1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,387 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:11,907 Speaker 1: from Newstalks EDB. 3 00:00:12,707 --> 00:00:15,827 Speaker 2: New Zealand A League Derby of the season tonight Wellington 4 00:00:15,827 --> 00:00:19,027 Speaker 2: Phoenix Auckland f C Sky Stadium, seven o'clock kickoff. Last 5 00:00:19,027 --> 00:00:23,227 Speaker 2: season it was derby domination for Auckland f C. We've 6 00:00:23,267 --> 00:00:26,387 Speaker 2: had seven and a half minutes. I've ad a time. 7 00:00:28,027 --> 00:00:34,187 Speaker 3: New Zealand Football is blue. 8 00:00:32,987 --> 00:00:36,227 Speaker 2: Bragging rights for the A League's new. 9 00:00:36,147 --> 00:00:48,827 Speaker 3: Boys, breathtaking, farm storming, brilliant game of football, electric blue 10 00:00:49,707 --> 00:00:56,307 Speaker 3: in the derby. There can be absolutely no doubts. New 11 00:00:56,387 --> 00:01:03,027 Speaker 3: Zealand Football is blue and black. Auckland f C have 12 00:01:03,387 --> 00:01:05,947 Speaker 3: pulverized Wellington Phoenix today. 13 00:01:06,507 --> 00:01:09,387 Speaker 2: Last season two nil, two to one, six to one, 14 00:01:09,747 --> 00:01:12,787 Speaker 2: but it is a new season now. Both sides coming 15 00:01:12,867 --> 00:01:16,307 Speaker 2: into the match unbeaten after their first three matches, so 16 00:01:16,387 --> 00:01:18,507 Speaker 2: in pretty good form. We'll get you inside the Phoenix 17 00:01:18,547 --> 00:01:21,467 Speaker 2: camp soon. But Auckland f C and all Whites fallback. 18 00:01:21,467 --> 00:01:24,107 Speaker 2: Francis Devrees is with us on the show. Francis, thanks 19 00:01:24,107 --> 00:01:26,667 Speaker 2: for your time. What's your overall evaluation before we look 20 00:01:26,667 --> 00:01:29,667 Speaker 2: at tonight of the first three games of the season 21 00:01:29,747 --> 00:01:30,667 Speaker 2: for Auckland FC. 22 00:01:31,427 --> 00:01:33,467 Speaker 4: It's been a positive start for us. I think we've 23 00:01:33,467 --> 00:01:37,427 Speaker 4: had tough fixtures, so it's nice to know that we 24 00:01:37,467 --> 00:01:39,267 Speaker 4: can gel together quickly as a team as we did 25 00:01:39,307 --> 00:01:41,387 Speaker 4: last year, and I think the feeling in the squad 26 00:01:41,467 --> 00:01:44,787 Speaker 4: is good, so I'm definitely looking forward to the game tonight. 27 00:01:45,067 --> 00:01:48,427 Speaker 2: You've started well defensively again, just the one goal conceded 28 00:01:48,427 --> 00:01:51,787 Speaker 2: in three matches so far. What is behind this ongoing 29 00:01:52,187 --> 00:01:55,427 Speaker 2: defensive solidity that's become a real hallmark of Auckland FC. 30 00:01:56,587 --> 00:01:58,827 Speaker 4: I think a couple of things, Like, obviously the work 31 00:01:58,867 --> 00:02:02,467 Speaker 4: rate of the whole team is exceptional. I think we 32 00:02:02,507 --> 00:02:05,147 Speaker 4: see that every week in terms of how we pressed 33 00:02:05,187 --> 00:02:07,187 Speaker 4: from the front and how much of the midfield is 34 00:02:07,187 --> 00:02:10,947 Speaker 4: to get back and everyone working together. So that's the start, 35 00:02:11,027 --> 00:02:14,387 Speaker 4: and then I think after that we really started to 36 00:02:14,427 --> 00:02:16,267 Speaker 4: build that as part of who we are as a 37 00:02:16,267 --> 00:02:18,267 Speaker 4: club and people take pride in it. 38 00:02:18,387 --> 00:02:21,467 Speaker 5: So yeah, it's a combination of things. Obviously a lot of. 39 00:02:21,387 --> 00:02:24,747 Speaker 4: Practice and a lot of hard work, but it's extremely 40 00:02:24,787 --> 00:02:27,307 Speaker 4: positive and a real joy to be a part of. 41 00:02:27,627 --> 00:02:29,667 Speaker 2: At the other end, just the three goals scored in 42 00:02:29,707 --> 00:02:32,987 Speaker 2: three games so far, it's becoming a bit more prolific. 43 00:02:33,787 --> 00:02:35,267 Speaker 2: Is that a work on has that been a work 44 00:02:35,307 --> 00:02:37,747 Speaker 2: on for you guys for sure. 45 00:02:37,787 --> 00:02:40,707 Speaker 4: I mean as a footballer individually and as a team, 46 00:02:40,747 --> 00:02:43,747 Speaker 4: you're you're always looking to improve, and it's definitely one 47 00:02:43,787 --> 00:02:47,867 Speaker 4: of the areas that we've identified that we can continue 48 00:02:47,907 --> 00:02:51,387 Speaker 4: to improve on and also gel together a little bit more. 49 00:02:52,427 --> 00:02:54,307 Speaker 4: I think you can see there are goals in the team, 50 00:02:54,427 --> 00:02:58,467 Speaker 4: so it's a question of when, not if, And personally, 51 00:02:58,507 --> 00:03:02,187 Speaker 4: I'm really looking forward to seeing who steps up and 52 00:03:02,387 --> 00:03:03,067 Speaker 4: who scores a. 53 00:03:02,987 --> 00:03:04,467 Speaker 5: Few crackers like we had last year. 54 00:03:04,507 --> 00:03:08,827 Speaker 4: So hopefully that's something that we can begin to add 55 00:03:08,827 --> 00:03:10,067 Speaker 4: more and more as the season goes on. 56 00:03:10,307 --> 00:03:12,467 Speaker 2: We've got a new target man this season in English 57 00:03:12,467 --> 00:03:15,707 Speaker 2: striker Sam Cosgrove, a real aerial threat. We saw him 58 00:03:15,747 --> 00:03:18,267 Speaker 2: open his account last weekend from one of your crosses 59 00:03:18,307 --> 00:03:21,187 Speaker 2: at set peace time. How much have you worked together 60 00:03:21,387 --> 00:03:24,307 Speaker 2: on set piece and open play delivery the two of 61 00:03:24,347 --> 00:03:25,867 Speaker 2: you specifically. 62 00:03:26,507 --> 00:03:28,827 Speaker 4: It's been a bit broken, to be honest, because I 63 00:03:28,827 --> 00:03:31,227 Speaker 4: mean I've been away with New Zealand so much in 64 00:03:31,267 --> 00:03:35,907 Speaker 4: this preseason, so I'd say we're still understanding each other 65 00:03:35,987 --> 00:03:39,187 Speaker 4: and still figuring out how to best connect. But as 66 00:03:39,187 --> 00:03:41,827 Speaker 4: you saw on the weekend, I think it is starting 67 00:03:41,867 --> 00:03:44,427 Speaker 4: to come together and it's always a great feeling to 68 00:03:44,467 --> 00:03:46,747 Speaker 4: do that in front of your home fans. So I 69 00:03:46,787 --> 00:03:50,507 Speaker 4: think for him was obviously a great moment and a 70 00:03:50,547 --> 00:03:52,747 Speaker 4: lot of pride in getting his first goal for Auckland 71 00:03:52,787 --> 00:03:55,707 Speaker 4: and hopefully plenty more to come. And whether they're off 72 00:03:56,107 --> 00:03:59,307 Speaker 4: my boot for the assistant or someone else's, it's all good. 73 00:03:59,347 --> 00:04:02,107 Speaker 4: Like as long as the team is going forwards, I 74 00:04:02,107 --> 00:04:05,587 Speaker 4: think everybody benefits, so we'll be nice to see how 75 00:04:05,587 --> 00:04:07,147 Speaker 4: he continues his one Like that. 76 00:04:07,747 --> 00:04:10,427 Speaker 2: Is Darby week different from a normal A league week? 77 00:04:11,467 --> 00:04:13,147 Speaker 5: Do you mean, like in terms of how we prepare 78 00:04:13,147 --> 00:04:13,587 Speaker 5: for it. 79 00:04:13,507 --> 00:04:15,907 Speaker 2: Which is how it feels more than anything. I know 80 00:04:15,947 --> 00:04:18,747 Speaker 2: you probably prepare the same way, but do you do 81 00:04:18,787 --> 00:04:20,787 Speaker 2: you feel a bit different about such a you know, 82 00:04:20,907 --> 00:04:21,827 Speaker 2: such a big game. 83 00:04:22,587 --> 00:04:25,547 Speaker 4: Yeah, I think I think definitely yes, And obviously being 84 00:04:25,547 --> 00:04:27,547 Speaker 4: from New Zealand, it's it's quite a special need. 85 00:04:27,507 --> 00:04:28,107 Speaker 5: To be a part of. 86 00:04:28,267 --> 00:04:31,307 Speaker 4: Like I just want to reiterate again, like it's I 87 00:04:31,347 --> 00:04:33,627 Speaker 4: think it's a fantastic thing for all of New Zealand 88 00:04:33,707 --> 00:04:37,507 Speaker 4: to have two teams in the competition and two opportunities 89 00:04:37,547 --> 00:04:42,787 Speaker 4: for KWI players to step up and show the capabilities 90 00:04:42,787 --> 00:04:45,147 Speaker 4: that we have in this country and more and more 91 00:04:45,187 --> 00:04:47,547 Speaker 4: we're growing as a nation with football, So I think 92 00:04:47,587 --> 00:04:50,507 Speaker 4: this is a super important aspect to it, and it 93 00:04:50,507 --> 00:04:53,667 Speaker 4: definitely makes you excited to play and when you have 94 00:04:53,787 --> 00:04:56,507 Speaker 4: this week of excitement coming up. 95 00:04:56,827 --> 00:04:59,067 Speaker 2: Yeah, I heard your coach Steve Corriker earlier in the 96 00:04:59,067 --> 00:05:01,267 Speaker 2: week and he does not shy away from it at all, 97 00:05:01,347 --> 00:05:03,667 Speaker 2: you know, he is, by the sounds of it anyway, 98 00:05:03,747 --> 00:05:07,867 Speaker 2: embracing the fact that this is an exciting occasion for players, 99 00:05:07,867 --> 00:05:10,507 Speaker 2: for fans, for coaches alike. Is there any danger for 100 00:05:10,507 --> 00:05:15,507 Speaker 2: any of letting letting the enormity of a game get 101 00:05:15,507 --> 00:05:18,907 Speaker 2: the better of you. Do you have to consciously stay grounded. 102 00:05:20,027 --> 00:05:22,387 Speaker 4: Yeah, that's something that we've spoken about this week as well, 103 00:05:22,427 --> 00:05:25,307 Speaker 4: and we have some good help there with Hamous who 104 00:05:25,507 --> 00:05:28,267 Speaker 4: works with us on our mindset and got a lot 105 00:05:28,307 --> 00:05:29,627 Speaker 4: of experience in the squad as well. 106 00:05:29,707 --> 00:05:31,627 Speaker 5: So there's definitely something to be. 107 00:05:31,587 --> 00:05:34,747 Speaker 4: Conscious of and something that we have some strategies around 108 00:05:34,787 --> 00:05:38,547 Speaker 4: of how to regulate yourself, how to stay focused, how 109 00:05:38,587 --> 00:05:40,307 Speaker 4: to be composed in those big moments. 110 00:05:40,347 --> 00:05:44,107 Speaker 5: So looking forward to putting that into practice this weekend. 111 00:05:44,187 --> 00:05:46,707 Speaker 2: And your skip of Hierroarchi Sarki unfortunately is going to 112 00:05:46,747 --> 00:05:48,907 Speaker 2: miss not only this game, but by the sounds of it, 113 00:05:48,947 --> 00:05:51,507 Speaker 2: about six weeks with the hamstring injury he picked up 114 00:05:51,867 --> 00:05:56,387 Speaker 2: last weekend against Adelaide. How big a loss is Hiroki Sarki. 115 00:05:56,787 --> 00:05:58,707 Speaker 5: It's tough, tough for him, tough for us. 116 00:05:59,467 --> 00:06:01,987 Speaker 4: He's obviously a massive player in our team with what 117 00:06:02,147 --> 00:06:05,947 Speaker 4: he brings quality wise and also leadership was although I 118 00:06:05,947 --> 00:06:09,947 Speaker 4: would say when Callen came on, fantastic job, as he 119 00:06:09,987 --> 00:06:13,147 Speaker 4: does every time he plays in my opinion, So again, 120 00:06:13,467 --> 00:06:16,667 Speaker 4: it's another opportunity for a New Zealand player to excel 121 00:06:16,747 --> 00:06:20,227 Speaker 4: in the league, and no doubt he will do that 122 00:06:20,267 --> 00:06:23,067 Speaker 4: as he has done for us last year. So yeah, 123 00:06:23,107 --> 00:06:25,547 Speaker 4: it's a tough loss, but we also have a very 124 00:06:25,587 --> 00:06:28,347 Speaker 4: capable player coming into that position and someone who can 125 00:06:28,467 --> 00:06:30,627 Speaker 4: really positively impact the game for our team. 126 00:06:30,667 --> 00:06:33,107 Speaker 2: What about in terms of the leadership on the field, 127 00:06:33,187 --> 00:06:35,867 Speaker 2: does Hiroki play a big part there or is that 128 00:06:36,027 --> 00:06:38,667 Speaker 2: more a guy I don't know from the outside, looking 129 00:06:38,827 --> 00:06:40,427 Speaker 2: like Jake Brimmer who seems to be a lot more 130 00:06:40,507 --> 00:06:41,667 Speaker 2: vocal on the grass. 131 00:06:43,547 --> 00:06:45,867 Speaker 5: It's a good question. I think it depends a little 132 00:06:45,907 --> 00:06:47,107 Speaker 5: bit on the game. 133 00:06:47,147 --> 00:06:50,587 Speaker 4: I think we have a lot of leaders within the team. 134 00:06:51,387 --> 00:06:52,467 Speaker 5: Someone who stands. 135 00:06:52,147 --> 00:06:56,427 Speaker 4: Out for me is Dan Hall with how he leads, 136 00:06:56,507 --> 00:07:00,067 Speaker 4: just in terms of how he communicates with other players 137 00:07:00,107 --> 00:07:02,907 Speaker 4: on the field, how he sees people, and how he 138 00:07:02,947 --> 00:07:06,867 Speaker 4: makes you feel like trusted and well after. 139 00:07:06,987 --> 00:07:10,027 Speaker 5: So that's just one example. There's examples everywhere as well. 140 00:07:10,947 --> 00:07:14,147 Speaker 4: Obviously HEROCKI is the man with the armband most games 141 00:07:14,187 --> 00:07:17,347 Speaker 4: and he's the one that is kind of the focal point. 142 00:07:17,387 --> 00:07:19,747 Speaker 4: But I think the leadership has also spread throughout the 143 00:07:19,787 --> 00:07:22,987 Speaker 4: team and that's been one of our strengths last year 144 00:07:23,027 --> 00:07:24,947 Speaker 4: and hopefully to continue this year as well. 145 00:07:25,427 --> 00:07:28,747 Speaker 2: Auckland FC played twenty eight games last season. Three this season. 146 00:07:28,987 --> 00:07:32,307 Speaker 2: You're the only player to have started every single one 147 00:07:32,347 --> 00:07:35,107 Speaker 2: of those thirty one games. How much do you pride 148 00:07:35,107 --> 00:07:36,907 Speaker 2: yourself on being hard to leave out? 149 00:07:38,307 --> 00:07:39,787 Speaker 5: Yeah, it's a great feeling. Obviously. 150 00:07:39,787 --> 00:07:42,467 Speaker 4: I think that the hallmark of a good player, and 151 00:07:42,547 --> 00:07:45,387 Speaker 4: this is what I've believed all my career is consistency 152 00:07:45,547 --> 00:07:49,267 Speaker 4: and being reliable and that kind of comes over time 153 00:07:49,347 --> 00:07:52,147 Speaker 4: and to see that happening now within this environment is 154 00:07:52,147 --> 00:07:55,307 Speaker 4: pretty special. It's something that I'm really proud of. And 155 00:07:55,987 --> 00:07:57,827 Speaker 4: you know, when I called Dad after the game and Mum, 156 00:07:57,867 --> 00:08:01,307 Speaker 4: they're stoked about it too, So it's just really nice 157 00:08:01,347 --> 00:08:04,987 Speaker 4: to be contributing and to be able to pass on 158 00:08:05,027 --> 00:08:07,947 Speaker 4: those great memories to the people that you care about. 159 00:08:08,787 --> 00:08:11,027 Speaker 5: So yeah, no, it's a really big point of pride 160 00:08:11,027 --> 00:08:11,387 Speaker 5: for sure. 161 00:08:11,707 --> 00:08:14,507 Speaker 2: And after this game International Window you jump on a 162 00:08:14,507 --> 00:08:16,627 Speaker 2: plane to the United States for the All White's latest 163 00:08:16,627 --> 00:08:20,187 Speaker 2: Window matches against Columbia and Ecuador. You've started the last 164 00:08:20,267 --> 00:08:24,347 Speaker 2: four matches for New Zealand, You're starting to feel as 165 00:08:24,347 --> 00:08:27,587 Speaker 2: though next year's World Cup is really solidifying for you 166 00:08:27,667 --> 00:08:29,947 Speaker 2: as a as a squad you're going to be a 167 00:08:29,947 --> 00:08:30,267 Speaker 2: part of. 168 00:08:31,427 --> 00:08:32,507 Speaker 5: I don't think so, not yet. 169 00:08:32,547 --> 00:08:35,107 Speaker 4: I mean there's a bit of baggage there with obviously 170 00:08:35,107 --> 00:08:38,067 Speaker 4: after the last qualifiers that's when I did my ACL 171 00:08:38,187 --> 00:08:40,627 Speaker 4: so I kind of know, you know that at one 172 00:08:40,667 --> 00:08:43,267 Speaker 4: small moment kind of changed everything for me in my 173 00:08:43,347 --> 00:08:46,027 Speaker 4: career and what I thought might happen and didn't end 174 00:08:46,107 --> 00:08:46,587 Speaker 4: up happening. 175 00:08:46,667 --> 00:08:49,067 Speaker 5: So I'm definitely not taking it for granted. 176 00:08:49,147 --> 00:08:53,547 Speaker 4: And and also again back to the consistency thing is that's 177 00:08:53,627 --> 00:08:55,707 Speaker 4: kind of what you want to show, is that there's 178 00:08:55,707 --> 00:08:58,067 Speaker 4: no guarantees in football in week to week things can 179 00:08:58,147 --> 00:08:58,907 Speaker 4: change so quickly. 180 00:08:59,027 --> 00:09:01,587 Speaker 5: So now it would just be obviously. 181 00:09:01,227 --> 00:09:04,707 Speaker 4: Stoked to be included and looking forward to hopefully contributing 182 00:09:04,707 --> 00:09:06,867 Speaker 4: a bit more on this tour and and sharing the 183 00:09:06,947 --> 00:09:09,187 Speaker 4: dressing room with some of the great players we have 184 00:09:09,307 --> 00:09:11,547 Speaker 4: with you always, but the big focus will be on 185 00:09:11,627 --> 00:09:15,307 Speaker 4: staying consistent throughout the season and being able to play a. 186 00:09:15,307 --> 00:09:17,427 Speaker 5: Role where I can, and just to finish. 187 00:09:17,507 --> 00:09:20,027 Speaker 2: You know, eighteen months ago you hadn't signed for Auckland FC. 188 00:09:20,267 --> 00:09:22,107 Speaker 2: You didn't have a club. I'm sure you had irons 189 00:09:22,107 --> 00:09:24,547 Speaker 2: in the fire, Auckland FC being one of them. But 190 00:09:25,147 --> 00:09:27,867 Speaker 2: to the last eighteen months or how do the last 191 00:09:27,907 --> 00:09:29,547 Speaker 2: eighteen months feel for you? 192 00:09:30,907 --> 00:09:34,867 Speaker 5: They feel, they feel good. There's a lot of emotions 193 00:09:34,907 --> 00:09:36,427 Speaker 5: with the last eighteen months. It's hard to. 194 00:09:36,387 --> 00:09:42,587 Speaker 4: Describe, but I think it's something that I knew internally. 195 00:09:42,107 --> 00:09:43,027 Speaker 5: I was capable of. 196 00:09:43,147 --> 00:09:45,387 Speaker 4: But of course you have to have other people believing 197 00:09:45,427 --> 00:09:47,827 Speaker 4: in you too, and and you know, my partner at home, 198 00:09:47,907 --> 00:09:50,787 Speaker 4: Lesser was was always like that ever since we left 199 00:09:50,787 --> 00:09:54,307 Speaker 4: Sweden and gave up professional football there like she's been 200 00:09:54,307 --> 00:09:56,547 Speaker 4: a massive support to me. And then to have Orkan 201 00:09:56,667 --> 00:09:59,627 Speaker 4: FC start up with all the people involved has been 202 00:09:59,627 --> 00:10:03,347 Speaker 4: pretty special. To to just see what what everyone here 203 00:10:03,387 --> 00:10:06,227 Speaker 4: is capable of, Like I know, like most of the 204 00:10:06,547 --> 00:10:09,227 Speaker 4: is an obvious one worth playing for Suburbs. 205 00:10:08,827 --> 00:10:11,467 Speaker 5: And then coming here from amateur to professional. 206 00:10:11,507 --> 00:10:14,627 Speaker 4: But there's a few other boys like for example, Issy Randall, 207 00:10:15,387 --> 00:10:16,267 Speaker 4: similar situation. 208 00:10:16,427 --> 00:10:19,707 Speaker 5: He's now expelling for us and has been great when 209 00:10:19,707 --> 00:10:21,267 Speaker 5: he's been doing the New one set up as well. 210 00:10:21,347 --> 00:10:24,747 Speaker 4: So that's just a great pathway for New Zealand players 211 00:10:24,747 --> 00:10:25,387 Speaker 4: and I guess that's what. 212 00:10:25,427 --> 00:10:26,627 Speaker 5: This weekend is all about as well. 213 00:10:26,667 --> 00:10:30,347 Speaker 4: Hopefully there'll be lots of young kids watching and regardless 214 00:10:30,347 --> 00:10:32,667 Speaker 4: of who they support, seeing that there is a pathway 215 00:10:32,707 --> 00:10:35,267 Speaker 4: for young New Zeale players now and they could be 216 00:10:35,307 --> 00:10:36,227 Speaker 4: part of that in the future. 217 00:10:36,507 --> 00:10:39,747 Speaker 2: Absolutely always love chatting football with you, Francis, all the 218 00:10:39,787 --> 00:10:41,787 Speaker 2: best in the derby tonight, mate, thanks for taking the time. 219 00:10:42,387 --> 00:10:46,067 Speaker 5: I appreciate it. Maye enjoy the conversation. Thank you very much. 220 00:10:46,147 --> 00:10:48,467 Speaker 2: Now, thank you for joining us, Francis. Francis Deverice there 221 00:10:48,867 --> 00:10:52,067 Speaker 2: out of the Auckland FC camp water revelation. He's been incredible, 222 00:10:52,187 --> 00:10:54,427 Speaker 2: you know. I mean a year and a half ago, 223 00:10:54,467 --> 00:10:58,547 Speaker 2: a lot of sports fans and even some football fans 224 00:10:58,587 --> 00:11:01,627 Speaker 2: weren't really they're aware of Francis Devrees, but what a 225 00:11:01,707 --> 00:11:03,867 Speaker 2: season last year and he started again in the same 226 00:11:03,947 --> 00:11:06,987 Speaker 2: way Drop that ball on the head of San Cosgrove 227 00:11:07,107 --> 00:11:09,907 Speaker 2: last week for the opening goal against Adelaide United. There'll 228 00:11:09,947 --> 00:11:11,707 Speaker 2: be a threat up and down the left hand side 229 00:11:11,787 --> 00:11:14,507 Speaker 2: again at sky Stadium this evening. 230 00:11:15,147 --> 00:11:18,307 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 231 00:11:18,427 --> 00:11:21,707 Speaker 1: to News Talk set B weekends from midday, or follow 232 00:11:21,747 --> 00:11:23,307 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio.