1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,547 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:11,747 Speaker 1: from newstalk ZEDB. 3 00:00:12,787 --> 00:00:16,027 Speaker 2: There are sports fans and then there are super fans. 4 00:00:16,347 --> 00:00:20,307 Speaker 2: Matt Vandenberg supports a Leaen football side, the Newcastle Jets, 5 00:00:20,347 --> 00:00:23,947 Speaker 2: paced two hours aware from where he lives in Sydney, 6 00:00:24,307 --> 00:00:26,107 Speaker 2: as well as being a season ticket hold of a 7 00:00:26,147 --> 00:00:29,587 Speaker 2: home match as he travels to every away game as well, 8 00:00:29,867 --> 00:00:32,347 Speaker 2: which means this season he'll make three trips across the 9 00:00:32,347 --> 00:00:34,347 Speaker 2: Tasman in the space of a month. He was in 10 00:00:34,387 --> 00:00:36,387 Speaker 2: Auckland to watch the Jets beat Auckland FC two one 11 00:00:36,427 --> 00:00:38,947 Speaker 2: a fortnight ago. He'll be back there on New Year's Day, 12 00:00:38,987 --> 00:00:42,467 Speaker 2: and today he's in Wellington to watch his beloved Newcastle 13 00:00:42,507 --> 00:00:45,147 Speaker 2: take on the Wellington Phoenix. He's popped into the study 14 00:00:45,227 --> 00:00:47,227 Speaker 2: on his way to the game. Welcome mate, great to 15 00:00:47,267 --> 00:00:47,627 Speaker 2: see you. 16 00:00:48,227 --> 00:00:50,427 Speaker 3: Finally, they say never meet your heroes, but with you, 17 00:00:50,467 --> 00:00:51,787 Speaker 3: I think it's the complete opposite. 18 00:00:51,947 --> 00:00:55,387 Speaker 2: Ah Well, I could almost say the same thing. When 19 00:00:55,547 --> 00:00:59,467 Speaker 2: and how did your love affair with the Newcastle Jets begin? 20 00:00:59,827 --> 00:01:02,147 Speaker 3: So this was season two when the a LaGG had 21 00:01:02,227 --> 00:01:05,267 Speaker 3: just just started, Like you'd say, somewhat the glory days 22 00:01:05,267 --> 00:01:08,027 Speaker 3: and I'm a Dney Roosters fan in a West Coast fan, 23 00:01:08,107 --> 00:01:10,587 Speaker 3: and during those the periods of the two thousand and 24 00:01:10,587 --> 00:01:12,587 Speaker 3: they were a very very they're very very good clubs 25 00:01:12,627 --> 00:01:14,507 Speaker 3: and Sydney of C one and I was a bit 26 00:01:14,547 --> 00:01:16,707 Speaker 3: of on the fence about whether I should support SYNEYFC, 27 00:01:17,227 --> 00:01:19,467 Speaker 3: and they ended up winning, so I said, no, we can't, 28 00:01:19,587 --> 00:01:22,187 Speaker 3: we can't go for the winners three teams in a row. 29 00:01:22,907 --> 00:01:26,347 Speaker 3: Season two I was, I was an observer, keen observer, 30 00:01:26,387 --> 00:01:29,347 Speaker 3: and then Nikki Carl scored that fantastic solo goal against 31 00:01:29,387 --> 00:01:32,667 Speaker 3: Adelaide on a Friday night at Energy Australia Stadium and 32 00:01:32,987 --> 00:01:36,267 Speaker 3: they were the team for me. And people have said 33 00:01:36,307 --> 00:01:37,547 Speaker 3: it's a bit of a curse that I would have 34 00:01:37,547 --> 00:01:39,427 Speaker 3: had a lot more success and a lot more less. 35 00:01:39,467 --> 00:01:43,907 Speaker 3: Columbus traveled supporting Sydney, but Newcastle threw and through my friends. 36 00:01:43,787 --> 00:01:47,187 Speaker 2: And so win. So have you always you've always gone 37 00:01:47,227 --> 00:01:50,067 Speaker 2: to home games? But have you always traveled to awayne games? 38 00:01:50,107 --> 00:01:52,947 Speaker 2: Or when did the sort of trend of yours of 39 00:01:53,067 --> 00:01:55,427 Speaker 2: going to pretty much every away game begin? 40 00:01:55,827 --> 00:01:59,227 Speaker 3: So I didn't, As every Sydney sider, I did a 41 00:01:59,227 --> 00:02:01,827 Speaker 3: gap year in England in twenty twenty twelve and twenty 42 00:02:01,907 --> 00:02:04,467 Speaker 3: thirteen and I moved to a team moved to a 43 00:02:04,507 --> 00:02:07,067 Speaker 3: suburb called Layton, and the home team Late and Orient 44 00:02:07,107 --> 00:02:09,307 Speaker 3: and there are about fifty or sixty faithfuls that would 45 00:02:09,307 --> 00:02:11,747 Speaker 3: go up and down the country each week via train 46 00:02:11,787 --> 00:02:13,827 Speaker 3: which is a lot more easier, and go and watch 47 00:02:13,867 --> 00:02:16,387 Speaker 3: their team win. And I felt like a massive connection. 48 00:02:16,427 --> 00:02:19,107 Speaker 3: So when I came home, I kind of felt a 49 00:02:19,107 --> 00:02:22,427 Speaker 3: responsibility to see how I'd go one season just flying 50 00:02:22,467 --> 00:02:25,107 Speaker 3: solo traveling. The problem is in Australia and New Zealand 51 00:02:25,107 --> 00:02:26,987 Speaker 3: you have to fly everywhere to get to where you 52 00:02:26,987 --> 00:02:31,627 Speaker 3: go to go. So I felt a responsibility and I 53 00:02:31,867 --> 00:02:33,107 Speaker 3: just thought, you know what, we'll keep it up for 54 00:02:33,147 --> 00:02:36,027 Speaker 3: as long as we can. And my parents somehow still 55 00:02:36,067 --> 00:02:38,747 Speaker 3: love me, they're happy for me to do it. I 56 00:02:38,787 --> 00:02:40,747 Speaker 3: don't have a lot of responsibility in my life yet, 57 00:02:41,747 --> 00:02:44,427 Speaker 3: so yeah, it's I've been lucky enough to do what 58 00:02:44,467 --> 00:02:46,267 Speaker 3: I do. And there's a lot of great A League 59 00:02:46,267 --> 00:02:51,627 Speaker 3: supporters and I feel feel very blessed to be able 60 00:02:51,667 --> 00:02:53,307 Speaker 3: to support the league as well as I can. 61 00:02:53,427 --> 00:02:55,987 Speaker 2: Well, as you say, in the UK, there are trains 62 00:02:56,027 --> 00:02:57,867 Speaker 2: and they take you pretty much everywhere, but this is 63 00:02:57,907 --> 00:03:00,107 Speaker 2: an entirely different story. In the A League. There are 64 00:03:00,107 --> 00:03:02,467 Speaker 2: four other teams in New South Wales, the Mariners, Oh 65 00:03:02,467 --> 00:03:07,027 Speaker 2: I know you hate Sydney FC, Western Sydney MacArthur pretty accessible, 66 00:03:07,067 --> 00:03:10,587 Speaker 2: but teams in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth two over here. Now, 67 00:03:11,387 --> 00:03:14,187 Speaker 2: So how do you fund this passion of yours? 68 00:03:14,347 --> 00:03:17,707 Speaker 3: So a great question. I'll reveal the secret. My mum 69 00:03:17,747 --> 00:03:22,987 Speaker 3: is a dedicated thirty nine year international flight stewards wonderful. 70 00:03:23,027 --> 00:03:26,267 Speaker 3: So the words of staff travel does work. It has 71 00:03:26,267 --> 00:03:29,907 Speaker 3: sent me stranded a couple of times. But no, I'm 72 00:03:29,987 --> 00:03:34,667 Speaker 3: very very fortunate and lucky to to get cheap flight 73 00:03:34,707 --> 00:03:38,107 Speaker 3: tickets when I can. But no, also there's like I 74 00:03:38,147 --> 00:03:40,307 Speaker 3: will credit myself, there are I do have to go 75 00:03:40,347 --> 00:03:43,107 Speaker 3: around New South Wales and there's a lot of trips 76 00:03:43,147 --> 00:03:45,907 Speaker 3: up the Hunter which is our M one motorway which 77 00:03:45,947 --> 00:03:48,747 Speaker 3: is known as the F three as well. I think 78 00:03:48,787 --> 00:03:51,707 Speaker 3: it's a lot of dedication. And look, the club has 79 00:03:51,747 --> 00:03:53,267 Speaker 3: been very very good to me, and so is the 80 00:03:53,347 --> 00:03:55,867 Speaker 3: league in a way. But no, the Jets do recognize 81 00:03:55,907 --> 00:03:59,587 Speaker 3: the commitment I go through and I am I do 82 00:03:59,667 --> 00:04:02,267 Speaker 3: credit for them to credit me, I guess, but no, 83 00:04:02,387 --> 00:04:04,867 Speaker 3: it's just a dedication, like and you know what, I 84 00:04:04,907 --> 00:04:07,307 Speaker 3: get to meet so many fans has the individuals and 85 00:04:07,347 --> 00:04:10,027 Speaker 3: there just there are. You could write a book about 86 00:04:10,267 --> 00:04:12,227 Speaker 3: the legends of a leagues and I think maybe one 87 00:04:12,267 --> 00:04:14,987 Speaker 3: day I might have to do that, but not now. 88 00:04:15,227 --> 00:04:19,747 Speaker 2: Well, let's talk about your experiences when you travel. Are 89 00:04:19,787 --> 00:04:23,067 Speaker 2: you ever the only traveling fan or do you normally 90 00:04:23,107 --> 00:04:25,547 Speaker 2: have one or two others with you? I know here 91 00:04:25,547 --> 00:04:27,747 Speaker 2: in Wellington today, for example, you've got a couple with you. 92 00:04:27,827 --> 00:04:29,507 Speaker 2: Are you ever the only traveling fan? 93 00:04:30,427 --> 00:04:34,067 Speaker 3: I can't pinpoint a on a way day that I've 94 00:04:34,107 --> 00:04:36,187 Speaker 3: just been the only solo because you get a lot 95 00:04:36,187 --> 00:04:38,467 Speaker 3: of ex pats. For example, Perth you have a lot 96 00:04:38,467 --> 00:04:41,627 Speaker 3: of miners. I think Adelaida, Bribone you have a lot 97 00:04:41,627 --> 00:04:43,707 Speaker 3: of beer and wine drinkers. So I'm sure they migrate 98 00:04:43,827 --> 00:04:47,147 Speaker 3: north and south. But no, I'm sure there's been Maybe 99 00:04:47,947 --> 00:04:50,227 Speaker 3: I'll tell you what. There was one a in twenty thirteen. 100 00:04:50,307 --> 00:04:55,507 Speaker 3: We played at Westpac Stadium or the Cake Tin or 101 00:04:55,507 --> 00:04:56,867 Speaker 3: whatever you want to call it, and it was a 102 00:04:56,907 --> 00:04:59,787 Speaker 3: Tuesday night game Michael Bridges and Adam Taggett scorad We 103 00:04:59,827 --> 00:05:02,347 Speaker 3: won two to one, which is it's like Hen's teeth 104 00:05:02,347 --> 00:05:05,587 Speaker 3: winning in New Zealand for US, but yeah, there's been. 105 00:05:05,467 --> 00:05:05,907 Speaker 2: One or two. 106 00:05:05,907 --> 00:05:08,347 Speaker 3: But if you're ever thinking about doing Await Day, whether 107 00:05:08,347 --> 00:05:10,187 Speaker 3: you live in Auckland or New Zealand, or if somehow 108 00:05:10,227 --> 00:05:12,507 Speaker 3: you stream in Australia, do it because if you win, 109 00:05:12,547 --> 00:05:14,027 Speaker 3: it's great, and if you lose, you just want to 110 00:05:14,067 --> 00:05:15,667 Speaker 3: go home and cry. Well. 111 00:05:15,667 --> 00:05:17,227 Speaker 2: I'm going to ask about the other fans and you 112 00:05:17,267 --> 00:05:20,707 Speaker 2: mentioned meeting other people in the UK again, sometimes you 113 00:05:20,747 --> 00:05:22,627 Speaker 2: take your life and your hands going into the wrong 114 00:05:22,667 --> 00:05:25,147 Speaker 2: place in the stadium. If you're away fan, do you 115 00:05:25,227 --> 00:05:30,987 Speaker 2: typically mingle with opposition A League fans before and after games? 116 00:05:30,027 --> 00:05:34,027 Speaker 3: It's it's a bit of not really a touchy subject 117 00:05:34,027 --> 00:05:36,427 Speaker 3: anymore because back in maybe ten years ago, there was 118 00:05:36,467 --> 00:05:38,267 Speaker 3: all about that I want to be the top guy, 119 00:05:38,347 --> 00:05:42,067 Speaker 3: the hoogan who loves who. But no, look you'll find 120 00:05:42,107 --> 00:05:46,507 Speaker 3: I think ten eighty percent you get good, good people, 121 00:05:46,547 --> 00:05:50,067 Speaker 3: and like when you go to the old Bailey and 122 00:05:50,107 --> 00:05:52,867 Speaker 3: Wellington and you meet Wellington, you just feel loved, You 123 00:05:52,907 --> 00:05:55,067 Speaker 3: feel home. Everyone wants to buy you a drink, they 124 00:05:55,147 --> 00:05:59,347 Speaker 3: appreciate you coming over. I would put on record that 125 00:05:59,387 --> 00:06:01,387 Speaker 3: I think Wellington is the best await to a purely 126 00:06:01,387 --> 00:06:04,707 Speaker 3: for the hospitality. If you ever want to go to Perth. 127 00:06:04,747 --> 00:06:07,227 Speaker 3: You had a great sun set at rottenest Codslow Beach. 128 00:06:07,307 --> 00:06:10,587 Speaker 3: But no, most of the times you have some great 129 00:06:10,587 --> 00:06:14,307 Speaker 3: away fans. And you know what, I don't hate the Marrors. 130 00:06:13,947 --> 00:06:17,227 Speaker 3: I love to beat the absolute living piss out of them, 131 00:06:17,267 --> 00:06:19,947 Speaker 3: if I can say that, But when, when, before and 132 00:06:20,027 --> 00:06:21,867 Speaker 3: after the game? I'll always have a drink with the 133 00:06:21,867 --> 00:06:24,707 Speaker 3: Mariage fans because they're just souch lovely people and they're 134 00:06:24,707 --> 00:06:28,387 Speaker 3: hard workers. They're just like Novacastrians. They know what it's 135 00:06:28,467 --> 00:06:30,067 Speaker 3: like to go through the good and bad times. But 136 00:06:30,827 --> 00:06:33,387 Speaker 3: there are some absolute legends. I think I'll stop saying 137 00:06:33,787 --> 00:06:35,307 Speaker 3: how good this league is and how the people are 138 00:06:35,347 --> 00:06:38,827 Speaker 3: around it. But no, now you get some really good eggs. 139 00:06:39,027 --> 00:06:41,227 Speaker 2: You've been to Auckland as well a couple of times 140 00:06:41,267 --> 00:06:44,067 Speaker 2: now new addition to the A League. How do you 141 00:06:44,507 --> 00:06:47,147 Speaker 2: compare a trip to Auckland to a trip to Wellington? 142 00:06:47,627 --> 00:06:51,187 Speaker 3: First of all, on record, Wellington's a better city, but no, 143 00:06:51,267 --> 00:06:54,827 Speaker 3: look what Auckland are doing at the moment. The club, 144 00:06:54,867 --> 00:06:57,507 Speaker 3: the city has gotten right around their supporters and good 145 00:06:57,507 --> 00:06:59,867 Speaker 3: on them. I'm heading there for New Year's Eve. If 146 00:06:59,907 --> 00:07:01,787 Speaker 3: you've got any your suggestions, call through on the line 147 00:07:01,867 --> 00:07:05,027 Speaker 3: right now, but no like the Awkland's are credit to 148 00:07:05,067 --> 00:07:06,987 Speaker 3: the league, and obviously was. It was a shame the 149 00:07:07,067 --> 00:07:10,507 Speaker 3: Kings and the early Auckland A League team never really 150 00:07:10,547 --> 00:07:13,547 Speaker 3: worked out. But what they're doing, they're fantastic and they 151 00:07:13,547 --> 00:07:16,747 Speaker 3: deserve their flowers. I hope they never win the league 152 00:07:16,747 --> 00:07:18,467 Speaker 3: because I think their fans are a bit a bit 153 00:07:18,587 --> 00:07:21,427 Speaker 3: on the high horse about it, and I know Wellington 154 00:07:21,427 --> 00:07:24,707 Speaker 3: fans would never hear the end of it, so something 155 00:07:24,867 --> 00:07:27,787 Speaker 3: I think. I think Auckland's a very very good club 156 00:07:27,827 --> 00:07:29,587 Speaker 3: to have around and their fans are a credit. 157 00:07:30,027 --> 00:07:32,667 Speaker 2: I think football fandom. Sports fandom is a roller coaster, right. 158 00:07:32,667 --> 00:07:34,547 Speaker 2: There are ups and downs, there's thick and thin, and 159 00:07:34,547 --> 00:07:37,107 Speaker 2: there's been a lot of thin in recent times. For 160 00:07:37,667 --> 00:07:40,027 Speaker 2: Newcastle it's been slim pickings. Look you you know well, 161 00:07:40,067 --> 00:07:42,427 Speaker 2: I remember when you won the A League. I think 162 00:07:42,467 --> 00:07:45,707 Speaker 2: Andrew Durenty won the he got the men of the J. 163 00:07:45,827 --> 00:07:47,867 Speaker 2: Marsen Master Middle in the final, then came straight to 164 00:07:47,867 --> 00:07:50,827 Speaker 2: Wellington the following season. But and your hosted a Grand 165 00:07:50,867 --> 00:07:53,827 Speaker 2: Final a few seasons ago. But it's been pretty slim pickings. 166 00:07:53,827 --> 00:07:55,907 Speaker 2: Do you just accept that fandom is a roller coaster. 167 00:07:56,267 --> 00:07:58,267 Speaker 3: I told my parents about eighteen months ago. I don't 168 00:07:58,267 --> 00:08:01,067 Speaker 3: think the Jets will ever win another trophy and it 169 00:08:01,147 --> 00:08:06,267 Speaker 3: disappoints me to say that, however, like I know, I 170 00:08:06,707 --> 00:08:08,427 Speaker 3: don't know if it was Eric Cantona or someone someone 171 00:08:08,467 --> 00:08:10,547 Speaker 3: said famous. You can you can cheat on you miss 172 00:08:10,547 --> 00:08:12,787 Speaker 3: so you can cheat on your workplace. Obviously, don't cheat 173 00:08:12,827 --> 00:08:14,907 Speaker 3: on your partner please, but you can never cheat on 174 00:08:14,907 --> 00:08:16,987 Speaker 3: your football team. And you know what, I feel such 175 00:08:17,307 --> 00:08:20,907 Speaker 3: a responsibility and I feel very grateful, like the Jets 176 00:08:21,227 --> 00:08:26,227 Speaker 3: will always be my number one, but I'm very lucky 177 00:08:26,307 --> 00:08:28,947 Speaker 3: and to win the Australia Cup this year, even though 178 00:08:28,947 --> 00:08:31,267 Speaker 3: we might have had an easy draw but Auckland couldn't 179 00:08:31,267 --> 00:08:34,627 Speaker 3: beat Hardelberg for the record, No, I was. It was 180 00:08:34,667 --> 00:08:36,587 Speaker 3: awesome to see, you know what. I hope we win 181 00:08:36,787 --> 00:08:39,147 Speaker 3: many more trophies and my kids can see them hopefully 182 00:08:39,147 --> 00:08:39,427 Speaker 3: one day. 183 00:08:39,467 --> 00:08:40,707 Speaker 2: But I don't think it will matter to you will 184 00:08:40,827 --> 00:08:43,907 Speaker 2: because you'll go regardless. When was the last time you 185 00:08:43,907 --> 00:08:45,187 Speaker 2: missed a Newcastle game? 186 00:08:46,947 --> 00:08:49,987 Speaker 3: I missed one actually this year from Perth because I 187 00:08:49,987 --> 00:08:51,787 Speaker 3: played cricket and Newcastle the day before and I got 188 00:08:51,827 --> 00:08:53,107 Speaker 3: hate strokes, so I sat on the couch and I 189 00:08:53,187 --> 00:08:54,987 Speaker 3: was like, I'm not going when was last time I 190 00:08:54,987 --> 00:09:00,347 Speaker 3: missed an away day. I couldn't tell you. I honestly 191 00:09:00,387 --> 00:09:01,027 Speaker 3: couldn't tell you. 192 00:09:03,227 --> 00:09:04,147 Speaker 2: So it's been years. 193 00:09:05,307 --> 00:09:07,227 Speaker 3: I'd say it's been over five that I've missed an 194 00:09:07,227 --> 00:09:12,427 Speaker 3: away day. It's just a cracking experience, like you feel 195 00:09:12,747 --> 00:09:16,587 Speaker 3: once again a responsibility to be there. And everyone knows 196 00:09:16,627 --> 00:09:20,067 Speaker 3: Redwig Steve, who's the greatest A League away supporter on record. 197 00:09:20,427 --> 00:09:22,347 Speaker 3: He's always at every game. He wears his red suit. 198 00:09:22,387 --> 00:09:24,747 Speaker 3: He wears his red red wig and when he's on 199 00:09:24,747 --> 00:09:27,347 Speaker 3: TV he deserves his flower as well. When I get 200 00:09:27,347 --> 00:09:29,627 Speaker 3: on flowers, I think, please take me off screen less 201 00:09:29,947 --> 00:09:32,467 Speaker 3: you're saying good things about me. But no, you know, 202 00:09:32,547 --> 00:09:33,947 Speaker 3: I don't mind a bit of air time as well. 203 00:09:33,987 --> 00:09:36,347 Speaker 3: It's always good to play back and put on the 204 00:09:36,347 --> 00:09:37,907 Speaker 3: Facebook or the Instagram. 205 00:09:37,947 --> 00:09:40,947 Speaker 2: What would you do if there was a significant family 206 00:09:41,027 --> 00:09:44,307 Speaker 2: occasion which clashed with a Newcastle game? What say one 207 00:09:44,307 --> 00:09:47,187 Speaker 2: of your close family members was getting married, for example, 208 00:09:47,627 --> 00:09:50,747 Speaker 2: on the day of a Newcastle Jets game. What would 209 00:09:50,827 --> 00:09:51,107 Speaker 2: you do? 210 00:09:51,507 --> 00:09:55,027 Speaker 3: Depends how good of a friend this person is. I'd 211 00:09:55,067 --> 00:09:58,347 Speaker 3: say if it was a first family relative, I think 212 00:09:58,427 --> 00:09:59,907 Speaker 3: the Jets would have to take a back seat. But no, 213 00:10:00,187 --> 00:10:03,507 Speaker 3: I've missed second cousin's weddings and I don't think I've 214 00:10:03,507 --> 00:10:06,467 Speaker 3: missed a funeral touch Wood, but no, I miss it's 215 00:10:06,507 --> 00:10:09,827 Speaker 3: my sister's twenty first birthday. To fly to napier in 216 00:10:10,267 --> 00:10:14,227 Speaker 3: I think it was twenty thirteen for a nil draw. Yeah, 217 00:10:14,227 --> 00:10:17,027 Speaker 3: it wasn't the best experience and I got ridiculed on 218 00:10:17,067 --> 00:10:21,907 Speaker 3: the way home. But no, look, I as you get 219 00:10:22,027 --> 00:10:25,187 Speaker 3: grow older and wise, there obviously there will be responsibility, 220 00:10:25,267 --> 00:10:27,067 Speaker 3: but it's just not happening yet. 221 00:10:27,867 --> 00:10:29,787 Speaker 2: You flew in yesterday, you're out tomorrow. So a couple 222 00:10:29,787 --> 00:10:31,387 Speaker 2: of nights here in Wellington for this one. Do you 223 00:10:31,427 --> 00:10:33,147 Speaker 2: often or ever just fly in and out on the 224 00:10:33,147 --> 00:10:34,147 Speaker 2: same day. Yeah? 225 00:10:34,187 --> 00:10:35,627 Speaker 3: You know what, I think the best away to is 226 00:10:35,667 --> 00:10:38,587 Speaker 3: a fly and fly out because over past years the 227 00:10:38,667 --> 00:10:40,907 Speaker 3: jets don't normally pick up the result we're looking for 228 00:10:40,987 --> 00:10:44,907 Speaker 3: and to be so far away from your bed, it's 229 00:10:44,947 --> 00:10:48,267 Speaker 3: not fantastic. Two weeks ago in Auckland, I actually did 230 00:10:48,307 --> 00:10:50,027 Speaker 3: a fly and fly out, which was crazy. I wake 231 00:10:50,107 --> 00:10:54,867 Speaker 3: up at four am, got home at eleven. It I 232 00:10:54,907 --> 00:10:56,387 Speaker 3: don't know, I can say it pissed, but it pissed 233 00:10:56,427 --> 00:10:59,107 Speaker 3: down with rain and I got the middle seats sitting 234 00:10:59,187 --> 00:11:04,547 Speaker 3: between two larger individuals and they felt soaked on their 235 00:11:04,627 --> 00:11:06,387 Speaker 3: arms and I apologized and they were good about it. 236 00:11:06,507 --> 00:11:11,027 Speaker 3: But yeah, honestly, it's a great experience. But next time 237 00:11:11,027 --> 00:11:12,227 Speaker 3: I might take a change of clothes. 238 00:11:12,907 --> 00:11:15,787 Speaker 2: We've just been talking about World Cup and New Zealand 239 00:11:15,827 --> 00:11:17,427 Speaker 2: fans traveling to watch the All watch. Will you go 240 00:11:17,427 --> 00:11:18,827 Speaker 2: and watch the soccer as the World Cup? Does your 241 00:11:18,827 --> 00:11:19,627 Speaker 2: fandom extend to that. 242 00:11:19,627 --> 00:11:21,587 Speaker 3: I don't feel a responsibility of the soccer is and 243 00:11:22,547 --> 00:11:26,467 Speaker 3: I I was there in two thousand and five when 244 00:11:26,507 --> 00:11:30,987 Speaker 3: Bresciano and Mark Schwartz and John Alissi, but and that 245 00:11:31,507 --> 00:11:33,227 Speaker 3: was kind of awesome. That was before the A League. 246 00:11:33,867 --> 00:11:36,947 Speaker 3: I've always thought club over country. And once again, I 247 00:11:36,987 --> 00:11:38,627 Speaker 3: hope you know what, I don't really care how the 248 00:11:38,627 --> 00:11:40,467 Speaker 3: soccer is go this year is sorry next year, but 249 00:11:40,507 --> 00:11:44,027 Speaker 3: I hope we beat America. That's all I care about it. 250 00:11:45,147 --> 00:11:47,027 Speaker 3: I don't need to get political. But it is a 251 00:11:47,027 --> 00:11:48,787 Speaker 3: shame what's happening over there with the ticket prices and 252 00:11:48,787 --> 00:11:52,027 Speaker 3: accommodation prices. So for me, I think you could do 253 00:11:52,467 --> 00:11:55,667 Speaker 3: for two weeks over there. You could probably could fund 254 00:11:55,707 --> 00:11:57,387 Speaker 3: a couple of A League away seasons, So for me, 255 00:11:57,627 --> 00:11:59,467 Speaker 3: and obviously the Jets are playing an Asia this year 256 00:11:59,547 --> 00:12:02,227 Speaker 3: next year, which is great. So now three away days 257 00:12:02,267 --> 00:12:05,627 Speaker 3: in Asia, maybe Bali New Hong Kong. I'd rather do that. 258 00:12:05,667 --> 00:12:07,707 Speaker 2: I fear four you. I feel for the good people 259 00:12:07,747 --> 00:12:10,467 Speaker 2: of Balley of Us as well. No, man, it's great 260 00:12:10,467 --> 00:12:12,947 Speaker 2: to see You've aiden you talked about Redwig Steve Adelaide United. 261 00:12:12,987 --> 00:12:15,027 Speaker 2: It's most passionate fan. I think you're in the same 262 00:12:15,027 --> 00:12:17,547 Speaker 2: issule or mate. It's been awesome to get the chance 263 00:12:17,627 --> 00:12:19,387 Speaker 2: to know you, to see you over here so often, 264 00:12:19,427 --> 00:12:20,907 Speaker 2: and to see you in the studio today. Mate. I 265 00:12:20,907 --> 00:12:23,027 Speaker 2: hope the Jets get the result you're after this afternoon. 266 00:12:23,387 --> 00:12:25,187 Speaker 3: Do you have a score prediction, pony, I don't. 267 00:12:24,987 --> 00:12:27,267 Speaker 2: Have a score prediction for you. Do you have a 268 00:12:27,667 --> 00:12:28,267 Speaker 2: score prediction? 269 00:12:28,387 --> 00:12:30,787 Speaker 3: You know what, I'm actually really confident. I think at 270 00:12:30,787 --> 00:12:33,867 Speaker 3: the moment, with Wellington's injuries, they don't necessarily have the 271 00:12:34,987 --> 00:12:38,787 Speaker 3: power up front. I know they've got a great, great player, 272 00:12:38,827 --> 00:12:41,187 Speaker 3: but I don't think he's gonna have the SIPs. And 273 00:12:41,227 --> 00:12:43,187 Speaker 3: for us, I think it's we're a bit weaker in defense, 274 00:12:43,227 --> 00:12:45,067 Speaker 3: so I think it's going to be who blinks first. 275 00:12:45,467 --> 00:12:47,987 Speaker 3: I will say Jets three to one, but I'm sure 276 00:12:48,027 --> 00:12:48,907 Speaker 3: this will come back to bite me. 277 00:12:49,027 --> 00:12:51,067 Speaker 2: Well, I don't know. It may it may do, it 278 00:12:51,107 --> 00:12:54,027 Speaker 2: may not. You never you can never predict predict anything. 279 00:12:54,547 --> 00:12:56,667 Speaker 3: Can I just say? Have you got the greatest family 280 00:12:56,667 --> 00:12:59,827 Speaker 3: of all time? Have you got the most your daughter 281 00:12:59,867 --> 00:13:02,747 Speaker 3: and your wife, great dancing partners, your son's on his 282 00:13:02,747 --> 00:13:05,027 Speaker 3: way to the NBA, and you're just you've got a 283 00:13:05,067 --> 00:13:06,827 Speaker 3: head for radio. But you do a bloody good job. 284 00:13:07,787 --> 00:13:11,867 Speaker 2: I'm certainly the I'm certainly the underachiever of my family. 285 00:13:11,947 --> 00:13:13,787 Speaker 2: Matt put it that way. Mate. Great to see you. 286 00:13:13,867 --> 00:13:15,587 Speaker 2: Thanks for stopping in all the business. 287 00:13:15,267 --> 00:13:16,467 Speaker 3: Afternoons, same time next year? 288 00:13:17,227 --> 00:13:19,747 Speaker 2: Why not? Why not? Well, I know you're going to 289 00:13:19,787 --> 00:13:22,827 Speaker 2: be here. Matt Vandenberg one of the greats, one of 290 00:13:22,867 --> 00:13:24,987 Speaker 2: the A League's super fans. 291 00:13:25,867 --> 00:13:29,067 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 292 00:13:29,147 --> 00:13:32,587 Speaker 1: to News Talks b weekends from midday, or follow the 293 00:13:32,587 --> 00:13:34,107 Speaker 1: podcast on iHeartRadio.