. Was that an upset
four nil?
Speaker 2 (27:52):
I thought it was? I mean Napier City Rovers I
believe won their league down in Central but you know
there's such a in Paris in between Auckland and Central.
No offense, but yeah, I deav Springs were one of
the better teams, one of the first to qualify up
here in Auckland. So yeah, very surprised by that result.
Speaker 1 (28:11):
You know, Nope, you didn't win Central League. They I
think they might have been third Wellington Wellington Olympic won it.
I'm just going to check. Yeah, Western Suburbs were second
and nape your third on goal difference. But yeah, so,
which probably makes it even more surprising that they got
up four nil over a team like Western Springs. So
a fairly handy. Auckland City had a win. Eastern Suburbs
(28:31):
had a win. I mentioned last week that I'd heard
the Coastal Spirit might be quite good and they drew
nil all with Wellington Olympic, which is actually not a
bad result. Wellington Olympic are a very very good side.
Big game this weekend Wellington Olympic Auckland City repeat of the.
Speaker 2 (28:45):
Chatham Cup final boom Is that in Wellington?
Speaker 1 (28:48):
It is in Wellington, Yes, that one's in Wellington. Three
o'clock on Saturday. I believe for the women what stood
out for you and the results that came through and
around one of the women's national league.
Speaker 2 (28:58):
Yeah, I was surprised and also not surprised that Wellington
United beat Western Springs. There obviously the best team coming
out of the Capitol and Springs. Yes they made it
to the Kate Shuper Cup final, but probably not the
stronger of the Auckland teams. And yeah, Canterbury United beat
the Phoenix for one again quite surprising because I think
(29:21):
a couple of those scholarship Phoenix players were playing down
for that team. But Waterside Corori drawing one off with
Auckland United has to take the cake. Definitely a surprise
considering how dominant Auckland United have been in recent years.
I wonder if maybe they took the game too lightly.
Speaker 1 (29:39):
Yeah, well it was down in Wellington Waterside. Yeah, I
guess unfancied against, as you say, the Auckland United side
that's been pretty dominant in the north. Wellington United. Will
Mickey Robertson go back and play for them, do you think?
Speaker 2 (29:54):
No? I don't think she will. Her sister obviously plays there. Jimmy,
who I grew up playing with Gym unbelievable player. I've
encouraged her to go and try try luck at the Phoenix,
but no, I don't think Mickey will. But I think
she will maybe involve herself in some sort of mentorship
and be in and around the team. I know she's
(30:16):
close with quite a few of the players, so who knows.
I believe she'll be taking it kind of month by month,
year by year with football and see when she's ready
to come back.
Speaker 1 (30:27):
All right, West Coast Range is five mil winners over
Central Football as well, so that was the biggest eye
catching result. I mentioned before about a Phoenix signing for
the women, and as we've been recording this, this has
been confirmed. So I'm just going to give you this
news hot off the press. The Wellington Phoenix have added
(30:48):
me By Tanaka, a Japanese winger, to their rosta. She's
played professionally in Japan and South Korea. She joins the
Phoenix from Preston Lions FC and the Victoria National Premier
League's competition in Australia. She scored scored ten goals and
eighteen matches for them. She's twenty eight years old and
(31:08):
joins a couple of other Japanese players at the Phoenix,
Shiga and Nagasawa in the men's side. So it looks
like the Phoenix are looking to Japan for their next
wave of imports.
Speaker 2 (31:17):
Bonnie, Yeah, not about bad shout. Honestly, I love the
way We've talked about this before. I love the way
Japanese players play football. They're so intelligent, you know, on
and off the ball, and very very exciting to see
that signing.
Speaker 1 (31:33):
All right, So that's twenty players now signed for the
Wellington Phoenix Women. They get their season underway at the
start of November, so only a month the way from
seeing the Wellington Phoenix Women back in action. As well.
Just before we go today, I'm a big fan of
their New Zealand they are a national airline. Whenever I
travel on in New Zealand, I always get I'm always impressed,
(31:56):
you know that they do just about everything right. However,
we do have to give them a bit of an
uppercut on the podcast today because in their latest in
Flight magazine there's a small article on Auckland f C's
upcoming debut in the A League and it says, and
I'm going to quote this Auckland f C is the
(32:17):
only team from New Zealand to compete in the A leak,
where have they got.
Speaker 2 (32:23):
That's it's giving chat GBT gone wrong? Like seriously, I
just don't know how that's happened, considering what the Phoenix
would fly that airline often they're on the plane, probably
kitch it up. It's yeah, it's it's not good.
Speaker 1 (32:38):
Yeah. I just don't know how that has got past
the proof readers. Maybe their antity, Maybe that's what's happening
these days, AI is just proofreading everything. But then I
would imagine that any any AI you know, machine or
whatever they're called robots, would actually know of the existence
of not only Wellington Phoenix for the last eighteen years,
(33:01):
but before that the New Zealand Knights, who had also
played in the A League of course in its first
two seasons. So quite how they've arrived at the at
the you know, the assumption that Auckland f C is
the only team from New Zealand to com bet in
the A League. I really don't know.
Speaker 2 (33:17):
But I wonder if Aukland f C arranged it and
this is just another one of their you know, little
little plots for it to add to the rivalry.
Speaker 1 (33:25):
Who knows why not.
Speaker 2 (33:26):
It's heating up.
Speaker 1 (33:27):
Yeah, it is heating up. I loved what you said
before about the jersey swop thing. I think that's great heat. Yes,
if that, if that actually comes to past that you
can bring your Phoenix care along and get it swapped
for Auckland f C gear at Mount Smart. I think
that's fantastic heat from Auckland f C. What a What
a way to stoke a rivalry, What a way to start,
get to get people I'm talking about it.
Speaker 2 (33:48):
Will you bring your shirt and piney when you when
you come and watch.
Speaker 1 (33:52):
Don't have any Phoenix shirts, Bonnie. I'm very very impartial.
Speaker 2 (33:55):
Oh, very very impartial.
Speaker 1 (33:57):
Very impartial. Indeed, that's us on the podcast today. Back
we hope on Monday. We'll be back at some stage
next week, depending on the kind of news that drops
over the weekend. But enjoy your weekend, Bonnie. Only a
couple of weeks ago till the ALEG starts.
Speaker 2 (34:11):
We'll see you then.
Speaker 1 (34:18):
This is football Fever.
Football Fever with News Talks MB's voice of Football Jason
Payne and Money Jansen. Hello and welcome into a fresh
episode of Football Fever. We're here 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're really need
to land on an actual day for this, don't We
were Monday for a long time. Here we are again
(00:23):
on a Thursday. Maybe we need to get a bit
more regular once once we get into the A League season,
maybe we go back to Monday's you know, full time. Bonnie,
what do you reckon?
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Yeah, well two weeks tomorrow, Piney, it's super exciting. So yeah,
I guess now that the A League's pretty much around
the corner, we can become a regular thing.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
Indeed, yes, the clocks have gone forward and the A
League season is approaching. Quick smart, let's start there. Actually.
Auckland FC are continuing their preparations. They had a they
had a sort of a game or games last night,
as I understand, at two thirty minute halves against Birkenhea
two thirty minute halves against Western Springs out at Albany.
(01:03):
You went along the watch, what was What were your takeaways?
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Yeah, no, it was good to see Auckland FC come
up against you know, the club teams, two of the
top clubs here in Auckland. I think you'll know as well,
Piney that there's not much between these clubs, especially in
pre season two the A League sides. Obviously the Phoenix
played Wellington Olympic the other week. Anyway, there wasn't much
(01:26):
between these two teams. I don't know what the final
score was. I think they beat Birkenhead two nil, but
it was all kind of one big mixed friendly, but
yet really positive. I kind of got a sense you
can see what Steve Crick is going to do with
his starting lineup kind of worked out. It was a
bit of a four to two three one type situation,
(01:50):
maybe a four to three three the look, they're looking
pretty good.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Okay, So the imports all played, did they? Apart from
the new Columbian winger who's yet to be announced. I
think everybody knows who it is, but we'll leave him
off to one side. So Sarkai, Galagosvstrate and GMO Mai
they all.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Played, Yes they did. Yeah, they kind of filled the
filled the midfield and you know kind of linking up
up the top there that that number nine position Sakai
was playing on the right, the right hand fullback that
they're looking good as well, and you can see, you know,
(02:27):
with the likes of Cam Howison who didn't start, you
can see Steve Corrick is trying to familiarize himself with
these imports and obviously he knows what Cam is about.
So yeah, that was kind of the bart.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
Do you think Cam Howison will start the first game
or do you think he'll go with his two imports?
If he plays two six is sitting? Do you think
it'll be Galagos investrata?
Speaker 2 (02:51):
Potentially, and that is due to the all whites to it.
I believe the players get back about the day before
or two days before that first kickoff, so potentially maybe
that's what Corricer's plan was last night to really get
this team gelling for the players that will be back
(03:12):
and fit and fresh ready for that opening game. Going
forward into the season, I feel like Cam will cement
his spot obviously because of who he is as a player,
but also his leadership is undeniable, which we've seen through
his time at Auckland City.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
It's just interesting though, isn't it that two of the
imports play in those central midfield roles. Look, I don't
know enough about them just yet to know whether one
of them or both is more of an eight for example,
or what Cam Howison's role to play and this team
will be. But yeah, and it feels to me as
though there'll be real competition for places, which is what
you want. But as I think I said on a
(03:50):
couple of podcasts ago, the imports really need to start
Otherwise why are they there exactly?
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Yeah, And that's the other thing. And I do wonder
you might be able to speak more on this, Piney,
But what is it the same deal for the Aussie
players that that guy Galloway he didn't he didn't start
last night. And I'd say some of the guys from
Aussie you know, Dan Hall might not have his his
spot secured with the likes of Tommy Smith there and Nando.
(04:18):
So is it the same deal for them or are
they easier to put on the bench compared with the
imports coming from Europe and South America.
Speaker 1 (04:26):
And that yeah, I think, well, I think that their
places are less guaranteed and often you you'll bring in
Australian players to fill out your squad rather than to
really be rusted on starters. I think Jake Brimmer is
probably of all of them, or of all of the Australians,
and there aren't many in the in the in the
Auckland FC squad, I think Jake Brimm is likely to
play Hall will probably get first crack. I would imagine
(04:48):
it center back alongside Pinaker. Galloway can play both sides
of the back for but I wonder whether Francis Devrez
might be your man up and down the left hand side.
What about what about Liam Gillian. I've seen a little
bit of so media footage and I know those are
just edited highlights, but he's looking quite sharp, is he?
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Yeah, he is looking sharp. I really liked him last night.
Him and Logan Rogerson as well. We're both pretty dominant
up the wings. And I think Liam Gillian, you know,
he followed him for a few years. He's played for
Auckland City. He has done very well there in kind
of cementing his starting spot. And he's still young, like
(05:25):
we need to remember that, but he's started with that
quite senior experienced Auckland City side in the northern League.
He could have followed in his brother's footsteps and gone
down to the Wellington Phoenix Academy, but he's stuck with
that and I think it's paying dividends now because you
can see he's kind of potentially without offending Fergus here,
(05:47):
his younger brother who plays for the Phoenix, he's gone
beyond that and it's now contending a starting spot here
with Auckland.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
All right, looking forward to seeing how that goes. We'll
here from Liam Gillian in just a moment. Alex porstonin goal?
Was he for the first.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Game he was in goal? Yes, I'm hearing rumors that
Michael vaud might have a slight injury. I think they
did rotate the keepers last night from memory, but yes,
Alex Poulson started.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Okay, let's hear from Liam Gillian, who you've just been
speaking about. You were there and I had a chat
to Liam Gillian afterwards to see how we're settling into
life as a professional footballer. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
I've been enjoying it.
Speaker 4 (06:24):
It's good fund It's definitely a change coming from amateur football,
but it's definitely something I enjoy.
Speaker 3 (06:30):
I enjoy coming to training every day. Good group of.
Speaker 4 (06:33):
Lads, good coaching staff, everyone's very supportive and yeah, great,
great facilities.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Yeah, I love it.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
Obviously you're in pre season right now, but you've beat
over to Ozzie, you've played some here. How do you
think the team is locking? Yeah, you're going to be
a competitive.
Speaker 5 (06:49):
Team this season.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
Yeah, I think we're shaping up.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
Well. It's looking good, getting good at each day and training. Yeah,
got the your phone is just coming as well. There
no egos and the team you know, everyone through friendly
and you know, it's great, it's good fun.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
What are you kind of want out of this? This
is your first pro contract, I believe you know, what
do you want out of this first season?
Speaker 4 (07:12):
Obviously it'd be great to get some decent aleague minutes,
you know, first proper sort of professional league. So it
would be cool to make a name for myself and
sort of Yeah, I mean i'd try my best, I guess.
Speaker 5 (07:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
And your younger brother plays down in Wellington. What will
it be like going up against them?
Speaker 3 (07:33):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (07:34):
Yeah, I mean the family has spoken about this a
couple of times, so they're saying they might have to
get a half and half shit.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
Obviously, I don't know if that would.
Speaker 4 (07:42):
Slide, but yeah, it'll be definitely interesting and it would
cause a good friendly rivaly.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
So looking forward to it.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Have you guys spoken much about the fact you're both
playing in.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
The A League. Yeah, I thought it was We thought
it was pretty cool.
Speaker 4 (07:55):
I mean, you know, it's not every day you see
brothers playing for it for two, I guess the Kimi Derby,
you know.
Speaker 3 (08:01):
Yeah, so yeah, I know, it's definitely be interesting.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
I think I can say, Bonnie, without fear of contradiction,
there will be no half and half shirts. There will
be no apart from in the Gillian family where there's
a player on each side, I can almost say, you know,
without fear of contradiction, no one's going to wear a
half and half shirt. Phoenix in Auckland FC.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
I don't know, but it's hard to say because there's
so many, so many pre existing Phoenix fans up here
in Auckland and are they going to stay or switch?
I don't know, but yeah, I feel like that that's
a bit soft if we've seen that around.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
Well, I just don't make football exactly mate. Yeah, yeah,
that's it. Choose your side, choose your side. But I
get it for the gillions they do have a foot
in both camps, so I kind of get that. But yeah,
I don't think you'll see too many just normal football
fans wearing the half and half going to talk more
about the derby actually in just a moment, But you're
also caught up with Logan Rogerson, who is back in
(08:59):
New Zealand after time playing overseas, to see how he's
enjoying himself at Auckland FC.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
No.
Speaker 5 (09:04):
I love being back.
Speaker 6 (09:05):
Yeah, the setup's good here. I've been enjoying pre season.
I've got a good group of ads, and I've been
enjoying working under Steve and the staff.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
What is it about the setup that's kind of like
working so well?
Speaker 6 (09:18):
Do you again? I think the club's been providing us
with everything we need. We've got good resources here and
you know a lot of stuff helping us out. Which
is you know, compared to the other environments I've been in,
this has got to be up there.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
You've played a bit overseas, obviously, welcoming those international players here,
what is that like and the jailed Well.
Speaker 6 (09:41):
Yeah, obviously you know, I know what it's like being
that foreigner coming in and so yeah, I think you know,
I've just tried to, you know, try and welcome them
in and you know, introducing a little bit Qui culture.
It's a bit different to probably what they used to
but yeah, I think the boys have done a nice
effort to help them and i've they feel at homehouse,
(10:01):
so I think it'll be important for us, and yeah,
hopefully they can be key to our success for the season.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
Do you the squad from the outlock seems quite competitive?
Do you feel like it is in the are you're
going to be fighting for your spots we can weep out?
Speaker 5 (10:18):
Yeah, I think there's a lot of competition.
Speaker 6 (10:19):
Obviously there's another player coming in, so you know that's
going to add more competition, which you know, it's good
for a team.
Speaker 5 (10:27):
You know, training against each other and working for spots.
Speaker 6 (10:30):
Is all part of football and you know it drives
success as well.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Yeah, and you spent some time with the Next, right,
so what will it be like going up against them?
Speaker 6 (10:39):
Yeah, I've kind of supported the Next, you know, even
since I was younger and obviously had the opportunity to
play for them my first professional club.
Speaker 5 (10:45):
So yeah, I feel it feels like we'll be like
a mixed.
Speaker 6 (10:48):
Emotions playing them, But you know, this is our job.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
We're professionals. So on the field, it's you know, it's
real competitive.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
And you've had a call up to the All White.
How exciting is that? And do you think you know
your your time here at Auckland is going to kind
of help you secure that spot within the All Yeah.
Speaker 5 (11:09):
No, I'm buzzy going to be back in the in
the set out of the national team.
Speaker 6 (11:12):
And I definitely feel coming back home to Auckland kind
of puts me under the microscope of the national team,
and I definitely feel coming back has helped me. You know,
I put my foot in the door for you know,
the qualify for the World Cup and hopefully for the
World Cup.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
That's Logan Rogerson. What do you predict for him this
a league season?
Speaker 2 (11:28):
Yeah, we're looking at him. Last night he was definitely dominant.
I think he kind of you know, still a little
bit taller than some of the other players, potentially, you know,
the likes of Francis Devrees or Liam Gillian, who have
been really good playing here domestically in the last couple
of years. But yeah, you can see Logan's got some
(11:48):
experience behind him, so I hope he stands out for
the for all. I was going to say the Phoenix
for Auckland and yeah, cements that spot in the All White.
So far, so good. He's looking like he's on track
to do so good.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
To hear you, I'll have competition with the Columbian winger
to be announced. Maybe even by the time people are
listening to this, he may have been announced. Anyway, we
know another attacking wide attacking player is coming, so that's
what you want within a squad, though, there's plenty of
competition for places and the likes of Logan Rogerson and
Liam Gillian who we heard from there well and truly
in the mix. Hearing that ticket sales for the opening
(12:26):
game Auckland FC's opening match against Brisbane on Saturday October
nineteen are going really well, heading for a sellout, I hear.
Is that what you're hearing as well? That there's good
uptake on tickets for the opening match.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
I did hear that, Piney. I heard from Nick Becker,
the CEO of Auckland FC. He's been very busy forming
this new club, but he's ye excited that they are
on track for a sellout, which I think is great.
I mean, we know what Auckland football fans have done
for the Phoenix in the past and got some of
their biggest crowds. So yeah, fully yet goes gangbusters on
(13:02):
that opening day.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
Yeah, and you're so right. You know, people turned up
they regularly to watch the Phoenix when they had games
in Auckland's, so we know the crowd are there, and
you kind of feel as though, I think, you know,
they've built a good squad. There's been good cut through
on the likes of social media and other things like that.
They've been reaching out to their community. So there's no
real reason why they shouldn't get good crowds, particularly early
(13:25):
on when when you know it's it's new, and if
they if they start to win matches and do well,
I think it'll be Yeah, I think we'll get good crowds.
The derby will be so good. The first derby at
Mount Smart. The first derby of course, is in round
three at Sky Stadium. Get to that in the moment.
But for a long for a long time, there was
(13:46):
there was no release of where the away fans would
be at Mount Smart. I saw a lot of chatter
on social media about you know, if you're a Phoenix fan,
where you're supposed to buy your tickets. Where is the
away fan area because they always allocate one, And I
see that they've allocated sections eight and nine at Mount Smart,
which is at the top of the west stand if
(14:10):
you're looking up into that stand to the left of
where the corporate boxes are. I don't know about that.
I wonder whether they should be down the other end.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
Yeah, I can't quite work that out thinking about it
now where it is, but yeah, I feel like Auckland
def C were playing a bit with how long it
took to allocate these away bays. I get the sense
that Auckland f C are really grabbing onto this rivalry
and playing with it a bit more piny. You and
(14:39):
I discussed that apparently there's going to be a shirt
swap replacement where old Phoenix fans can come and replace
their old gear with Auckland City. Honestly, I think the
rivals heading up regardless, and I hope, honestly you do
wonder if maybe the Auckland f C fans will be
outnumbered when the Phoenix here because of those pre existing fans.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
Well, it'll be interesting to see. I mean, they've only
allocated the two bays as dedicated bays, but I would
be completely unsurprised if there are Phoenix shirts dotted around
the ground. For those who know Mount Smart, it's the
south stand, which is as you look on television. It's
to the right the south stand there is where the
(15:23):
port are going to be. That's the Auckland FC version
of yellow fever, if you like the hardcore fans. I
kind of feel as a yellow fever should have been
down the other end. Compare it to Sky Stadium, for example.
The Yellow Fever are at the city end. As the
players ran out the tunnel, they're right there. I think
anyone who's watched The Phoenix knows where they are the
away fans, regardless of who they are, and this will
(15:44):
include Auckland down the other end, under the scoreboard at
the northern end. And what you hope for the derby
in round three is that you know Aisle thirty four,
which is where the away fans sit, is heaving with
Auckland fans who make the trip down for the first derby.
But yeah, I thought that was a rather unusual place
to put the away fans at Mount Smart.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
So you're saying they're down towards the port more rather
the other end, because there's no stand down that other end.
That's like the grassy bank where all the you know,
interactions are activations. But you're suggesting they go more down
on one of the side stands around the other end.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
That end, because as it stands, if you're in the port,
you look up to your left, and that's where the
Yellow Fever are up to the left, sort of almost
up on the nose bleach really where I feel like
they should be closer to the ground as well. But
then and so yellow Fever as they're up in eight
to nine are looking down to their right, so they're
looking down on the port. I just feel like it
(16:44):
works better if they're at at each end. They're both
at the same end, really, which I think. I don't know.
There must be a reason for it, but I just
thought it was a bit unusual.
Speaker 2 (16:55):
I just think it's gonna make it really challenging to
get a Mexican wave going because both sets of fans
are going to be competing with each other and not
want to connect the Mexican wave.
Speaker 1 (17:04):
Bonnie Bonnie. The Yellow people do not do the Mexican wave.
Oh they boo the Mexican waves.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
Ah, I'm sure I've.
Speaker 1 (17:13):
No there has there has been, but you watch when
the Mexican wave gets to the Yellow Fever. They will
not do it.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
It's not that happening anyway.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
They are not. They are no fans of artificial hype.
So yeah, so look, if there's a if there's a
if there's a Mexican wave, well it certainly won't go
past the Yellow fair right. Doubt the port will do
it either. Dobby too busy doing whatever it is that
they want to do to add Mexican waves. This isn't Rugby.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
Bonnie, Ah, come on, come on.
Speaker 1 (17:40):
So yeah, the Derbies are set to be absolute crackers.
Just while we're still on the A League, Phoenix unveiled
their strip yesterday. They're gonna have a home strip and
a way strip, which is a departure from recent season.
Sometimes you didn't know which strip they were going to
wear at home and away. We now know. The yellow
home kit is going to be worn at home every time,
features sort of subtle pinches. It's largely yellow, but subtle
(18:02):
pin stripes and a bit of black trim. The away
strip is going to be released next week. We've already
seen Auckland FC's home and away strips, the blue and
black and the white away strip. And just a word
on the women, the Wellington Phoenix Women. Lara Wall, another
Canterbury United player, has signed for the Phoenix Women. Nineteen
players confirmed in the Phoenix squad now and I'm hearing
(18:24):
as we're recording this there's going to be another import
signing announced in the next little while as well. So
anything else to add before we move on from the
A leagues.
Speaker 2 (18:35):
No, I'm just looking forward to it foricially kind of
two weeks away.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Bring it on, Bring it on. Indeed, the FFV with
Piny and body other footballing matters around the All White
squad for the OFC qualify the World Cup qualifier against
Tahiti and Vanuatu, which is on Friday October eleven and
then Malaysia at North Harbor Monday October fourteen, has been announced.
No real surprises here. Good to see the big names
(19:00):
mostly their Storm roose Back hasn't played for New Zealand
since coming off the bench in the loss to Australia
Eden Park in September of twenty twenty two. That was
Winston Reid's last game for New Zealand and storm Roo's
only played twice for New Zealand since twenty seventeen, which
is a bit strange really because he's been in a
back to back a league winning Central Coast Mariners team,
so good to see him back. Tyler Binden back, Cam
(19:22):
Howison back, no Joe Bellfinn Sermon, sarprets In, Callum macowitt
or Dalton Wilkins. The Finn Sermon one's really interesting to me, Bonnie.
He's obviously left the Phoenix and is with Portland Timbers
in the MLS, but hasn't had a single minute of
action yet, and Darren Baisley's either said to him, look,
(19:43):
stay there and try and get some minutes or you're
not playing, so I'm not picking you.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Yeah, well I've am gusted he's not there either. I
feel like it would more likely be the former, being
not a massive tournament or massive kind of international window rather,
But yeah, it is a bit of a shame for Finn.
I kind of hoped he would get more minutes than
(20:09):
what we have seen from him over in the States.
So yeah, it is gutting not having him here.
Speaker 1 (20:15):
I guess he has just be patient and he's used
to that because for a long time he wasn't in
the Phoenix side either, had to bide his time and
then had that amazing season last year when he played
We started every game and played pretty much every minute.
It must be hard for him to sort of go
back a square or two and just wait for his
opportunity at Portland, But I guess that's what happens when
you move to a new club. You've got to buy
your time and wait. But I kind of thought Bayes
(20:37):
might pick him, just might say to them, hey, Finn,
you're going to be a big part of this all
white squad moving forward. Come over here and have a game.
Give him a game.
Speaker 2 (20:45):
Yeah, I guess, yes, and no, it's a kind of
a long way to come just for a couple of
games when yes, he is trying to earn a spot
on the team and coming in and out I can
imagine would be tough. But in saying that, yeah, you
you know, patience is key. But you do wonder if
(21:05):
maybe another another year in the A League would have
been good for him. And that's why I'm kind of
seeing the positives and the likes of Alex Paulson being
loaned back out. As controversial as that was, you know,
at least, he's almost all but guaranteed minutes here, and
that's probably what Finn needs right now in his early career.
(21:27):
I guess bringing him out to the All Whites probably
would have guaranteed him some minutes. But yeah, it is.
It is certainly an interesting one.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
It's a good point you make, in one that Darren
Basley made as well, and has made for the last
couple of windows, saying that there are so many players
to choose from now that he is going to favor
those who are playing regularly at club level, and with
Finn Sermon not doing that and the likes of Bill
Tuilama also missing from the squad, he's not getting minutes either.
Joe Bell is an unusual one. He's playing every week
for his club Viking. I don't quite know why he's
(21:57):
not coming back. Kellam macowitt and Dalton Wilkins and Sarapara
are all sort of returning from injury and in various stages.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
I have heard a tap on Joe Bell that I
believe the deal was he would be able to go
to the Olympics, but not for this next window, but
he will be back, so must have been some deal
with his club.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
Okay, it's not like we need Joe Bell to beat
to beat. I mean because the first games as a
World Cup qualifiers, so it is important. But if we
can't beat Tahiti without Joe Bell, then what are we
doing the other game Malaysian game as a friendly so
that you know, it may be that some of these
players are actually released back to their clubs, especially the
ones who are based in Europe after the first game
(22:38):
up in Vanuatu. They play Tahiti in Vanuatu. It may
be that, you know, a bunch of bunch of players
head back and the ones who are still here play
against Malaysia at North Harbor on the Monday, so there
may have been deals deals done in the background there
in the November window, there are two more World Cup qualifiers,
so you know, another squad to be named to be
(22:59):
named for that football fever with Jason Vine and Bonnie Jensen.
All right, Key's overseas? Where is Jackie Hand?
Speaker 2 (23:07):
We've found her, pioneer, We've found her. She has gone
to Sheffield United in the league under the Woman's Super
League in England.
Speaker 1 (23:19):
So was that where Lewis was as well? Was that
where she was previously? I think it was, wasn't it
Lewis Yeah.
Speaker 2 (23:27):
Yes, yes, sorry Louis so yeah yeah, yes, that's the
same league. So she's obviously just just jumped clubs. But
she is joining another fellow Kiwi who we haven't probably
mentioned on the podcast. Her name is Olivia Paige. She
went to the Under twenty World Cup with New Zealand.
I used to play with her at Eastern Suburbs. She
(23:48):
was a very good player there. Absolute athlete, can kind
of play multiple positions. But she is half British, so
she went over and trialed at different clubs over there
and landed a contract with she Field United last season,
so she's had minutes for the first team. So it's
positive for Jackie going over that. I'm confident that she'll
(24:09):
break in and get good, you know, starting minutes with
that club.
Speaker 1 (24:13):
All right, and cross off. Where is Jackie Hand on
my regular podcast notes? Now we know where she is.
She feeled United. I saw she debuted over the weekend,
so many many more games to come. We hope for
Jackie Hand. Good to see that she's found a new
club and Mickey Foster we spoke about her at Durham.
She's she started to get games pretty much straight away.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
Yeah, she she has and she's started this morning had
her first start for Durham. They had a two to
one win League Cup win over Blackburn Rovers and Hannah
Blake also started. I'd like to see Hannah Blake start
being welcome back into the fern. It's not going to lie.
Speaker 1 (24:52):
And what about Macy Fraser is what is the story here?
Because she hasn't played for Utah since the Olympics and
the last I heard or saw she was back in
christ Church. What's going on here?
Speaker 2 (25:06):
Yeah, I've seen her back in christ Church. She's I
don't know why she's not over in the NWUSL. We
know that she got subbed off at the Olympics with
some sort of injury or illness. Again, there was no
real confirmation on why she came off. She was obviously
(25:26):
distraught as we saw when we were calling the game Piney,
so you know, we need to find out what happened there.
But she hasn't been back to Utah. She has been
in christ Church. I have seen her posting her juggling
videos on her highly popular followed TikTok, but I haven't
seen her over in the NWSL, which is such a
(25:46):
shame because that was a real platform for her to
kind of kick off her career. So gutted she's not
over there.
Speaker 1 (25:52):
Yeah, I'm same, And if she's doing juggling videos on TikTok,
then clearly she's not severely injured. Look, I have no
knowledge of what's going on here at all, but I
feel like if you if you're at a club, you're
at that club and she's not. And I saw a
phrase like excused absence or something similar. We know Mac's
(26:14):
been quite open about, you know, some some mental health
struggles that she's had. I just hope that she can
overcome those and be the player we all know she can.
Speaker 2 (26:22):
Be exactly, And that's I think that's the biggest shame
of it all. You know, like she's such a good player.
We have seen what she's capable of. Even if, you know,
even if maybe America is not right for her come
back and play for the Phoenix. We know, you know,
she got a lot out of playing there, and she
kind of you know, it was her big break and football.
(26:43):
So just to just to see her keep keep playing
football at a decent level would be really nice. You know,
it would be great to see her play in the
nws L. The game she did play in America, she
stood out to me. She held her own and that's
really positive for the future of football. But if it's
not right for her, that's fine. But I'd still love her.
(27:05):
It's love to see her play football in some capacity.
Speaker 1 (27:07):
Absolutely well, we'll wait and see on that. Just for
the men, Ben Wayne scoring his first goal for Mansfield Town.
This is the club he's on loan at from Plymouth
Argyle too. Neil went away at Crawley in League One
during the week. He scored the second goal. It was
late in the peace, but good to see him off
the mark for Mansfield. Mansfield are doing pretty well in
League One. They're in third place at the moment. Football
(27:27):
fever okay close to the home. National League Round one
is in the books for both the men and the women.
I catching wins for Kashmir Tech four Nell over Western
Suburbs and Napier City Rovers four New over Western Springs.
So yeah, two big wins there.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
That was huge. Nap City Rovers upset?
Speaker 1 (27:46):
Yeah what a Western Springs. You know more about the
Auckland football scene than I do. Was that an upset
four nil?
Speaker 2 (27:52):
I thought it was? I mean Napier City Rovers I
believe won their league down in Central but you know
there's such a in Paris in between Auckland and Central.
No offense, but yeah, I deav Springs were one of
the better teams, one of the first to qualify up
here in Auckland. So yeah, very surprised by that result.
Speaker 1 (28:11):
You know, Nope, you didn't win Central League. They I
think they might have been third Wellington Wellington Olympic won it.
I'm just going to check. Yeah, Western Suburbs were second
and nape your third on goal difference. But yeah, so,
which probably makes it even more surprising that they got
up four nil over a team like Western Springs. So
a fairly handy. Auckland City had a win. Eastern Suburbs
(28:31):
had a win. I mentioned last week that I'd heard
the Coastal Spirit might be quite good and they drew
nil all with Wellington Olympic, which is actually not a
bad result. Wellington Olympic are a very very good side.
Big game this weekend Wellington Olympic Auckland City repeat of the.
Speaker 2 (28:45):
Chatham Cup final boom Is that in Wellington?
Speaker 1 (28:48):
It is in Wellington, Yes, that one's in Wellington. Three
o'clock on Saturday. I believe for the women what stood
out for you and the results that came through and
around one of the women's national league.
Speaker 2 (28:58):
Yeah, I was surprised and also not surprised that Wellington
United beat Western Springs. There obviously the best team coming
out of the Capitol and Springs. Yes they made it
to the Kate Shuper Cup final, but probably not the
stronger of the Auckland teams. And yeah, Canterbury United beat
the Phoenix for one again quite surprising because I think
(29:21):
a couple of those scholarship Phoenix players were playing down
for that team. But Waterside Corori drawing one off with
Auckland United has to take the cake. Definitely a surprise
considering how dominant Auckland United have been in recent years.
I wonder if maybe they took the game too lightly.
Speaker 1 (29:39):
Yeah, well it was down in Wellington Waterside. Yeah, I
guess unfancied against, as you say, the Auckland United side
that's been pretty dominant in the north. Wellington United. Will
Mickey Robertson go back and play for them, do you think?
Speaker 2 (29:54):
No? I don't think she will. Her sister obviously plays there. Jimmy,
who I grew up playing with Gym unbelievable player. I've
encouraged her to go and try try luck at the Phoenix,
but no, I don't think Mickey will. But I think
she will maybe involve herself in some sort of mentorship
and be in and around the team. I know she's
(30:16):
close with quite a few of the players, so who knows.
I believe she'll be taking it kind of month by month,
year by year with football and see when she's ready
to come back.
Speaker 1 (30:27):
All right, West Coast Range is five mil winners over
Central Football as well, so that was the biggest eye
catching result. I mentioned before about a Phoenix signing for
the women, and as we've been recording this, this has
been confirmed. So I'm just going to give you this
news hot off the press. The Wellington Phoenix have added
(30:48):
me By Tanaka, a Japanese winger, to their rosta. She's
played professionally in Japan and South Korea. She joins the
Phoenix from Preston Lions FC and the Victoria National Premier
League's competition in Australia. She scored scored ten goals and
eighteen matches for them. She's twenty eight years old and
(31:08):
joins a couple of other Japanese players at the Phoenix,
Shiga and Nagasawa in the men's side. So it looks
like the Phoenix are looking to Japan for their next
wave of imports.
Speaker 2 (31:17):
Bonnie, Yeah, not about bad shout. Honestly, I love the
way We've talked about this before. I love the way
Japanese players play football. They're so intelligent, you know, on
and off the ball, and very very exciting to see
that signing.
Speaker 1 (31:33):
All right, So that's twenty players now signed for the
Wellington Phoenix Women. They get their season underway at the
start of November, so only a month the way from
seeing the Wellington Phoenix Women back in action. As well.
Just before we go today, I'm a big fan of
their New Zealand they are a national airline. Whenever I
travel on in New Zealand, I always get I'm always impressed,
(31:56):
you know that they do just about everything right. However,
we do have to give them a bit of an
uppercut on the podcast today because in their latest in
Flight magazine there's a small article on Auckland f C's
upcoming debut in the A League and it says, and
I'm going to quote this Auckland f C is the
(32:17):
only team from New Zealand to compete in the A leak,
where have they got.
Speaker 2 (32:23):
That's it's giving chat GBT gone wrong? Like seriously, I
just don't know how that's happened, considering what the Phoenix
would fly that airline often they're on the plane, probably
kitch it up. It's yeah, it's it's not good.
Speaker 1 (32:38):
Yeah. I just don't know how that has got past
the proof readers. Maybe their antity, Maybe that's what's happening
these days, AI is just proofreading everything. But then I
would imagine that any any AI you know, machine or
whatever they're called robots, would actually know of the existence
of not only Wellington Phoenix for the last eighteen years,
(33:01):
but before that the New Zealand Knights, who had also
played in the A League of course in its first
two seasons. So quite how they've arrived at the at
the you know, the assumption that Auckland f C is
the only team from New Zealand to com bet in
the A League. I really don't know.
Speaker 2 (33:17):
But I wonder if Aukland f C arranged it and
this is just another one of their you know, little
little plots for it to add to the rivalry.
Speaker 1 (33:25):
Who knows why not.
Speaker 2 (33:26):
It's heating up.
Speaker 1 (33:27):
Yeah, it is heating up. I loved what you said
before about the jersey swop thing. I think that's great heat. Yes,
if that, if that actually comes to past that you
can bring your Phoenix care along and get it swapped
for Auckland f C gear at Mount Smart. I think
that's fantastic heat from Auckland f C. What a What
a way to stoke a rivalry, What a way to start,
get to get people I'm talking about it.
Speaker 2 (33:48):
Will you bring your shirt and piney when you when
you come and watch.
Speaker 1 (33:52):
Don't have any Phoenix shirts, Bonnie. I'm very very impartial.
Speaker 2 (33:55):
Oh, very very impartial.
Speaker 1 (33:57):
Very impartial. Indeed, that's us on the podcast today. Back
we hope on Monday. We'll be back at some stage
next week, depending on the kind of news that drops
over the weekend. But enjoy your weekend, Bonnie. Only a
couple of weeks ago till the ALEG starts.
Speaker 2 (34:11):
We'll see you then.
Speaker 1 (34:18):
This is football Fever.
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