1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,387 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Fine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:13,267 Speaker 1: from News Talks EDB Let's. 3 00:00:13,107 --> 00:00:16,507 Speaker 2: Head into Auckland FC camp. One of the forwards, Max Matter, 4 00:00:16,667 --> 00:00:20,667 Speaker 2: joining the program as they count down to kick off 5 00:00:20,667 --> 00:00:23,827 Speaker 2: five o'clock this afternoon in the latest game in the 6 00:00:23,827 --> 00:00:26,867 Speaker 2: A League against Newcastle Jets five o'clock at Mount Smart Stadium. 7 00:00:26,867 --> 00:00:29,227 Speaker 2: Max thinks, so much of your time on News talksb 8 00:00:29,707 --> 00:00:34,547 Speaker 2: No problem it well, Max, four games, four wins as 9 00:00:34,587 --> 00:00:37,547 Speaker 2: an A League club starting from scratch, You couldn't have 10 00:00:37,627 --> 00:00:40,187 Speaker 2: dreamed for a better start, could you. You must be 11 00:00:40,227 --> 00:00:42,067 Speaker 2: an absolute dream land as a club. 12 00:00:43,107 --> 00:00:47,587 Speaker 3: Yeah, exactly. It's it's a dream start for us and 13 00:00:48,067 --> 00:00:52,307 Speaker 3: we've put a lot of hard work into making it possible. 14 00:00:53,627 --> 00:00:55,907 Speaker 3: We're looking to try and get another three points and 15 00:00:56,067 --> 00:00:58,627 Speaker 3: we're going to do whatever it takes to make it happen. 16 00:00:58,907 --> 00:01:01,187 Speaker 2: What's your sense of why things have been able to 17 00:01:01,227 --> 00:01:06,347 Speaker 2: click so early for this team. 18 00:01:06,547 --> 00:01:09,587 Speaker 3: I think it's a lot of about our togetherness. We 19 00:01:09,667 --> 00:01:14,147 Speaker 3: have a tight knit group, not just players and staff, 20 00:01:14,227 --> 00:01:18,307 Speaker 3: but even the people in the office. They're always in 21 00:01:18,347 --> 00:01:22,587 Speaker 3: and around us, a great support system. It's a very 22 00:01:22,827 --> 00:01:27,587 Speaker 3: free flying building. There's people from all sorts of all 23 00:01:27,627 --> 00:01:31,667 Speaker 3: parts of the world, you know, and if we're really 24 00:01:31,707 --> 00:01:34,787 Speaker 3: embracing the Kiwi culture and the togetherness of it, we're all, 25 00:01:35,467 --> 00:01:37,347 Speaker 3: you know, on the same page. We're all trying to 26 00:01:37,387 --> 00:01:41,507 Speaker 3: achieve the same thing. So I think having that sort 27 00:01:41,547 --> 00:01:45,707 Speaker 3: of connection with so many different people is definitely a 28 00:01:45,747 --> 00:01:49,587 Speaker 3: massive part of our late success. 29 00:01:50,187 --> 00:01:52,187 Speaker 2: You hold the record as a club for most wins 30 00:01:52,187 --> 00:01:54,427 Speaker 2: buying new a league club. Do you talk about those 31 00:01:54,467 --> 00:01:57,587 Speaker 2: sort of records around that basis that you're talking about 32 00:01:57,587 --> 00:02:00,307 Speaker 2: there that sort of spare on you're excited on a 33 00:02:00,307 --> 00:02:02,747 Speaker 2: Monday morning coming back in and knowing that you've got 34 00:02:02,787 --> 00:02:03,827 Speaker 2: that record in the books. 35 00:02:05,747 --> 00:02:08,627 Speaker 3: Yeah, I wouldn't say it's something that we have on 36 00:02:08,667 --> 00:02:11,787 Speaker 3: the front of our minds. We just take it one 37 00:02:11,867 --> 00:02:14,547 Speaker 3: game at a time. Like you know, we want to 38 00:02:14,587 --> 00:02:18,787 Speaker 3: win every game that we play, even if it's a 39 00:02:18,827 --> 00:02:21,347 Speaker 3: non competition game, we still want to win. So I 40 00:02:21,387 --> 00:02:28,027 Speaker 3: think having that winning mentality definitely helps keep your standards 41 00:02:28,067 --> 00:02:31,387 Speaker 3: high because can be you know, everyone can switch up 42 00:02:31,507 --> 00:02:34,387 Speaker 3: at some point. But I think we have a lot 43 00:02:34,427 --> 00:02:37,987 Speaker 3: of great competitors in the building who are always pushing 44 00:02:38,027 --> 00:02:40,347 Speaker 3: each other to try and bring the best out of 45 00:02:40,347 --> 00:02:43,187 Speaker 3: each other. But that's definitely a massive thing for us, 46 00:02:43,227 --> 00:02:47,387 Speaker 3: and then obviously as times gone on and games have 47 00:02:47,507 --> 00:02:52,467 Speaker 3: come by, we've realized that we've broken a record or two. 48 00:02:52,547 --> 00:02:55,907 Speaker 3: So yeah, hopefully, hopefully we keep doing that. 49 00:02:56,387 --> 00:02:58,667 Speaker 2: I think the defense, you know, moving into attack, it 50 00:02:58,667 --> 00:03:01,707 Speaker 2: seems really really seamless, and that probably feeds into the 51 00:03:01,707 --> 00:03:03,707 Speaker 2: point you're making about everyone from the team being on 52 00:03:03,747 --> 00:03:07,787 Speaker 2: the same page. Do you get a sense of that, Yeah. 53 00:03:07,667 --> 00:03:13,667 Speaker 3: Most definitely. I think the art of defending has been 54 00:03:13,667 --> 00:03:18,827 Speaker 3: displayed quite well, especially from us recently we haven't conceded 55 00:03:18,867 --> 00:03:24,427 Speaker 3: a goal and we hope to continue that. But I 56 00:03:24,467 --> 00:03:28,467 Speaker 3: think it just comes down to organization. People willing to 57 00:03:28,467 --> 00:03:30,907 Speaker 3: put their body on the line to block a shelp 58 00:03:30,947 --> 00:03:34,307 Speaker 3: block a crafts, make a tackle, all these sorts of things, 59 00:03:34,347 --> 00:03:38,707 Speaker 3: and you know that kind of those kind of characteristics 60 00:03:38,707 --> 00:03:42,147 Speaker 3: and energy do rub off on us as well as attackers, 61 00:03:43,187 --> 00:03:44,747 Speaker 3: fees right throughout the team. 62 00:03:44,947 --> 00:03:48,027 Speaker 2: And speaking of feeding off energy, you've tapped into something 63 00:03:48,027 --> 00:03:50,547 Speaker 2: from a fan perspective as well. I know, this afternoon 64 00:03:50,587 --> 00:03:53,467 Speaker 2: against Newcastle's heading to a decent crowd. Next week's derby 65 00:03:53,947 --> 00:03:56,387 Speaker 2: virtually sold out already. It must be great, you know, 66 00:03:56,427 --> 00:03:58,587 Speaker 2: looking up to the stands and going early on in 67 00:03:58,587 --> 00:04:02,147 Speaker 2: this club's history, we've tapped into something. We've found a 68 00:04:02,187 --> 00:04:03,827 Speaker 2: real footballing community in Auckland. 69 00:04:05,027 --> 00:04:09,507 Speaker 3: Yeah, definitely. And look, that's one thing that we're so 70 00:04:09,667 --> 00:04:13,707 Speaker 3: grateful for is our marketing team has done an exceptional 71 00:04:13,787 --> 00:04:17,547 Speaker 3: job of making sure every man and his dog cares 72 00:04:17,587 --> 00:04:19,707 Speaker 3: about when Aubland FC is going to take the field. 73 00:04:20,747 --> 00:04:24,347 Speaker 3: We can only be thankful and grateful for that. And 74 00:04:24,427 --> 00:04:27,587 Speaker 3: you know, our job is on the pitch and trying 75 00:04:27,587 --> 00:04:28,467 Speaker 3: to do the business there. 76 00:04:29,067 --> 00:04:31,107 Speaker 2: How do you feel about your own I guess start 77 00:04:31,147 --> 00:04:33,267 Speaker 2: to the season. I think you've only had nine minutes 78 00:04:33,347 --> 00:04:36,187 Speaker 2: or so. I know you have had an injury as well. 79 00:04:36,787 --> 00:04:38,107 Speaker 2: How do you feel sort of on the pitch that 80 00:04:38,107 --> 00:04:39,627 Speaker 2: you're settling into to Auckland DFC. 81 00:04:41,667 --> 00:04:45,107 Speaker 3: I mean, I would like to have have had more minutes, 82 00:04:45,147 --> 00:04:47,267 Speaker 3: but it is what it is, you know, It's part 83 00:04:47,307 --> 00:04:51,307 Speaker 3: of the game. Sometimes things like injury or selections don't 84 00:04:51,347 --> 00:04:55,067 Speaker 3: go your way. So that's just what it is. That's 85 00:04:55,107 --> 00:05:00,067 Speaker 3: what happens in football. So training hard and just trying 86 00:05:00,107 --> 00:05:02,107 Speaker 3: to do everything that I can to make sure that 87 00:05:02,187 --> 00:05:04,827 Speaker 3: I'm ready when I'm caught upon. 88 00:05:04,747 --> 00:05:08,067 Speaker 2: Next How do you wait for those opportunities? I know 89 00:05:08,147 --> 00:05:10,267 Speaker 2: you've played at a number of different clubs, and some 90 00:05:10,307 --> 00:05:12,947 Speaker 2: clubs obviously play more than others. Is it just just 91 00:05:13,147 --> 00:05:15,387 Speaker 2: what comes with the territory that you just have to 92 00:05:15,387 --> 00:05:17,867 Speaker 2: wait for your opportunity and be prepared to take it 93 00:05:17,907 --> 00:05:18,507 Speaker 2: when it comes. 94 00:05:19,867 --> 00:05:23,267 Speaker 3: Yeah, exactly, that's exactly what it is. You know that 95 00:05:23,347 --> 00:05:27,027 Speaker 3: we don't live in a perfect world. Nobody does, so yeah, 96 00:05:27,067 --> 00:05:29,587 Speaker 3: when when you're in a position like this, that's all 97 00:05:29,627 --> 00:05:31,667 Speaker 3: you can do is give it your all every day. 98 00:05:33,027 --> 00:05:35,427 Speaker 3: I mean, we all want to be on the pitch 99 00:05:35,467 --> 00:05:38,387 Speaker 3: and plane and only so many of us can be 100 00:05:38,507 --> 00:05:41,627 Speaker 3: on the pitch and plane. So just trying to stay ready, 101 00:05:41,987 --> 00:05:46,107 Speaker 3: keeps down to high and not get complacent, and yeah, 102 00:05:46,307 --> 00:05:49,347 Speaker 3: just hoping that when the chance comes, you deliver. 103 00:05:50,067 --> 00:05:52,587 Speaker 2: Talk to me about the decision to come to Auckland, Max. 104 00:05:52,827 --> 00:05:55,947 Speaker 2: You're an Aucklander yourself or you're on loan currently from 105 00:05:56,267 --> 00:05:59,467 Speaker 2: Shrewsbury in England at the moment. Was it an easy 106 00:05:59,547 --> 00:06:02,147 Speaker 2: decision to come back and be part of this launch 107 00:06:02,227 --> 00:06:03,347 Speaker 2: season for Auckland f C. 108 00:06:05,307 --> 00:06:10,027 Speaker 3: Yeah, I'm from Auckland, so it was definitely very exciting 109 00:06:10,067 --> 00:06:14,147 Speaker 3: for me when I heard about the early discussions of 110 00:06:14,227 --> 00:06:19,387 Speaker 3: the club possibly becoming a thing, so for it to 111 00:06:19,467 --> 00:06:23,827 Speaker 3: actually go ahead and happen. I'm very happy. Obviously, I'm 112 00:06:23,827 --> 00:06:27,867 Speaker 3: from Auckland, my family's here, I've grown up most of 113 00:06:27,907 --> 00:06:30,467 Speaker 3: my life here, so it's nice to be back and 114 00:06:31,467 --> 00:06:36,107 Speaker 3: even better to be a part of the club's first season. 115 00:06:36,787 --> 00:06:39,107 Speaker 2: I know you played a bit for the Phoenix reserves. 116 00:06:39,467 --> 00:06:40,827 Speaker 2: Was it always at the back of your mind that 117 00:06:40,867 --> 00:06:43,787 Speaker 2: you hoped there'd be an Auckland's A League club come 118 00:06:43,827 --> 00:06:44,587 Speaker 2: along at some point? 119 00:06:46,587 --> 00:06:48,907 Speaker 3: It wasn't really something that I thought too much about, 120 00:06:49,027 --> 00:06:53,147 Speaker 3: to be fair, but yeah, when I did hear that 121 00:06:53,427 --> 00:06:57,147 Speaker 3: it was going to be possible, I was excited and 122 00:06:57,267 --> 00:06:59,547 Speaker 3: I definitely wanted to be a part of it at 123 00:06:59,547 --> 00:07:03,147 Speaker 3: some point, and thankfully it's happened this season. 124 00:07:04,147 --> 00:07:06,547 Speaker 2: Just the A League style, how does it differ to 125 00:07:06,587 --> 00:07:10,307 Speaker 2: the football that you've played in the UK and Ireland? 126 00:07:10,347 --> 00:07:13,787 Speaker 2: Is there a different different style between the competitions that 127 00:07:13,827 --> 00:07:14,867 Speaker 2: you've noticed to this. 128 00:07:14,907 --> 00:07:22,347 Speaker 3: Point, Yeah, definitely, climb it's a massive factor. We've played 129 00:07:22,347 --> 00:07:24,747 Speaker 3: through the same time of the year, but on the 130 00:07:24,787 --> 00:07:28,107 Speaker 3: other side of the world it's currently freezing cold, so 131 00:07:28,347 --> 00:07:31,427 Speaker 3: I don't remember the last time I've played this season 132 00:07:31,507 --> 00:07:36,587 Speaker 3: and in warm weather, so that definitely has a a 133 00:07:36,627 --> 00:07:40,067 Speaker 3: big difference and I guess yeah. The styles are different 134 00:07:42,547 --> 00:07:47,427 Speaker 3: the A leagues. It's a very transitional league. There's a 135 00:07:47,427 --> 00:07:52,067 Speaker 3: lot of running involved. But I'm really enjoying it so far. 136 00:07:53,027 --> 00:07:55,987 Speaker 3: And it's a long season, so got many more games 137 00:07:55,987 --> 00:07:56,267 Speaker 3: to come. 138 00:07:56,427 --> 00:08:00,027 Speaker 2: Indeed, and this afternoon against the Newcastle Jets, what would 139 00:08:00,027 --> 00:08:02,987 Speaker 2: your expectations of what they'll bring to this game? 140 00:08:04,947 --> 00:08:10,307 Speaker 3: Newcastle is a good team. We won't underestimate them. We've 141 00:08:10,427 --> 00:08:14,347 Speaker 3: paid them in the preseason already this year, so we 142 00:08:14,427 --> 00:08:18,467 Speaker 3: have a rough idea of what to expect. But look, 143 00:08:18,547 --> 00:08:23,707 Speaker 3: we know they're very capable of causing threats to us, 144 00:08:23,787 --> 00:08:28,067 Speaker 3: especially in the attack, so we've done a bit of 145 00:08:28,147 --> 00:08:30,387 Speaker 3: video on them and trying to make sure that we 146 00:08:30,427 --> 00:08:34,267 Speaker 3: can nullify all their weapons and hopefully hit the back 147 00:08:34,307 --> 00:08:36,307 Speaker 3: of the net a few times as well. 148 00:08:36,587 --> 00:08:38,267 Speaker 2: Well. Wish you the best of luck, Max. I hope 149 00:08:38,267 --> 00:08:40,187 Speaker 2: you get some time on the park this afternoon. I 150 00:08:40,187 --> 00:08:42,907 Speaker 2: hope that Auckland FC make it five straight to us 151 00:08:42,907 --> 00:08:44,787 Speaker 2: start the campaign. Thank you very much for your time 152 00:08:44,787 --> 00:08:47,587 Speaker 2: with us on news talk ZB awesome. 153 00:08:47,627 --> 00:08:48,387 Speaker 3: Thank you very much. 154 00:08:48,467 --> 00:08:51,467 Speaker 2: Thank you, Max, appreciate your time. Max matter Form from 155 00:08:51,627 --> 00:08:55,507 Speaker 2: the Auckland FCSI five o'clock this afternoon against the Newcastle 156 00:08:55,587 --> 00:08:58,907 Speaker 2: Jets as a shoot for five straight wins to start 157 00:08:58,947 --> 00:09:02,347 Speaker 2: the season. In four already on the board if they 158 00:09:02,347 --> 00:09:04,787 Speaker 2: can add a fifth this afternoon. There's a long way 159 00:09:04,827 --> 00:09:06,867 Speaker 2: to go. How many I think twenty nine games you 160 00:09:06,987 --> 00:09:12,547 Speaker 2: roughly play in the season of the A League. Long 161 00:09:12,587 --> 00:09:15,627 Speaker 2: way to go, but they've made an incredible start, haven't they. 162 00:09:16,387 --> 00:09:18,907 Speaker 2: Auckland FC looking forward to that one this afternoon, very 163 00:09:18,907 --> 00:09:24,547 Speaker 2: much looking forward to watching the derby next weekend as well. 164 00:09:24,587 --> 00:09:27,747 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 165 00:09:27,867 --> 00:09:31,147 Speaker 1: to News Talk said B weekends from midday or follow 166 00:09:31,187 --> 00:09:32,827 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio.