Grand Final Preview - Navy Blues set for Sunday

Words: ACFC Media

Friday 19 March 2021

Picture: Phototek

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC coach Jose Figueira is keeping his team selection close to his chest as he looks ahead to the ISPS Handa Premiership grand final against Team Wellington on Sunday.

The Navy Blues defeated Eastern Suburbs AFC 2-1 in last week's dramatic semi-final at Kiwitea Street but must now face the final shorn of top goalscorer Logan Rogerson who left for Europe earlier this week.

Figueira was delighted Rogerson seized an opportunity to better himself but is relaxed about his options as he plots a way to bring about the downfall of a club he led to the FIFA Club World Cup in UAE three years ago.

"We go into this game with a fully fit squad despite the departure of Logan Rogerson just as we did in the semi-final. That means I've got every option available on the table. There are a number of players who can fill the spaces on our attacking line.

AUDIO INTERVIEW - Jose FIGUEIRA

"We have used various combinations throughout the season and we've got players in the squad capable of playing more than one position. I'm fully confident the team we put out there on Sunday is ready to give their all and put in a performance worthy of champions," he said.

While Auckland City FC's end of season run-in has been mildly disrupted by two lockdowns as Team Wellington have hit form at just the right moment.

Figueira pointed out that the Navy Blues win over Team Wellington halted their unbeaten streak when many felt Scott Hales' side may have had the upper hand. "Team Wellington are coming into the game with a good run of form and unaffected too badly with regards to Covid and lockdowns.


They've carried normally on as per usual but when we look back at when we last played them at Kiwitea Street they were also on a good run of form then and we put in a good performance and not only shackled their attacking players and threats really well, but we were able to stop it at source.

"This really strong Team Wellington is defined by their players in the attacking line. They've got a number of players capable of causing teams problems but we've done our homework and confident we can stop those players and put on a big performance," he said.

Figueira, along with assistant coach Ivan Vicelich, have poured over footage and data extensively this week and the Navy Blues coach feels his side is ready to go. "In finals its the small details that can make all the difference.

We've gone through things with a fine tooth comb. For the semi-final we did our homework and saw some areas I felt we could expose Eastern Suburbs and likewise this week we've gone through the same process and we'll put a team out there with a game plan that will look to do the same.

"I've got a squad full of quality players, whether they start or come off the bench, they can make a real impact on the final," he said. "It's the last ever ISPS Handa Premiership and I hope we get the backing of our supporters as we have done all season. Grand Final Preview - Jose Figueira

The match kicks off at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday at 3.10pm NZDT and is live on Sky Sport 7.

Ends

Match Details
ISPS Handa Premiership Grand Final
Sunday 21 March 2021
Auckland City FC v Team Wellington
North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Kick-off: 3.10pm NZDT
Live on Sky Sport

AC: 24. Cam BROWN (GK), 2. Mario ILICH, 3. Adam MITCHELL, 4. Mario BILEN, 6. Brian KALTAK, 7. Cam HOWIESON (c), 8. Albert RIERA, 10. Dylan MANICKUM, 11. Kayne VINCENT, 12. Sam BROTHERTON, 13. Deandre VOLLENHOVEN, 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Aidan CAREY, 16. Yousif AL-KALISY, 17. Andrew BLAKE, 18. Conor TRACEY (GK), 20. Emiliano TADE, 21. Maro BONSU-MARO, 22. Mohamed AWAD, 23. Alfie ROGERS.

COACH: Jose FIGUEIRA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
GK COACH: Enaut ZUBIKARAI
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
MANAGER: Keith COTON

MATCH PARAMETERS
If the result is a draw after 90 minutes, there will be 30 minutes extra time. If the scores remain level after extra time, the match will be decided in a penalty shoot-out.

AUCKLAND CITY FC SUPPORTERS MEET UP
As has now become tradition, Auckland City FC supporters will be gathering pre-match for lunch and a few beverages to soak up the atmosphere before the big game.

We will be meeting from 1pm at:

The Merchant Pub Co.
219 Don McKinnon Drive
Albany

Please note that Club Season Tickets are not valid for this match.

TICKETS
General Admission: $10.00
Children U-16: FREE
Buy tickets here: Eventbrite

ISPS HANDA PREMIERSHIP GRAND FINALS 2004-2019

2020-21 - Auckland City FC v Team Wellington - Sunday 21 March, 2021, North Harbour Stadium, 3pm NZDT
2019-20 - No grand final due to Covid-19
2018-19 - Eastern Suburbs AFC 3-0 Team Wellington
2017-18 - Auckland City FC 1-0 Team Wellington
2016-17 - Team Wellington 2-1 Auckland City FC
2015-16 - Team Wellington 4-2 Auckland City FC
2014-15 - Auckland City FC 2-1 Hawke's Bay United
2013-14 - Auckland City FC 1-0 Team Wellington
2012-13 - Waitakere United 4-3* Auckland City FC aet
2011-12 - Waitakere United 4-1 Team Wellington
2010-11 - Waitakere United 3-2 Auckland City FC
2009-10 - Waitakere United 3-1 Canterbury United
2008-09 - Auckland City FC 2-1 Waitakere United
2007-08 - Waitakere United 2-0 Team Wellington
2006-07 - Auckland City FC 3-2 Waitakere United
2005-06 - Auckland City FC 3-3* Canterbury United aet
2004-05 - Auckland City FC 3-2 Waitakere United

MILESTONES
This marks the final time Team Wellington and Auckland City FC will play in a top flight National League encounter ever. The two clubs first met on October 25, 2004, when Auckland City FC defeated Team Wellington 5-1 at Kiwitea Street thanks to goals by Liam Mulrooney (2), Paul Urlovic, Grant Young and Riki Van Steeden. 'TeeDubs' goal was scored by Graham Little. If selected, Dylan Manickum makes his 50th appearance Auckland City FC.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Sunday's game is the 49th meeting in the ISPS Handa Premiership between the two clubs with Auckland City FC winning 30, drawing 8 and losing 10. The clubs have met twice in the NZF Charity Cup with one match ending in a draw before Team Wellington won the trophy on penalties. The other match was won by Auckland City FC 3-0. In the OFC Champions League, Auckland City FC and Team Wellington played on six occasions with Auckland City FC winning three and drawing three, although one of those draws went to a penalty shoot-out won by the Navy Blues. Team Wellington managed to defeat Auckland City FC on the away goals rule to edge through to the OFC Champions League final in 2018, a final they won. The overall head-to-head record reads played 56, Auckland City FC won 34, drew 12, lost 10.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS - ISPS HANDA MEN'S PREMIERSHIP

2020-21
v. Team Wellington (H) won 3-1 (Dylan Manickum, Cam Howieson, Logan Rogerson | Hamish Watson)
v. Team Wellington (A) drew 2-2 (Logan Rogerson 2 | Joao Moreira, Hamish Watson)

2019-20
v. Team Wellington (H) drew 2-2 (Myer Bevan, Logan Rogerson | Ollie Bassett, Hamish Watson)
v. Team Wellington (A) drew 0-0

2018-19
v. Team Wellington (H) won 4-3 (Cam Howieson, Javier Lopez, Dan Morgan, Micah Lea'alafa | Mario Barcia, Hamish Watson 2)
v. Team Wellington (A) won 2-1 (Maro Bonsu-Maro 2 | Aaron Clapham)
v. Team Wellington (H) lost 1-3 (Angel Berlanga | Angus Kilkolly, Jack-Henry Sinclair, Joel Stevens) - Semi Final

2017-18
v. Team Wellington (A) lost 1-3 (Kris Bright | Tom Jackson, Scott Hilliar, Joel Stevens)
v. Team Wellington (H) drew 0-0
v. Team Wellington (N) won 1-0 (Callum McCowatt) -  Final

2016-17
v. Team Wellington (H) won 4-0 Emiliano Tade, Joao Moreira 2, Ryan De Vries)
v. Team Wellington (A) won 3-1 (Ryan De Vries, Emiliano Tade 2 | Ben Harris)
v. Team Wellington (N) lost 1-2 (Emiliano Tade | Ben Harris 2) - Final

2015-16
v. Team Wellington (A) drew 2-2 (Emiliano Tade 2 | Bill Robertson, Ben Harris)
v. Team Wellington (H) won 1-0 (Clayton Lewis)
v. Team Wellington (N) lost 2-4 (Joao Moreira, Dae Wook Kim | Tom Jackson 2, Cole Peverley, Ben Harris) - Final

2014-15
v. Team Wellington (A) lost 0-4 (Michael Gwyther 2, Luis Corrales, Jarrod Smith)
v. Team Wellington (H) won 3-0 (John Irving, Ivan Carril, Oscar Garcia)

2013-14
v. Team Wellington (A) won 4-1 (Darren White, David Browne, Mario Bilen, Alex Feneridis | Jamie de Abreu)
v. Team Wellington (H) won 3-2 (Emiliano Tade 2, Ryan De Vries | Henry Fa'arodo, Charlie Henry)
v. Team Wellington (H) won 1-0 (Emiliano Tade) - Final

2012-13
v. Team Wellington (H) won 3-2 (Chris Bale, Manel Exposito, Ivan Vicelich | Henry Fa'arodo, Cory Chettlburgh)
v. Team Wellington (A) won 3-2 (Adam Dickinson, Simon Arms, Daniel Koprivcic | Darren Cheriton, Hamish Watson)

2011-12
v. Team Wellington (H) won 4-2 (OG, Emiliano Tade, Luis Corrales, Manel Exposito | Ethan Galbraith, Michale White)
v. Team Wellington (A) drew 1-1 (Manel Exposito | Patrick Fleming)
v. Team Wellington (A) lost 0-1 - Semi Final 1st Leg
v. Team Wellington (H) lost 1-3 (Manel Exposito | Henry Fa'arodo, Dakota Lucas 2) - Semi Final 2nd Leg

2010-11
v. Team Wellington (A) drew 0-0
v. Team Wellington (H) won 2-0 (Manel Exposito, Luis Corrales)
v. Team Wellington (A) won 2-0 (Manel Exposito, Luis Corrales) - Semi Final 1st Leg
v. Team Wellington (H) won 5-1 (Manel Exposito, Luis Corrales, Daniel Koprivcic 2, Adam Dickinson | Hicham Kamri) - Semi Final 2nd Leg

2009-10
v. Team Wellington (A) won 1-0 (Matt Williams)
v. Team Wellington (H) won 3-1 (Jason Hayne, Grant Young, Ki-Hyung Lee | Greg Draper)

2008-09
v. Team Wellington (A) lost 1-2 (Paul Urlovic | Luis Corrales, Bryan Little)
v. Team Wellington (H) lost 1-3 (Ivan Vicelich | Luis Corrales, Andy Barron, Bryan Little)

2007-08
v. Team Wellington (A) drew 1-1 (Eliezer Anello | Wiremu Patrick)
v. Team Wellington (H) won 2-0 (Grant Young, Paul Urlovic)
v. Team Wellington (H) won 3-2 (Sam Campbell, Grant Young, Keryn Jordan | Darren Cheriton, Raf de Gregorio)
v. Team Wellington (H) lost 3-4 (Jeff Campbell, Chan Goo Yoon, George Suri | Graham Little 2, Peter Halstead 2) - Playoff

2006-07
v. Team Wellington (H) won 1-0 (Dean Gordon)
v. Team Wellington (A) won 6-2 (Ben Sigmund, Neil Sykes 3, Keryn Jordan, Christoph Pospich | Graham Little, Ahkoui)
v. Team Wellington (A) won 3-2 (Christoph Pospich, Jason Hayne, Luiz del Monte | Peter Halstead, Wilson)

2005-06
v. Team Wellington (H) won 5-3 (Keryn Jordan 3, Grant Young 2 | Bryan Little, David Johnston, Brown)
v. Team Wellington (A) won 6-4 (Grant Young 2, Keryn Jordan 3, Neil Sykes | Wiremu Patrick, Graham Little 2, Bryan Little)
v. Team Wellington (A) won 4-0 (Grant Young, Reg Davani 2, James Pritchett)

2004-05
v. Team Wellington (H) won 5-1 (Liam Mulrooney 2, Paul Urlovic, Grant Young, Riki Van Steeden | Graham Little)
v. Team Wellington (A) won 4-1 (Grant Young 3, Chad Coombes | OG)
v. Team Wellington (H) won 2-1 (Jonathan Smith, Paul Urlovic | David Johnston)

PREVIOUS MEETINGS - OFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

2015
v. Team Wellington (N) drew 1-1* (Joao Moreira | Bill Robertson)
*Auckland City FC won 5-4 on penalties

2016
v. Team Wellington (N) won 3-0 (Micah Lea'alafa 2, Clayton Lewis)

2017
v. Team Wellington (H) won 3-0 (Joao Moreira 2, Ryan De Vries) - Final
v. Team Wellington (A) won 2-0 (Ryan De Vries, Emiliano Tade) - Final

2018
v. Team Wellington (A) drew 0-0 - Semi Final 1st Leg
v. Team Wellington (H) drew 2-2 (Eric Molloy, Angus Kilkolly) - Semi Final 2nd Leg

PREVIOUS MEETINGS - NZF CHARITY CUP

2014
v. Team Wellington (H) drew 2-2* (Tim Payne, Emiliano Tade | Cole Peverley, Michaek Gwyther)
*Team Wellington won 4-3 on penalties

2015
v. Team Wellington (H) won 3-0 (Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi, Micah Lea'alafa 2)

2016**
v. Team Wellington (H) won 3-1 (Ryan De Vries, Emiliano Tade 2 | Ben Harris)

2017**
v. Team Wellington (A) lost 1-3 (Kris Bright | OG, Scott Hilliar, Joel Stevens)

2018**
v. Team Wellington (H) won 4-3 (Cam Howieson, Javier Lopez, Dan Morgan, Micah Lea'alafa | Mario Barcia, Hamish Watson 2)
** Also doubled up as ISPS Handa Men's Premiership matches

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