With just under one month to go before Auckland FC kicks off for their second season in the A-League, we’ve gone to the fans to get their insight of the upcoming campaign, and what their hopes and expectations are for what lies ahead.
Below, a founding member of The Port and FRG member, Jonno Ross, gives us his and other fans’ take on what to expect.
SEASON EXPECTATIONS
After last season’s success, it’s no surprise to find that fans are expecting big things from this team. Whilst it’s recognised that it’s no easy feat, most are hopeful that we can go one step further than last season and make it to the grand final. In terms of the Premier’s plate – the general consensus is that we won’t win the league ‘as easy’ as we won it last season – but the hopes are there that we can go back-to-back. There are definite expectations that we go all the way and win the competition.
“I’m confident that we will be in the top three, with the realistic chance of winning something again.”
“I expect the team to be there or thereabouts, but I don’t think we’ll run away with the league again. I hope that the team can go one step further and win the grand final.”
“Aside from the football and the results, the most important thing to me is the match day experience and seeing that it can get even better. The team behind The Port are promising big things, so I’m excited to see what that’s going to look like on a game day.”
“I think that the loss of Alex Paulsen is going to be huge. It’s up to Sail and Woud to step up and perform at Paulsen’s level. If they can do that, I think we’ll win the competition.
PLAYER SIGNINGS
Despite the departures of Alex Paulsen, Max Mata, Luis Toomey, Tommy Smith, Scott Galloway and Neyder Moreno, excitement is building around the new player arrivals. Sam Cosgrove, Oli Sail, Lachie Brook, and Jake Girdwood-Reich come in. Anticipation is high for the new signings, with much discussion among fans about how they think the new boys will fit in.
The main talking point is at the back. Both Nando and Dan Hall are currently injured, plus the discussions around who will be the number one come the start of the season. Oli Sail has the most experience in the A-League, having played for the Wellington Phoenix and Perth Glory. Michael Woud hasn’t had as much experience, but the club and fans believe he deserves first pick over Sail, after biding his time on the bench last season behind Paulsen.
“Michael Woud deserves the chance to stake his claim to be the starting keeper and needs a few dominant displays in the first few games in front of fans. That could see him become a cult hero quickly.”
Competition between the sticks will be nothing but a good thing for Auckland, especially with high praises coming from the coaching staff that “we have the two best keepers in the A-League.”
The other signings have caused enthusiasm amongst the fans. Sam Cosgrove has come in as our number nine, with great expectations to perform from the get-go.
“I’m all in on Sam Cosgrove. He’s what I thought was missing last season and should allow the rest of the team to excel around him.”
Excitement builds around Lachie Brook after positive displays in his pre-season performances.
“Lachlan Brook is a great get. He was one of our strongest in preseason. He’s quick, he’s great with the ball at his feet and he’s not afraid of a long-range shot on goal.”
Overall, the new signings are positive, although some expected a couple of additions with more ‘star power’.
WHICH PLAYERS DO YOU WANT TO SEE HIT THE GROUND RUNNING FROM THE OFF?
It’s no surprise that Sam Cosgrove is top of the list here. It’s pretty simple: his position comes with pressure, and the fans are expectant.
“Really looking forward to seeing new signings Lachie Brook and Sam Cosgrove in action and seeing how they can start their chapter off at AFC. And Logan Rogerson, who I think is only just getting started.”
Another fan wants it all – “I’m greedy, so I want them all to do it. Let’s break more records.”
Last season’s players have set the standards of what it takes to play for Auckland FC. Hopefully, the incomers start on the right foot and become fan favourites from the beginning.
EXPECTATIONS OF CROWD ATTENDANCE
Last season’s crowd attendances have set the bar high and will be a tough act to follow. We averaged just over 18,000 fans per game – an incredible feat for a club that’s just over a year old. Fans are positive that attendances will be just as high, if not higher, whilst others are wary if we don’t perform and results don’t go our way.
“I’m hoping that the crowd numbers will continue where they left off last season, no matter how the team is performing.”
“Aucklanders will be Aucklanders. The novelty of the first season will likely wear off a bit, but if the team keeps winning and entertaining, 15k is achievable for a regular game, with sell-outs for the highlight games.”
“Aucklanders have a reputation for being fair weather fans, not just in football, but in most sports. I think with this team and this supporter base can be what changes that.”
DO YOU THINK THE PORT WILL BE BIGGER AND LOUDER THAN LAST SEASON?
What to say about The Port? As CEO Nick Becker mentioned in the ‘Forever Auckland FC’ docuseries, “Normally a fan base takes generations to build.” It’s unbelievable to have such an amazing fan base showing up in droves, selling out every week in the south stand, singing and chanting for the full 90 minutes. What’s more unbelievable is that The Port were the best fans in the whole league in their first season. Will it be bigger? Will it be louder? Here’s what the fans think:
“The Port will be louder. If we keep winning, it will get bigger.”
“Bigger and louder for sure. We’ve had an influx of people joining The Port Collective, which they’ve introduced this off season.”
“I think the Port can only get bigger and better this season. Hoping to see all three sections standing and rocking that south stand this season.”
“The Port is going to be massive this season. Bigger, louder, and united because of the bonds formed last season.”
“The Port is setting the standard for the rest of the A-League. Don’t be surprised if other teams’ fan bases get bigger to try and mirror us.”
Auckland FC have already sold over 1000 tickets for the south stand. If they were something special last season, get ready for something bigger and better than before.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ON GAME DAY, APART FROM THE FOOTBALL ITSELF?
Slides, beaches, ferris wheels, aeroplanes, skydivers… what’s that got to do with football? On paper, nothing at all. But we make it work somehow. Playing at home isn’t just about coming to watch the football. It’s a place where you can bring your family and kids, and have a great afternoon, especially with the left field activities the club provide. What else makes game days special?
“Being with friends and family and creating an enjoyable and memorable atmosphere. We want opposition fans to hear us and for their players to fear coming to Go Media Stadium.”
“My favourite part of game day is going with my whanau. Sharing the highs and lows with them and with my friends, chanting in the Port, enjoying a beer, it can’t be beaten.”
“Being in the Port with my boy, with the most amazing people, singing my head off no matter what. I get home feeling exhausted but fulfilled, and hoping my voice returns by the middle of the week. Football has always had my heart, but Auckland FC has my soul as well.”
“The march to Bay 22. It’s so special. There is nothing like it in the league.”
“The build-up. I’ve got a game day music playlist that I put on in the afternoon to set the atmosphere at home (even if I’m just doing boring weekend chores). I drive as close as possible to the stadium, then walk in with enough time to bump into some familiar faces, have a sing in the concourse, then march in with The Port. Everything from then on is a bonus.”
WHAT DOES THIS CLUB MEAN TO YOU?
Aucklanders were without a professional football team for 17 years. Maybe we didn’t realise how much we missed it until Auckland FC came along. What it would mean to people to support their local team was seemingly unimaginable. Nothing more needs to be said, just read the fans point of view of what AFC means to them:
“It’s in my blood now. Staff, players, but especially all the new friends my son and I have made make it feel like a family.”
“The club to me is family. It has lifelong friendships that I wouldn’t have had if it wasn’t for this club. And it brings togetherness, no matter who you are.”
“The club means a lot already. I didn’t know how much I had missed a professional football club in Auckland, until we had one again. It is just amazing to have live professional football on our doorstep.”
“It means a lot to me because of the city of Auckland. Auckland has always been the capital of NZ football. We were the first to have professional football and that will always have a place in my heart. Some of New Zealand’s best players and most successful clubs have come from Auckland. We are the biggest city in the country and we’ve been patiently waiting for this opportunity. I’ve also made some great friends through Auckland FC. Memories and friends that will last a lifetime.”
Enough said. This is one special club.
We look forward to starting the season on the front foot when we play Melbourne Victory away, and we’ll see you on the 25th of October at GoMedia Stadium where we take on Western Sydney Wanderers. Can not wait!
