March 2, 2025 • 34 mins
Piney and Bonnie relive Saturday's pulsating 4-4 draw between Auckland FC and Adelaide United and ask if an 8-point buffer is enough for the Black Knights.
But both Wellington Phoenix sides have suffered defeats ... the men 1-0 to Melbourne City and the women 3-1 to Adelaide United; what does that do to their top six hopes?
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
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Football Fever with news Talks, Envy's Voice of Football, Jason
Pine and Bonny Jensen. Hello there, and welcome into a
new week and a new episode of the Football Fever podcast,
where we cover off all things to do with New
Zealand football, the A League, men and women, and anything
else that catches our fancy. I'm Jason Pone. Bonny Jensen's
here too. Hello, Bonny, Hey, Piiney, how are you good?
(00:24):
Thank you? Yeah, A mixed weekend. As far as the
New Zealand based A League teams are concerned, we'll cover
them all off. I do want to start though, with
Saturday afternoon at Go Media, another absolutely thrilling day out
before we get into the football. You watched most of
this from the Fairest Wheel.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
I mean, Pieer, how could I not really? I just
when I heard Auckland NEFC we're getting this for us
where I think I may have mentioned it last week
on the podcast, I was like, how insane can they be?
They've just you know, they've had a beach, they've had
a slide, they've had flyovers and you know, fireworks and
now a fairis Wheel a circus they were calling it.
They had other Carnival Games, and you know, I thought,
(01:07):
why not try and watch the whole game from the
Fairis Wheel and do a wee story on it. So
I did that. That'll be coming out in the Herald
Monday afternoon.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Good stuff. But yeah, it was.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
It was just great. And Nick Becker came and joined
me the Auckland f c CEO Dan Hall.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
And yeah, it was brilliant wins. Dan Hall back.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Dan Hall, I feel is back this weekend. He might
be in the game day squad. I'm not sure. Steve
Corker said, there's there's no this was this was before
the game and the weekend. Steve Corker said, there was
no real reason to rush Dan Hall into it. You know,
they Tommy Smith's been doing great in there, and you
know they want to obviously preserve them for the playoffs.
(01:46):
But in saying that, when you look at some of
the goals they conceived over the weekend, maybe he will
he will reconsider that.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
It's an interesting conundrum for Steve Corricker. I mean, shone
great faith in his team, hasn't he. I was looking
on the weekend. Louis Vustrata for the second week in
a row, didn't start the game. You know, Steve Coriker
didn't change the winning team and look at maywell be
that when he considers his team for the next game
against the Newcastle Jets this coming weekend that he tinkers
a little bit. But you don't change a winning team.
(02:14):
He hasn't changed a winning team. But yeah, when Dan
Hall comes back, he's going to present a fairly compelling proposition,
isn't he. Because you think of those first six games
that he was involved in, six games, six wins, broke
his ankle at training. I feel like he's got a
if he's fit, and he won't be fit straight away,
he's got to present a fairly compelling case to come
(02:34):
back into the team, doesn't he? Oh?
Speaker 2 (02:36):
Absolutely? And I spoke with him over the weekend. You
know how he was putting his hand up for the
Soccaro's the Australian national team before he got injured. He's
such a key player and someone you know, I think
he was Auckland f C's best player before he got injured.
Obviously those were very early days back when he was playing.
But yeah, he's certainly got to put his hand up.
(02:58):
I think what I like know how Steve Carreker hasn't
started for Strata the last two weeks, even though he's
been available. Is he's obviously thinking about fatigue and fitness
and preserving some of these players, which will be key
when they look towards the playoffs. So that's something he'll
surely consider as well.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
For you, Yeah, talks a bit about the depth of
the side as well. You know that you can leave
a guy like Louisvis Strata out, although as I say,
they may look at what they do this week after
the four to four draw. I don't think I've ever
commentated a four all draw before. You know, if you
score four goals and you don't come away with all
three points, you probably think to yourself, well, what's happened
(03:39):
as far as the two teams are concerned. Steve Coricker
definitely saw it as two points dropped and Carl Viett,
I think, was happy to get away with a point.
What were your overall what your overall thoughts before we
zoom in on a couple of things. What were your
overall thoughts?
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Yeah? Well I thought Auckland DEFC shouldn't feel necessarily ashamed
of a draw with Adelaide. You know, Adelaide turned up
for the occasion. I thought they played better than what
they have done in the past few weeks. Certainly a show. Piney.
You mentioned the eight goals. That's fifteen goals at go
media in the last two weeks, obviously thinking about the
six to one when they had over the Wellington Phoenix.
(04:16):
But no, I don't feel they I don't feel like
Auckland f C should be necessarily upset. They still have
a eight point lead at the top of the A
League table. But I do think they should be slightly
concerned about the four goals they conceded. I think two
of them are very sloppy defending and the other two
were very sloppy lazy tackles that obviously conceded the penalties.
(04:41):
You know, that's five goals I've conceded in the last
two games, which is very unlike Auckland f C. So
I think that slightly is a red flag. But at
the same time, I think a draw is absolutely fine
to come away with.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
I think you've nailed it in terms of their defense.
They'll certainly be working hard on that this week. Let's
talk about We'll come to the penalties in a moment,
but yeah, you're right. The two goals they conceded. The
first a near post header by Archie Goodwin that's gone
off the post, and then Jordan nel says the quickest
to react, he puts it home. Look, there's a lot
of men in around the penalty area and I think
(05:15):
maybe Adeli I've got a bit of the bounce of
the ball there. I know Hiroki Sakai will look back
at his defending at the near post and probably examine that.
But the goal at the end, it's not good defending
at all from Auckland f C. When you're four to
three up with you know, deep into at a time
you should win that game. They did not defend well
enough at the end.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
Yeah, absolutely, and it shows, you know, they've been so
good in those pressure moments Auckland f C. I mean
they showed it again at the weekend, scoring in the
ninety second minute. I'm sure everyone probably you as well,
party commentating in the box. We thought Hiroki had won
it then and there, and it was so unlike Auckland
f C to concede that like go you know, usually
(05:56):
it is just them the ones finishing it off. So
something they'll certainly learn from They've learned from a lot
of mistakes I've had throughout the season, and you know,
maybe it's a blessing in disguise. It comes now as
they you know, eye up these these playoffs and hopefully
go on to win it. That's something they'll you know,
learn from.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
You did, right, That's what I did think. When Sarki scored,
I thought, what a narrative, you know, the captain in
the time when his team needed it the most, standing
up to score what we all thought was going to
be the winning goal and a seven goal thriller. I mean,
what a moment. And the noise, Bonnie when he scored.
The noise, because it's you know, there's there's the header
which is initially saved, and then the follow up for
(06:39):
the goal, there's that amazing crowd noise of a ah
and then yeah, you know it's it is. It's Premier
League noise. It's just incredible, Oh it is.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
And I jumped up and smack my head or just
about smack mayhead on the ceiling of the carriage of
the Fairis wheel and then I quickly read the side
behind me and remember that you meant to be sitting down.
It was it was just incredible. And watching it from
that ferris wheel and just seeing the whole stand erupt
it was. It was absolutely unreal. And Pioneer listened back
(07:11):
to the highlights this morning, shout out to you. I
thought that that call you did was absolutely incredible. Got
goosebumps all over again. But as you said in the
in the call, Hiroki, you know, it would have been
a great narrative for him to win it there. But
that's why it was so so surprising that they then
went on to concede.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
Yeah, Marvaren's for Adelaide United, scoring in the eighth added
minute to make it for all. And yeah, as I say,
Steve Coricker I think was the more disappointed of the coaches.
If your carl Vet, you come back from two nil down,
three to one down and four three down late on
and escape with a point, you're happy turn that over.
And Steve Coricker, having led by those margins and not
(07:50):
taking all three points, would be upset. And he thought
both penalties were soft. Now I was during the commentary.
I thought the first penalty, when Louis vu Strata has
collected the leg of Ethan Alligance in the penalty area,
I said I thought it was a penalty. Nothing I've
seen since has changed my mind. Steve Currik had tried
to change my mind after the game and the press conference,
(08:13):
and then afterwards as we were walking out, he was
absolutely adamant that that was not a penalty, as he
was the second one, when Stephan Marc has gone into
the area weaving his way through, Yes he's looking for contact,
but he's an experienced player, Stephan Marc, and in that
moment he knew that if he took the ball with
him into the penalty area, into a crowded area, there
(08:34):
was likely to get there was likely to be a
touch somewhere, and so it proved to be. So I
don't know that Auckland FC can have genuine complaints about
the two penalties. I don't think they were absolute, obvious,
clear errors, either of them.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
I agree Piney, I think they were absolutely penalties. Yes
they were soft, and you know another referee, another on
a different day, may have called something else. But you
put the same situation up the other end of the picture,
and I think Steve Coric is throwing his hands up
calling for a penalty all day. So yeah, I think
(09:13):
you know it could have gone either way more so
think than penalties, and I actually just think they were
very lazy defending from from Rastrata and Tommy Smith.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
I think also there's the inconsistency across the competition because
you think back to the game between Wellington Phoenix and Brisbane.
When a Shiga is you know, it is basically had
a chunk taken out of his leg in the penalty area,
much much more physical contact than either of the two
on the weekend, and that wasn't given as a penalty.
(09:43):
A couple of other Phoenix examples and recent weeks haven't been,
so I think it feels like there's a sliding scale
of what is a penalty and what isn't and it's
very much in the hands of the referee, and I
know it has to be, really because it's not as
though it's not like a has the ball gone over
the line or not. Penalty decisions are are objective in
the eyes of the referee. I think one thing Steve
(10:04):
Koric has said, which I think I do agree with,
was that Daniel Elder was in very close proximity to
the Forstrata tackle. He was about five yards away looking
directly at it, and decided there was nothing to see here.
It was only when the var called him over. So
I don't know does the var have to call him
over in that situation or does he say, okay, well
(10:25):
you've had a good look at it and you don't
think it's a pen.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
I don't know, yeah, exactly, it's it is. It is
really tough to call. And I just wonder if maybe
you know that the luck had run out a little bit,
not quoting Chiefy there, but the luck had run out
a little bit for Auckland f C. Because obviously the
week before, wasn't it, or maybe a couple of weeks
ago when Nando should have got a red card and
he didn't. You know, I think Steve Corac has to
(10:49):
look at the bigger picture here and go you know,
it's obviously could have gone either way. It's a subjective decision.
But in this case it didn't go their way. And
I don't think it's all doom and glue. They got
a point, yea.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
These things tend to even themselves out across the course
of a season, don't they. Other parts of the game
Auckland f C up to nil early gives youmo Mi's
first goal. My goodness, what a cracker, just a carbon
com my god, indeed, oh my my, what can the
man not do? Very similar goal to the one he
scored earlier on this season against Melbourne City. But he's
(11:22):
just an excitement machine, isn't he. Giz you ma, I
hadn't didn't score at all in the six to one win.
I'm sure that was playing on his mind, because when
you score six and you're the main striker and you
don't get any you think that's ow right, I'm going
to put that right. And he did inside fifteen minutes,
got a couple Logan Rogerson, another goal for him, a
couple of penalties to say, Zach Cloff converting them both,
and then Sarkai and friends at the end. A terrific
(11:45):
game if you're a neutral, and I saw a lot
of stuff coming in on social media from across the
TASMANA people saying game of the season, incredible contest, what
a spectacle, all of that stuff. If you've got skin
in the game, you're a bit disappointed if you're Auckland FC.
But as a spectacle, if you landed in, you know,
from out of space and watch that game and thought, okay,
this is the A League. You'd be back next week
(12:06):
to watch.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
It, absolutely, And you know, I think it was close
to seventeen thousand fans there. As I mentioned before, fifteen
goals that go be there in the last two weeks.
My sister they were her first to Auckland nef CE
games and what to to go to. I told her,
you know that they're not all like this, but they
are pretty exciting just on those goals. I think what's
(12:28):
so impressive for Auckland nef C and promising I guess
heading into the playoffs is the variety of goal scorers
that we've seen throughout the season. Yes, my stood up
on the weekend. Obviously, Hiroki and Logan got one too,
but you know last week it was Nadar and then
we've seen Nando's score a few, so it's you know,
(12:49):
Brimmer as well another one. It's really promising that they
have got goal scorers right across the.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
Park and a near good point across the last couple
of weeks. Yeah, they've all been in the goals, haven't they.
So now gives you my Mai, Nadal Modino and Logan
Rogers and all have seven goals, so I'm sure they're
having a little internal competition themselves. Not saying that they
wouldn't pass it to the other one of the others
if they're in a better position, but you know, that's
the kind of competition you want internally, is a lot
(13:14):
of guys trying to score goals. Tommy Smith I quick
mention on him his five hundred and fiftieth professional game.
That is an incredible achievement by Tommy Smith. The guy's
been around for a couple of decades in the professional game.
Auckland FC Bonnie are eight points clear now with eight
games to go. Can they be caught?
Speaker 2 (13:33):
No, I don't think they can. I actually think Pioney,
this weekend's game coming up in Newcastle is going to
be so taling. Newcastle are, you know, far lower down
the table. They're currently a ninth but they haven't lost
in the last five games. They beat Adelaide United just
a couple of weeks ago, So yeah, I think this
(13:55):
if they win it this weekend, it's they can put
both hands on the play.
Speaker 1 (14:00):
Yeah, And I think that was maybe the bit of
the disappointment for Steve Kurriker. He would have liked to
have been ten points clear with eight games to go,
at which point I think you can say nobody's pulling
back a double digit points deficits. I agree with you.
I don't think anybody's catching them eight points clear. It
seems to me as though there's a real battle though
for that second spot. Western United thirty two, Adelaide thirty two,
(14:24):
Western Sydney Wanderers thirty one, Melbourne City thirty one, Melbourne
Victory thirty Sydney FC twenty nine. So what's that Six
teams within three points of each other and they'll all
take points of each other, which I think also plays
into Aukland FC's hands because nobody I don't think is
going to put a run together and it would need
Auckland f C to fall over, which I don't think
they're going to do exactly.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
And you look at Adelaide and Melbourne City, they're probably
in the best place out of all those teams you mentioned.
They have a game in hand, but so to Auckland
f C as well. Just to add to that so
very exciting last couple of weeks.
Speaker 1 (14:59):
I think Adelaide United are a very good team. I
really enjoyed watching them and comparing them to Wellington Phoenix
a week ago. You know, the Phoenix went behind, and
yes they pulled one back early in the second half,
but it never really felt like Wellington finished win to
win that game. Even when Adelaide were two aled down
and three to one down, they didn't stop. And that
is the mark of a side that is very good
(15:20):
come finals time. You know, that could be a Grand final,
Awkley FC Adelaide could be the Grand Final.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
It's setting up for quite a good rivalry now because
they've played twice and had two thrilling matches and both
ending in draws. So if they do meet in the
final party it's yeah, certainly going to be you know,
more than just a trophy. They're going to get ultimate
bragging arts for the season.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
Yeah. I love the rivalry that's built already. You're right.
So the aggregate score across the two games is six
all and there's been incredible drama in both games, late
goals controversy, coaches fully invested, big crowds. I mean Adelaide's
home crowd is as good as Auckland's. You know, they
get good, good crowds in South Australia at Cooper Stadium,
a similar kind of venue, rectangular, the crowd are right
(16:06):
on top of the players. Yeah. I love the fact
that there might be this rivalry building.
Speaker 2 (16:10):
I bet what's going to happen is they're going to
meet in the semis Dare I say it? And it's
going to be like a really tight home in a
way of fear. Yes, And it's there's going to be
great traveling contingents from both sides. And it's oh, I'm
already I can already feel it now. It's making me nervous.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
Yeah, okay, we'll see, We'll see what happens down the track. Next.
Our point of business, as you say, for Auckland FC,
Newcastle away. Newcastle in a good run of form five
unbeaten as you say, have won their last three. So
it won't be easy going to McDonald Jones Stadium on
Sunday night at seven o'clock New Zealand time. But that
is Auckland FC's next game as they look to continue
there what now looks to be an inevitable march towards
(16:48):
the Premier's plate. This is football fever. So that was Saturday.
If we rewind to Friday night, the Wellington Phoenix welcomed
Melbourne City to Sky Stadium a one nil win for
Melbourne City, third straight loss for the Phoenix, fifth game
without a win, just two goals in those five games.
A Marco Tillio goal early in the second half settled
(17:09):
this one. I was contrasting and comparing the two games.
I had the opportunity to commentate both of them, and
really it was just compared to what we saw play
out on Saturday. It was just by comparison, nowhere near
it on Friday night.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
I feel bad, I've said this the last few weeks,
but it is really hard to critique the Phoenix at
the moment because the team is so young and it's
not a great watch. It's not a great watch of football.
You know. It's that they had five shots on goal,
none of them on target, and you know, it's quite
(17:50):
sad for the team really considering what they did last year.
But I think what the most disappointing thing for me
was is Chief he touched on it at the start
of the season. Is that the last of drive and
motivation that you're seeing from these players on the field.
I watched kind of you know the character of these
(18:10):
players last week against Auckland f C. A lot of
heads down, you know, angry, yelling at each other and
taking it out and you see that in all teams.
You know, no doubt Auckland f C would have done
that as well at the weekend, but it seems to
be pretty rife in the Wellington Phoenix again when they
conceded the two goals at the weekend. Obviously one of
them was caught offside, but a lot of swearing at
(18:31):
each other and your heads down and placing the blame
elsewhere rather than taking onus.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
Yeah, it's a really good observation and it's always a
lot easier, as we all know, it's a lot easier
to be buoyant and you know, to be positive when
things are going your way. I mean Aukland FC and
Wellington Phoenix are having very different seasons, aren't they. But
you know, I kind of hope that there would be
more from Wellington Phoenix. And to be fair, they were
(18:57):
better than the previous week. I mean it's a low
I know, when you lose six to one, they were
better first half nil all Alex Rufer I think was
instrumental and you know, coming back into the starting side
for the first time since last December, he kind of
really solidified things there in central midfield. Plo Retre was
in there as well, having missed the derby. Sam Sutton
(19:20):
coming back that you know, that's the best choice at
left back, and I like the fact that Nathan Wrker
got a start as well. But really they didn't They
didn't really start really going for it until after they
one kneel down. Luke brook Smith came on, Michael Rojas
came on, Giraldis was good at times, but I don't know.
(19:42):
I watched the Phoenix side and I compare it to
last year. Last year, you always expected that regardless of
the that situation, they will find a way to score
a goal. I don't feel the same way this season
at all.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
No, they can't and I just don't think they have
the personality or the experience to do that this season,
which is such a shame because you know, I'm looking
at the lineup and the players you name Piney, and
there are actually some really experienced, talented players in that lineup,
but just for some reason this season it's not gelling.
(20:13):
And whether we put that down to management or the players' attitudes,
I'm not sure, but yeah, it is a real shame
for the fans. It looked like I don't know how
many if you know how many people were there, Piney.
They looked like a nice turnout, you know, turned up
to the stadium on Friday night.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
It was around sort of six thousands, I think. But
they made a lot of noise. I raally like that.
You know, you can't, you know, we talk a lot
about the port and the noise they make and they do.
But the hardcore Yellow Fever and we should have mentioned
this last week and didn't, but they sung for the
whole game last week in the derby as they watched
their team dismantled six' to. One they were the same
(20:50):
there On friday. Night there was a lot of, noise
a lot of energy and that's what following a football team.
Is so, yeah, no we do have to give it
to the you, know to The phoenix. Fans Corbyn piper
had had a head a brilliantly saved By Patrick beach
but as it happened the flag was up, anyway doesn't
take away from the. Save the save was. Outstanding wouldn't
(21:11):
accounted Sir Wellington phoenix eleventh of in the league nineteen,
points eleven points outside the top, six eight games to,
go playoffs are basically. Gone it would take a huge
turnaround in their. Fortunes they basically have to win their
remaining eight games to get anywhere near the top. SIX
i think what The phoenix will be now a disruptors
(21:32):
for the rest because we talked about those other teams,
before jockeying for positions in the top, two top, four top,
six and The phoenix have to play a lot of.
Them they Play Western, United SYDNEY, fc The Western Sydney,
Wanderers Melbourne, Victory Adelaide, united so you, know they'll be.
DISRUPTORS i think is probably the best thing that they
can be. Now and they do have to finish. Strongly
(21:54):
they're still professional. Players they still have to go out
there and try and win every, week even if the
top six is going to be out of reach for, them.
Speaker 2 (22:02):
AND i think they should do it for. Themselves you,
know they've had a rough season as we've, mentioned riddled with,
injuries and you, know a very young, team so just
do it for. Themselves and you can already start to
See chief he is looking forward to the. Future you,
know he's giving more minutes to these younger. PLAYERS i
mean he's had two imports on the on the bench
(22:22):
on the, weekend so you know HE'S i think that's
what they've got to start doing as looking towards next
season and just trying to pick up their confidence a
little bit and end the season, on you, know as
much of a high as they possibly.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
Can, yeah A, SHIGAR i think is carrying a. Knock
so that was why he didn't start the. Game he's
been pretty much never present Starting. Nagasawa now we haven't
seen for a couple of. Weeks he's been on the
bench the last couple of weeks and not. Used and
then josh Olaway emi is also on the. Bench so
you look at you look at the team sheet and
three of the five imports are on the. Bench that
(22:57):
speaks to recruitment of overseas players that hasn't worked.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
Out the thing That i've got a question about is
like The phoenix would have made quite a bit of
money from the sale of the likes have been old
right And Alex. Paulson so do we just put it
down to they've you, know not spent the money correctly
and in terms of bringing in these imports this, season
(23:24):
because you look at the imports For AUCKLAND, fc and you,
know you could Argue auckland is perhaps more of a.
Destination it's especially because of their ties WITH Afc. Bournemouth but,
yeah you just wonder if they haven't got it right this.
Speaker 1 (23:38):
Season Well phoenix definitely haven't got it, right but they
have in previous, years you, know and this is really
this is an outlier as far As Wellington phoenix's imports are.
Concerned for most of the of the last few, seasons
they have got the imports bang. On you look at
a guy Like boja Dar, Kroiev you look At Oscars
nevada and the things that he did when he was.
(23:59):
There you, know those are just two examples of players
who have Elevated Wellington phoenix and have, really you, know
lifted them to greater. Heights they've just got it wrong this.
Season nugasawa and A shiga and Olaway yemi just haven't
added what they would have. Hoped and it's not uncommon
in THE A, league you, know For AUCKLAND fc to
get all five, right which they, have really is probably
(24:23):
more the exception than it is the. Rule but, yeah
but DON'T i don't know how much they're Paying nagasawa
Or Olaway emmy or A. Shiga but you, know so
whether they haven't quite reinvested all of the money they,
COULD i don't. Know it might be also That AUCKLAND
fc got players Like modino The, strata you, Know Guy.
(24:45):
GOSS i, MEAN i Think Hiroki saka would have cost
them a, Bit but the, OTHERS i hadn't heard of
any of, Them, BONNIE i don't think anybody. Had but
now you, know so you get these players who are
perhaps in a bit of a holding pattern in their.
Career Now Louis ustrata is probably now worth two or
three times what they paid for.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
Him, yeah, exactly all. Right it is interesting again you'll
probably know more than, Me, Piney but will they be
breaking some of these contracts next? Season like Ollaway amy
what he, was his contract got. Extended surely they're not
keeping him.
Speaker 1 (25:16):
AROUND i can't see how they. CAN i think they've
got to find a way to extricate themselves from. That
that seemed a very curious, decision as you, say just
very early. On and, yeah he was serviceable enough in
the first couple of. GAMES a one will, drawer then
a clean cheek and of two n'll, win you, know
and then they you're, right they, said okay to at the.
Derby here we're extending then the Derby and, LOOK i
(25:38):
think Josh aula william is a good, keeper but if
he's not, playing you can't have him taking up an import. Spot,
no not at.
Speaker 2 (25:44):
ALL i mean it did happen last season With Alex.
Paulson although Was Jack. Duncan was He? Australian, no he
is an.
Speaker 1 (25:52):
Important no no, No Jack Duncan's. Australian so, yeah so
he wasn't taking up an imported. Spot, no, No BUT
i just you and not just. Goalkie but LIKE i,
say when you've reached the, game where really now or
you know these are must win. Games when you go
into a must win game and three of your five
import players start that game on the, bench they're not injured,
(26:13):
NECESSARILY i, KNOW i, SAID a she is carrying a,
Knock but if he's good enough to be in the matchday,
squad then he's not that. Injured so when three imports
are not injured and not in the starting, eleven then
you do you do have to look at it and
say we haven't got it.
Speaker 2 (26:27):
Right, yeah, Surely AND i think that's What chief he
will be doing now and maybe we can see that with.
That the squad he's been naming over the last couple
of weeks is he knows that they're probably going to
swap some of them out next season and why not
give as much experience as they can now to the
likes Of Corbyn, Piper Nathan, Walker. Lukebrooksmith so maybe Actually
(26:48):
chief's out smarting us all with the lineup's good putting.
Speaker 1 (26:50):
Out could well be. Goodwill but, Ye i'd like to
see a lot more Of luke Brook. Smith are still very,
raw but adds. Energy chief is set after the game
that the plan at some stages to Have Geraldez, rojas
A shiga And barbarussis all start. Together that'll depend on
injuries and things like that and playing, minutes But i'd
love to see. IT i, mean that feels exciting to
(27:12):
me if if that is what they can manage to
do with a bit Of Luke brooksmith And Nathan walker
perhaps coming off the. Bench so here we'll see what.
Happens Western united are the next assignment For Wellington. Phoenix
they play them away On saturday, night that is eight
O'clock New zealand. Time the football fever With Jason hin
And Bonnie jess and finally to The Wellington phoenix women
(27:34):
who Welcomed Adelaide united To Pottydowa park. Yesterday we've talked
ad nauseum WHAT i have about how important marches for
The Wellington phoenix. Women unfortunately they couldn't Start march with a.
Win adelaide are a good, side but a three to
one WIN i want to go straight to, This. Bonnie
is this a top six Side Wellington. PHOENIX i don't
(27:57):
think so.
Speaker 2 (27:57):
ANYMORE i think that was such an important game to
get a point, from particularly being a home. Match they
do so well at. Home and, YEAH i THINK i
don't know, Though, piney because they're actually not far. Off
it's still on the ladder And adelaide are actually a
really good team and are probably going to go on
and win. It so maybe they.
Speaker 1 (28:17):
ARE i don't, know what do you? Think, WELL i
hope they, Are BUT i JUST i draw this parallel
with last season where this is almost a carbon copy
of what happened last season when when The Wellington phoenix
had around about the same time had an identical number of. Points,
really in, fact it happened slightly earlier last season around
(28:38):
sort Of round ten or. Eleven they just got stuck
in the mud and couldn't pick up any. Points and
now we're at the. Point we're at the point now
where if The Wellington phoenix don't win this coming, weekend
they'll have fewer points after eighteen games than they did last.
Season and they didn't make it last. Season So i'm
not willing to write them out of the equation just.
(28:59):
Yet this only four points outside the top six with
six games to, go but they have to Beat Western
sydney On. SUNDAY i feel like that's not.
Speaker 2 (29:09):
Negotiable oh, yes so they've they've Played melbourne, victory have
they or they've still got them coming up just BECAUSE
i thought that was the next. Game so, yes you're, Right,
PINEY i think this weekend is a non. Negotiable there
are only four points off that that playoff that playoff
spot at the, moment so three points this weekend is a.
(29:29):
Must AND i think they still do have a good
side with some key. Players you, Know Carolyn vilau on the,
weekend the goalkeeper for The Wellington, phoenix she's so. Good
obviously she saved that, penalty but in other moments in the,
Match she's so key for, them and it's nice to
See Emma maine get the start as well at the other.
(29:50):
End SO i think they've got the personnel to do.
It it's just whether they can gel and make things.
Speaker 1 (29:58):
Happen, YEAH i, mean looking at the, Game adelaide with
a better, TEAM i don't think there's any question even you,
know through the, Stats adelaide had thirty one shots to
The phoenix's, Eight so that alone tells the story of
the opportunities that were. Created you're right About carolina. Vlau
that penalty save is a brilliant penalty. Save so The
(30:22):
adelaide player who took, it and her name escapes me
at the, moment has drilled it off To vlao's left
and she's got this strong hand to it and she's
made a number of other. SAVES i, mean she obviously
has let three, in BUT i think you, know and
it's only you know a short history of the club
has but she is by far the best goalkeeper That
(30:42):
Wellington phoenix have had in the women's.
Speaker 2 (30:45):
Program she is an import you don't want to lose forxt,
season just speaking on, Imports but, YEAH i, Agree. PINEY
i thought she was unreal and she has been unreal
beyond this game last. Night so, yeah definitely don't want
to lose her key moments like that that can help
these teams go. Fast so, yeah back to that top six.
(31:09):
THING i think they can do, it but you, Know
i'd like to See Alyssa. Wynham she's she's so talented
and she's so good on the, ball but just you,
know executing some of these opportunity or you, know all
these opportunities that she. Has converting you, know these these
goals and these opportunities will be so key for. Her
AND i think that the minute she starts doing, that
(31:30):
she gets caught up into the.
Speaker 1 (31:31):
Ferns, YEAH i, agree and and the goals have dried
up and she is a she can turn that tap
back on if she starts, to you, know to really get.
Creative For, MIDFIELD i think back To january when they
Beat perth two, nil they beat The wanderers three. Nil
they had that two, one lost To adelaide and then
Beat newcastle three. Too they were scoring goals for. Fun
they've they've really dried, up just three in the last five.
(31:53):
Games so you know that that tells the tale of
a team that is start is struggling to to you,
know to create chances and when they, do to finish those.
Chances but they are still there or. Thereabouts No Grace
jarlie yesterday and for the next two, weeks AS i understand,
it so that will put a dent in their chances
at the attacking. End BUT i think you're. RIGHT i
(32:14):
think a lot of, it and without wanting to put
too much pressure on, her will revolve around whether a
list will win, them can rediscover the creativity that she showed,
it you, know for large parts of the first half
of the.
Speaker 2 (32:24):
Season and we spoke about it last Week piney how
he wanted to See Emma main get more more minutes
or it might have been the week, before AND i,
hopefully you, Know Grace jarlie being out will Allow emma
to get. THOSE i think she also is quite a
creative player and could hopefully do something get it moving
(32:44):
up the top for them to get out of this dry.
SPELL i did really Like Olivia. Ferguson ferguson's goal, though,
yeah that was, great.
Speaker 1 (32:52):
Now, NICE i, mean she's onto a bit of an
underhit pass looked? Up could have you, know she had
a few options because she's still quite a way. Out
look up sort of keep her off the. LINE i, thought,
WELL i can chip her from. Here so, yeah that's
a confidence booster For Olivia, ferguson who's now scored in consecutive.
Games she found it a little bit hard to get, going,
mister a couple of high profile, opportunities but, yeah goals
(33:13):
in consecutive. Games strikers love, that so hopefully she can
she can continue to do. So so are we calling
it a must win game Against Western. SYDNEY i think we.
Speaker 2 (33:22):
Are oh, yeah oh, YEAH i think.
Speaker 1 (33:24):
So all, right well that is what we shall call, it,
then a must win game against The Western Sydney Wanderers
Pottydour park On sunday at four. O'clock so hopefully in
a week from now and we're chatting again on The
Football fever, podcast we'll be talking about a win And
Wellington phoenix's women's side moving a bit closer to participation
in the top. Six that is us For Football Fever.
(33:45):
Bonnie another jam packed weekend with three more games to.
Analyze this coming weekend we'll have an all white squad
coming out at some stage for THE Ofc World cup.
Qualifiers kiwis overseas that we haven't got to. Today so,
yeah they just keep on, coming thick and. Fast the
football storylines.
Speaker 2 (34:04):
Can't, Wait, Piney, yeah bring it. On it's going to
be a big next couple of months and before you
know it will be a league.
Speaker 1 (34:10):
Playoffs, indeed see you next. Week this is football even
Football Fever with news Talks, Envy's Voice of Football, Jason
Pine and Bonny Jensen. Hello there, and welcome into a
new week and a new episode of the Football Fever podcast,
where we cover off all things to do with New
Zealand football, the A League, men and women, and anything
else that catches our fancy. I'm Jason Pone. Bonny Jensen's
here too. Hello, Bonny, Hey, Piiney, how are you good?
(00:24):
Thank you? Yeah, A mixed weekend. As far as the
New Zealand based A League teams are concerned, we'll cover
them all off. I do want to start though, with
Saturday afternoon at Go Media, another absolutely thrilling day out
before we get into the football. You watched most of
this from the Fairest Wheel.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
I mean, Pieer, how could I not really? I just
when I heard Auckland NEFC we're getting this for us
where I think I may have mentioned it last week
on the podcast, I was like, how insane can they be?
They've just you know, they've had a beach, they've had
a slide, they've had flyovers and you know, fireworks and
now a fairis Wheel a circus they were calling it.
They had other Carnival Games, and you know, I thought,
(01:07):
why not try and watch the whole game from the
Fairis Wheel and do a wee story on it. So
I did that. That'll be coming out in the Herald
Monday afternoon.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Good stuff. But yeah, it was.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
It was just great. And Nick Becker came and joined
me the Auckland f c CEO Dan Hall.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
And yeah, it was brilliant wins. Dan Hall back.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Dan Hall, I feel is back this weekend. He might
be in the game day squad. I'm not sure. Steve
Corker said, there's there's no this was this was before
the game and the weekend. Steve Corker said, there was
no real reason to rush Dan Hall into it. You know,
they Tommy Smith's been doing great in there, and you
know they want to obviously preserve them for the playoffs.
(01:46):
But in saying that, when you look at some of
the goals they conceived over the weekend, maybe he will
he will reconsider that.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
It's an interesting conundrum for Steve Corricker. I mean, shone
great faith in his team, hasn't he. I was looking
on the weekend. Louis Vustrata for the second week in
a row, didn't start the game. You know, Steve Coriker
didn't change the winning team and look at maywell be
that when he considers his team for the next game
against the Newcastle Jets this coming weekend that he tinkers
a little bit. But you don't change a winning team.
(02:14):
He hasn't changed a winning team. But yeah, when Dan
Hall comes back, he's going to present a fairly compelling proposition,
isn't he. Because you think of those first six games
that he was involved in, six games, six wins, broke
his ankle at training. I feel like he's got a
if he's fit, and he won't be fit straight away,
he's got to present a fairly compelling case to come
(02:34):
back into the team, doesn't he? Oh?
Speaker 2 (02:36):
Absolutely? And I spoke with him over the weekend. You
know how he was putting his hand up for the
Soccaro's the Australian national team before he got injured. He's
such a key player and someone you know, I think
he was Auckland f C's best player before he got injured.
Obviously those were very early days back when he was playing.
But yeah, he's certainly got to put his hand up.
(02:58):
I think what I like know how Steve Carreker hasn't
started for Strata the last two weeks, even though he's
been available. Is he's obviously thinking about fatigue and fitness
and preserving some of these players, which will be key
when they look towards the playoffs. So that's something he'll
surely consider as well.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
For you, Yeah, talks a bit about the depth of
the side as well. You know that you can leave
a guy like Louisvis Strata out, although as I say,
they may look at what they do this week after
the four to four draw. I don't think I've ever
commentated a four all draw before. You know, if you
score four goals and you don't come away with all
three points, you probably think to yourself, well, what's happened
(03:39):
as far as the two teams are concerned. Steve Coricker
definitely saw it as two points dropped and Carl Viett,
I think, was happy to get away with a point.
What were your overall what your overall thoughts before we
zoom in on a couple of things. What were your
overall thoughts?
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Yeah? Well I thought Auckland DEFC shouldn't feel necessarily ashamed
of a draw with Adelaide. You know, Adelaide turned up
for the occasion. I thought they played better than what
they have done in the past few weeks. Certainly a show. Piney.
You mentioned the eight goals. That's fifteen goals at go
media in the last two weeks, obviously thinking about the
six to one when they had over the Wellington Phoenix.
(04:16):
But no, I don't feel they I don't feel like
Auckland f C should be necessarily upset. They still have
a eight point lead at the top of the A
League table. But I do think they should be slightly
concerned about the four goals they conceded. I think two
of them are very sloppy defending and the other two
were very sloppy lazy tackles that obviously conceded the penalties.
(04:41):
You know, that's five goals I've conceded in the last
two games, which is very unlike Auckland f C. So
I think that slightly is a red flag. But at
the same time, I think a draw is absolutely fine
to come away with.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
I think you've nailed it in terms of their defense.
They'll certainly be working hard on that this week. Let's
talk about We'll come to the penalties in a moment,
but yeah, you're right. The two goals they conceded. The
first a near post header by Archie Goodwin that's gone
off the post, and then Jordan nel says the quickest
to react, he puts it home. Look, there's a lot
of men in around the penalty area and I think
(05:15):
maybe Adeli I've got a bit of the bounce of
the ball there. I know Hiroki Sakai will look back
at his defending at the near post and probably examine that.
But the goal at the end, it's not good defending
at all from Auckland f C. When you're four to
three up with you know, deep into at a time
you should win that game. They did not defend well
enough at the end.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
Yeah, absolutely, and it shows, you know, they've been so
good in those pressure moments Auckland f C. I mean
they showed it again at the weekend, scoring in the
ninety second minute. I'm sure everyone probably you as well,
party commentating in the box. We thought Hiroki had won
it then and there, and it was so unlike Auckland
f C to concede that like go you know, usually
(05:56):
it is just them the ones finishing it off. So
something they'll certainly learn from They've learned from a lot
of mistakes I've had throughout the season, and you know,
maybe it's a blessing in disguise. It comes now as
they you know, eye up these these playoffs and hopefully
go on to win it. That's something they'll you know,
learn from.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
You did, right, That's what I did think. When Sarki scored,
I thought, what a narrative, you know, the captain in
the time when his team needed it the most, standing
up to score what we all thought was going to
be the winning goal and a seven goal thriller. I mean,
what a moment. And the noise, Bonnie when he scored.
The noise, because it's you know, there's there's the header
which is initially saved, and then the follow up for
(06:39):
the goal, there's that amazing crowd noise of a ah
and then yeah, you know it's it is. It's Premier
League noise. It's just incredible, Oh it is.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
And I jumped up and smack my head or just
about smack mayhead on the ceiling of the carriage of
the Fairis wheel and then I quickly read the side
behind me and remember that you meant to be sitting down.
It was it was just incredible. And watching it from
that ferris wheel and just seeing the whole stand erupt
it was. It was absolutely unreal. And Pioneer listened back
(07:11):
to the highlights this morning, shout out to you. I
thought that that call you did was absolutely incredible. Got
goosebumps all over again. But as you said in the
in the call, Hiroki, you know, it would have been
a great narrative for him to win it there. But
that's why it was so so surprising that they then
went on to concede.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
Yeah, Marvaren's for Adelaide United, scoring in the eighth added
minute to make it for all. And yeah, as I say,
Steve Coricker I think was the more disappointed of the coaches.
If your carl Vet, you come back from two nil down,
three to one down and four three down late on
and escape with a point, you're happy turn that over.
And Steve Coricker, having led by those margins and not
(07:50):
taking all three points, would be upset. And he thought
both penalties were soft. Now I was during the commentary.
I thought the first penalty, when Louis vu Strata has
collected the leg of Ethan Alligance in the penalty area,
I said I thought it was a penalty. Nothing I've
seen since has changed my mind. Steve Currik had tried
to change my mind after the game and the press conference,
(08:13):
and then afterwards as we were walking out, he was
absolutely adamant that that was not a penalty, as he
was the second one, when Stephan Marc has gone into
the area weaving his way through, Yes he's looking for contact,
but he's an experienced player, Stephan Marc, and in that
moment he knew that if he took the ball with
him into the penalty area, into a crowded area, there
(08:34):
was likely to get there was likely to be a
touch somewhere, and so it proved to be. So I
don't know that Auckland FC can have genuine complaints about
the two penalties. I don't think they were absolute, obvious,
clear errors, either of them.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
I agree Piney, I think they were absolutely penalties. Yes
they were soft, and you know another referee, another on
a different day, may have called something else. But you
put the same situation up the other end of the picture,
and I think Steve Coric is throwing his hands up
calling for a penalty all day. So yeah, I think
(09:13):
you know it could have gone either way more so
think than penalties, and I actually just think they were
very lazy defending from from Rastrata and Tommy Smith.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
I think also there's the inconsistency across the competition because
you think back to the game between Wellington Phoenix and Brisbane.
When a Shiga is you know, it is basically had
a chunk taken out of his leg in the penalty area,
much much more physical contact than either of the two
on the weekend, and that wasn't given as a penalty.
(09:43):
A couple of other Phoenix examples and recent weeks haven't been,
so I think it feels like there's a sliding scale
of what is a penalty and what isn't and it's
very much in the hands of the referee, and I
know it has to be, really because it's not as
though it's not like a has the ball gone over
the line or not. Penalty decisions are are objective in
the eyes of the referee. I think one thing Steve
(10:04):
Koric has said, which I think I do agree with,
was that Daniel Elder was in very close proximity to
the Forstrata tackle. He was about five yards away looking
directly at it, and decided there was nothing to see here.
It was only when the var called him over. So
I don't know does the var have to call him
over in that situation or does he say, okay, well
(10:25):
you've had a good look at it and you don't
think it's a pen.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
I don't know, yeah, exactly, it's it is. It is
really tough to call. And I just wonder if maybe
you know that the luck had run out a little bit,
not quoting Chiefy there, but the luck had run out
a little bit for Auckland f C. Because obviously the
week before, wasn't it, or maybe a couple of weeks
ago when Nando should have got a red card and
he didn't. You know, I think Steve Corac has to
(10:49):
look at the bigger picture here and go you know,
it's obviously could have gone either way. It's a subjective decision.
But in this case it didn't go their way. And
I don't think it's all doom and glue. They got
a point, yea.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
These things tend to even themselves out across the course
of a season, don't they. Other parts of the game
Auckland f C up to nil early gives youmo Mi's
first goal. My goodness, what a cracker, just a carbon
com my god, indeed, oh my my, what can the
man not do? Very similar goal to the one he
scored earlier on this season against Melbourne City. But he's
(11:22):
just an excitement machine, isn't he. Giz you ma, I
hadn't didn't score at all in the six to one win.
I'm sure that was playing on his mind, because when
you score six and you're the main striker and you
don't get any you think that's ow right, I'm going
to put that right. And he did inside fifteen minutes,
got a couple Logan Rogerson, another goal for him, a
couple of penalties to say, Zach Cloff converting them both,
and then Sarkai and friends at the end. A terrific
(11:45):
game if you're a neutral, and I saw a lot
of stuff coming in on social media from across the
TASMANA people saying game of the season, incredible contest, what
a spectacle, all of that stuff. If you've got skin
in the game, you're a bit disappointed if you're Auckland FC.
But as a spectacle, if you landed in, you know,
from out of space and watch that game and thought, okay,
this is the A League. You'd be back next week
(12:06):
to watch.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
It, absolutely, And you know, I think it was close
to seventeen thousand fans there. As I mentioned before, fifteen
goals that go be there in the last two weeks.
My sister they were her first to Auckland nef CE
games and what to to go to. I told her,
you know that they're not all like this, but they
are pretty exciting just on those goals. I think what's
(12:28):
so impressive for Auckland nef C and promising I guess
heading into the playoffs is the variety of goal scorers
that we've seen throughout the season. Yes, my stood up
on the weekend. Obviously, Hiroki and Logan got one too,
but you know last week it was Nadar and then
we've seen Nando's score a few, so it's you know,
(12:49):
Brimmer as well another one. It's really promising that they
have got goal scorers right across the.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
Park and a near good point across the last couple
of weeks. Yeah, they've all been in the goals, haven't they.
So now gives you my Mai, Nadal Modino and Logan
Rogers and all have seven goals, so I'm sure they're
having a little internal competition themselves. Not saying that they
wouldn't pass it to the other one of the others
if they're in a better position, but you know, that's
the kind of competition you want internally, is a lot
(13:14):
of guys trying to score goals. Tommy Smith I quick
mention on him his five hundred and fiftieth professional game.
That is an incredible achievement by Tommy Smith. The guy's
been around for a couple of decades in the professional game.
Auckland FC Bonnie are eight points clear now with eight
games to go. Can they be caught?
Speaker 2 (13:33):
No, I don't think they can. I actually think Pioney,
this weekend's game coming up in Newcastle is going to
be so taling. Newcastle are, you know, far lower down
the table. They're currently a ninth but they haven't lost
in the last five games. They beat Adelaide United just
a couple of weeks ago, So yeah, I think this
(13:55):
if they win it this weekend, it's they can put
both hands on the play.
Speaker 1 (14:00):
Yeah, And I think that was maybe the bit of
the disappointment for Steve Kurriker. He would have liked to
have been ten points clear with eight games to go,
at which point I think you can say nobody's pulling
back a double digit points deficits. I agree with you.
I don't think anybody's catching them eight points clear. It
seems to me as though there's a real battle though
for that second spot. Western United thirty two, Adelaide thirty two,
(14:24):
Western Sydney Wanderers thirty one, Melbourne City thirty one, Melbourne
Victory thirty Sydney FC twenty nine. So what's that Six
teams within three points of each other and they'll all
take points of each other, which I think also plays
into Aukland FC's hands because nobody I don't think is
going to put a run together and it would need
Auckland f C to fall over, which I don't think
they're going to do exactly.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
And you look at Adelaide and Melbourne City, they're probably
in the best place out of all those teams you mentioned.
They have a game in hand, but so to Auckland
f C as well. Just to add to that so
very exciting last couple of weeks.
Speaker 1 (14:59):
I think Adelaide United are a very good team. I
really enjoyed watching them and comparing them to Wellington Phoenix
a week ago. You know, the Phoenix went behind, and
yes they pulled one back early in the second half,
but it never really felt like Wellington finished win to
win that game. Even when Adelaide were two aled down
and three to one down, they didn't stop. And that
is the mark of a side that is very good
(15:20):
come finals time. You know, that could be a Grand final,
Awkley FC Adelaide could be the Grand Final.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
It's setting up for quite a good rivalry now because
they've played twice and had two thrilling matches and both
ending in draws. So if they do meet in the
final party it's yeah, certainly going to be you know,
more than just a trophy. They're going to get ultimate
bragging arts for the season.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
Yeah. I love the rivalry that's built already. You're right.
So the aggregate score across the two games is six
all and there's been incredible drama in both games, late
goals controversy, coaches fully invested, big crowds. I mean Adelaide's
home crowd is as good as Auckland's. You know, they
get good, good crowds in South Australia at Cooper Stadium,
a similar kind of venue, rectangular, the crowd are right
(16:06):
on top of the players. Yeah. I love the fact
that there might be this rivalry building.
Speaker 2 (16:10):
I bet what's going to happen is they're going to
meet in the semis Dare I say it? And it's
going to be like a really tight home in a
way of fear. Yes, And it's there's going to be
great traveling contingents from both sides. And it's oh, I'm
already I can already feel it now. It's making me nervous.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
Yeah, okay, we'll see, We'll see what happens down the track. Next.
Our point of business, as you say, for Auckland FC,
Newcastle away. Newcastle in a good run of form five
unbeaten as you say, have won their last three. So
it won't be easy going to McDonald Jones Stadium on
Sunday night at seven o'clock New Zealand time. But that
is Auckland FC's next game as they look to continue
there what now looks to be an inevitable march towards
(16:48):
the Premier's plate. This is football fever. So that was Saturday.
If we rewind to Friday night, the Wellington Phoenix welcomed
Melbourne City to Sky Stadium a one nil win for
Melbourne City, third straight loss for the Phoenix, fifth game
without a win, just two goals in those five games.
A Marco Tillio goal early in the second half settled
(17:09):
this one. I was contrasting and comparing the two games.
I had the opportunity to commentate both of them, and
really it was just compared to what we saw play
out on Saturday. It was just by comparison, nowhere near
it on Friday night.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
I feel bad, I've said this the last few weeks,
but it is really hard to critique the Phoenix at
the moment because the team is so young and it's
not a great watch. It's not a great watch of football.
You know. It's that they had five shots on goal,
none of them on target, and you know, it's quite
(17:50):
sad for the team really considering what they did last year.
But I think what the most disappointing thing for me
was is Chief he touched on it at the start
of the season. Is that the last of drive and
motivation that you're seeing from these players on the field.
I watched kind of you know the character of these
(18:10):
players last week against Auckland f C. A lot of
heads down, you know, angry, yelling at each other and
taking it out and you see that in all teams.
You know, no doubt Auckland f C would have done
that as well at the weekend, but it seems to
be pretty rife in the Wellington Phoenix again when they
conceded the two goals at the weekend. Obviously one of
them was caught offside, but a lot of swearing at
(18:31):
each other and your heads down and placing the blame
elsewhere rather than taking onus.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
Yeah, it's a really good observation and it's always a
lot easier, as we all know, it's a lot easier
to be buoyant and you know, to be positive when
things are going your way. I mean Aukland FC and
Wellington Phoenix are having very different seasons, aren't they. But
you know, I kind of hope that there would be
more from Wellington Phoenix. And to be fair, they were
(18:57):
better than the previous week. I mean it's a low
I know, when you lose six to one, they were
better first half nil all Alex Rufer I think was
instrumental and you know, coming back into the starting side
for the first time since last December, he kind of
really solidified things there in central midfield. Plo Retre was
in there as well, having missed the derby. Sam Sutton
(19:20):
coming back that you know, that's the best choice at
left back, and I like the fact that Nathan Wrker
got a start as well. But really they didn't They
didn't really start really going for it until after they
one kneel down. Luke brook Smith came on, Michael Rojas
came on, Giraldis was good at times, but I don't know.
(19:42):
I watched the Phoenix side and I compare it to
last year. Last year, you always expected that regardless of
the that situation, they will find a way to score
a goal. I don't feel the same way this season
at all.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
No, they can't and I just don't think they have
the personality or the experience to do that this season,
which is such a shame because you know, I'm looking
at the lineup and the players you name Piney, and
there are actually some really experienced, talented players in that lineup,
but just for some reason this season it's not gelling.
(20:13):
And whether we put that down to management or the players' attitudes,
I'm not sure, but yeah, it is a real shame
for the fans. It looked like I don't know how
many if you know how many people were there, Piney.
They looked like a nice turnout, you know, turned up
to the stadium on Friday night.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
It was around sort of six thousands, I think. But
they made a lot of noise. I raally like that.
You know, you can't, you know, we talk a lot
about the port and the noise they make and they do.
But the hardcore Yellow Fever and we should have mentioned
this last week and didn't, but they sung for the
whole game last week in the derby as they watched
their team dismantled six' to. One they were the same
(20:50):
there On friday. Night there was a lot of, noise
a lot of energy and that's what following a football team.
Is so, yeah, no we do have to give it
to the you, know to The phoenix. Fans Corbyn piper
had had a head a brilliantly saved By Patrick beach
but as it happened the flag was up, anyway doesn't
take away from the. Save the save was. Outstanding wouldn't
(21:11):
accounted Sir Wellington phoenix eleventh of in the league nineteen,
points eleven points outside the top, six eight games to,
go playoffs are basically. Gone it would take a huge
turnaround in their. Fortunes they basically have to win their
remaining eight games to get anywhere near the top. SIX
i think what The phoenix will be now a disruptors
(21:32):
for the rest because we talked about those other teams,
before jockeying for positions in the top, two top, four top,
six and The phoenix have to play a lot of.
Them they Play Western, United SYDNEY, fc The Western Sydney,
Wanderers Melbourne, Victory Adelaide, united so you, know they'll be.
DISRUPTORS i think is probably the best thing that they
can be. Now and they do have to finish. Strongly
(21:54):
they're still professional. Players they still have to go out
there and try and win every, week even if the
top six is going to be out of reach for, them.
Speaker 2 (22:02):
AND i think they should do it for. Themselves you,
know they've had a rough season as we've, mentioned riddled with,
injuries and you, know a very young, team so just
do it for. Themselves and you can already start to
See chief he is looking forward to the. Future you,
know he's giving more minutes to these younger. PLAYERS i
mean he's had two imports on the on the bench
(22:22):
on the, weekend so you know HE'S i think that's
what they've got to start doing as looking towards next
season and just trying to pick up their confidence a
little bit and end the season, on you, know as
much of a high as they possibly.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
Can, yeah A, SHIGAR i think is carrying a. Knock
so that was why he didn't start the. Game he's
been pretty much never present Starting. Nagasawa now we haven't
seen for a couple of. Weeks he's been on the
bench the last couple of weeks and not. Used and
then josh Olaway emi is also on the. Bench so
you look at you look at the team sheet and
three of the five imports are on the. Bench that
(22:57):
speaks to recruitment of overseas players that hasn't worked.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
Out the thing That i've got a question about is
like The phoenix would have made quite a bit of
money from the sale of the likes have been old
right And Alex. Paulson so do we just put it
down to they've you, know not spent the money correctly
and in terms of bringing in these imports this, season
(23:24):
because you look at the imports For AUCKLAND, fc and you,
know you could Argue auckland is perhaps more of a.
Destination it's especially because of their ties WITH Afc. Bournemouth but,
yeah you just wonder if they haven't got it right this.
Speaker 1 (23:38):
Season Well phoenix definitely haven't got it, right but they
have in previous, years you, know and this is really
this is an outlier as far As Wellington phoenix's imports are.
Concerned for most of the of the last few, seasons
they have got the imports bang. On you look at
a guy Like boja Dar, Kroiev you look At Oscars
nevada and the things that he did when he was.
(23:59):
There you, know those are just two examples of players
who have Elevated Wellington phoenix and have, really you, know
lifted them to greater. Heights they've just got it wrong this.
Season nugasawa and A shiga and Olaway yemi just haven't
added what they would have. Hoped and it's not uncommon
in THE A, league you, know For AUCKLAND fc to
get all five, right which they, have really is probably
(24:23):
more the exception than it is the. Rule but, yeah
but DON'T i don't know how much they're Paying nagasawa
Or Olaway emmy or A. Shiga but you, know so
whether they haven't quite reinvested all of the money they,
COULD i don't. Know it might be also That AUCKLAND
fc got players Like modino The, strata you, Know Guy.
(24:45):
GOSS i, MEAN i Think Hiroki saka would have cost
them a, Bit but the, OTHERS i hadn't heard of
any of, Them, BONNIE i don't think anybody. Had but
now you, know so you get these players who are
perhaps in a bit of a holding pattern in their.
Career Now Louis ustrata is probably now worth two or
three times what they paid for.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
Him, yeah, exactly all. Right it is interesting again you'll
probably know more than, Me, Piney but will they be
breaking some of these contracts next? Season like Ollaway amy
what he, was his contract got. Extended surely they're not
keeping him.
Speaker 1 (25:16):
AROUND i can't see how they. CAN i think they've
got to find a way to extricate themselves from. That
that seemed a very curious, decision as you, say just
very early. On and, yeah he was serviceable enough in
the first couple of. GAMES a one will, drawer then
a clean cheek and of two n'll, win you, know
and then they you're, right they, said okay to at the.
Derby here we're extending then the Derby and, LOOK i
(25:38):
think Josh aula william is a good, keeper but if
he's not, playing you can't have him taking up an import. Spot,
no not at.
Speaker 2 (25:44):
ALL i mean it did happen last season With Alex.
Paulson although Was Jack. Duncan was He? Australian, no he
is an.
Speaker 1 (25:52):
Important no no, No Jack Duncan's. Australian so, yeah so
he wasn't taking up an imported. Spot, no, No BUT
i just you and not just. Goalkie but LIKE i,
say when you've reached the, game where really now or
you know these are must win. Games when you go
into a must win game and three of your five
import players start that game on the, bench they're not injured,
(26:13):
NECESSARILY i, KNOW i, SAID a she is carrying a,
Knock but if he's good enough to be in the matchday,
squad then he's not that. Injured so when three imports
are not injured and not in the starting, eleven then
you do you do have to look at it and
say we haven't got it.
Speaker 2 (26:27):
Right, yeah, Surely AND i think that's What chief he
will be doing now and maybe we can see that with.
That the squad he's been naming over the last couple
of weeks is he knows that they're probably going to
swap some of them out next season and why not
give as much experience as they can now to the
likes Of Corbyn, Piper Nathan, Walker. Lukebrooksmith so maybe Actually
(26:48):
chief's out smarting us all with the lineup's good putting.
Speaker 1 (26:50):
Out could well be. Goodwill but, Ye i'd like to
see a lot more Of luke Brook. Smith are still very,
raw but adds. Energy chief is set after the game
that the plan at some stages to Have Geraldez, rojas
A shiga And barbarussis all start. Together that'll depend on
injuries and things like that and playing, minutes But i'd
love to see. IT i, mean that feels exciting to
(27:12):
me if if that is what they can manage to
do with a bit Of Luke brooksmith And Nathan walker
perhaps coming off the. Bench so here we'll see what.
Happens Western united are the next assignment For Wellington. Phoenix
they play them away On saturday, night that is eight
O'clock New zealand. Time the football fever With Jason hin
And Bonnie jess and finally to The Wellington phoenix women
(27:34):
who Welcomed Adelaide united To Pottydowa park. Yesterday we've talked
ad nauseum WHAT i have about how important marches for
The Wellington phoenix. Women unfortunately they couldn't Start march with a.
Win adelaide are a good, side but a three to
one WIN i want to go straight to, This. Bonnie
is this a top six Side Wellington. PHOENIX i don't
(27:57):
think so.
Speaker 2 (27:57):
ANYMORE i think that was such an important game to
get a point, from particularly being a home. Match they
do so well at. Home and, YEAH i THINK i
don't know, Though, piney because they're actually not far. Off
it's still on the ladder And adelaide are actually a
really good team and are probably going to go on
and win. It so maybe they.
Speaker 1 (28:17):
ARE i don't, know what do you? Think, WELL i
hope they, Are BUT i JUST i draw this parallel
with last season where this is almost a carbon copy
of what happened last season when when The Wellington phoenix
had around about the same time had an identical number of. Points,
really in, fact it happened slightly earlier last season around
(28:38):
sort Of round ten or. Eleven they just got stuck
in the mud and couldn't pick up any. Points and
now we're at the. Point we're at the point now
where if The Wellington phoenix don't win this coming, weekend
they'll have fewer points after eighteen games than they did last.
Season and they didn't make it last. Season So i'm
not willing to write them out of the equation just.
(28:59):
Yet this only four points outside the top six with
six games to, go but they have to Beat Western
sydney On. SUNDAY i feel like that's not.
Speaker 2 (29:09):
Negotiable oh, yes so they've they've Played melbourne, victory have
they or they've still got them coming up just BECAUSE
i thought that was the next. Game so, yes you're, Right,
PINEY i think this weekend is a non. Negotiable there
are only four points off that that playoff that playoff
spot at the, moment so three points this weekend is a.
(29:29):
Must AND i think they still do have a good
side with some key. Players you, Know Carolyn vilau on the,
weekend the goalkeeper for The Wellington, phoenix she's so. Good
obviously she saved that, penalty but in other moments in the,
Match she's so key for, them and it's nice to
See Emma maine get the start as well at the other.
(29:50):
End SO i think they've got the personnel to do.
It it's just whether they can gel and make things.
Speaker 1 (29:58):
Happen, YEAH i, mean looking at the, Game adelaide with
a better, TEAM i don't think there's any question even you,
know through the, Stats adelaide had thirty one shots to
The phoenix's, Eight so that alone tells the story of
the opportunities that were. Created you're right About carolina. Vlau
that penalty save is a brilliant penalty. Save so The
(30:22):
adelaide player who took, it and her name escapes me
at the, moment has drilled it off To vlao's left
and she's got this strong hand to it and she's
made a number of other. SAVES i, mean she obviously
has let three, in BUT i think you, know and
it's only you know a short history of the club
has but she is by far the best goalkeeper That
(30:42):
Wellington phoenix have had in the women's.
Speaker 2 (30:45):
Program she is an import you don't want to lose forxt,
season just speaking on, Imports but, YEAH i, Agree. PINEY
i thought she was unreal and she has been unreal
beyond this game last. Night so, yeah definitely don't want
to lose her key moments like that that can help
these teams go. Fast so, yeah back to that top six.
(31:09):
THING i think they can do, it but you, Know
i'd like to See Alyssa. Wynham she's she's so talented
and she's so good on the, ball but just you,
know executing some of these opportunity or you, know all
these opportunities that she. Has converting you, know these these
goals and these opportunities will be so key for. Her
AND i think that the minute she starts doing, that
(31:30):
she gets caught up into the.
Speaker 1 (31:31):
Ferns, YEAH i, agree and and the goals have dried
up and she is a she can turn that tap
back on if she starts, to you, know to really get.
Creative For, MIDFIELD i think back To january when they
Beat perth two, nil they beat The wanderers three. Nil
they had that two, one lost To adelaide and then
Beat newcastle three. Too they were scoring goals for. Fun
they've they've really dried, up just three in the last five.
(31:53):
Games so you know that that tells the tale of
a team that is start is struggling to to you,
know to create chances and when they, do to finish those.
Chances but they are still there or. Thereabouts No Grace
jarlie yesterday and for the next two, weeks AS i understand,
it so that will put a dent in their chances
at the attacking. End BUT i think you're. RIGHT i
(32:14):
think a lot of, it and without wanting to put
too much pressure on, her will revolve around whether a
list will win, them can rediscover the creativity that she showed,
it you, know for large parts of the first half
of the.
Speaker 2 (32:24):
Season and we spoke about it last Week piney how
he wanted to See Emma main get more more minutes
or it might have been the week, before AND i,
hopefully you, Know Grace jarlie being out will Allow emma
to get. THOSE i think she also is quite a
creative player and could hopefully do something get it moving
(32:44):
up the top for them to get out of this dry.
SPELL i did really Like Olivia. Ferguson ferguson's goal, though,
yeah that was, great.
Speaker 1 (32:52):
Now, NICE i, mean she's onto a bit of an
underhit pass looked? Up could have you, know she had
a few options because she's still quite a way. Out
look up sort of keep her off the. LINE i, thought,
WELL i can chip her from. Here so, yeah that's
a confidence booster For Olivia, ferguson who's now scored in consecutive.
Games she found it a little bit hard to get, going,
mister a couple of high profile, opportunities but, yeah goals
(33:13):
in consecutive. Games strikers love, that so hopefully she can
she can continue to do. So so are we calling
it a must win game Against Western. SYDNEY i think we.
Speaker 2 (33:22):
Are oh, yeah oh, YEAH i think.
Speaker 1 (33:24):
So all, right well that is what we shall call, it,
then a must win game against The Western Sydney Wanderers
Pottydour park On sunday at four. O'clock so hopefully in
a week from now and we're chatting again on The
Football fever, podcast we'll be talking about a win And
Wellington phoenix's women's side moving a bit closer to participation
in the top. Six that is us For Football Fever.
(33:45):
Bonnie another jam packed weekend with three more games to.
Analyze this coming weekend we'll have an all white squad
coming out at some stage for THE Ofc World cup.
Qualifiers kiwis overseas that we haven't got to. Today so,
yeah they just keep on, coming thick and. Fast the
football storylines.
Speaker 2 (34:04):
Can't, Wait, Piney, yeah bring it. On it's going to
be a big next couple of months and before you
know it will be a league.
Speaker 1 (34:10):
Playoffs, indeed see you next. Week this is football even
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