ACFC TV - Alfie Rogers

Words: ACFC Media

Monday 30 January 2017

Alfie Rogers debut goal for Auckland City a week ago is the latest sign of a player growing into his role with the Navy Blues. He spoke to ACFC

Into his second season wit the club, 21 year old Rogers has transformed from a bit part player last season to a regular starter for the Oceania champions.

When Stirling Sports Premiership, OFC Champions League and international club friendlies are tallied up the change is clear.

The fullback clocked up 335 minutes in five appearances in 2015-16 but those numbers have ballooned to 750 minutes in 10 appearances at the halfway point of the current season.

He could add to those numbers on Tuesday night when the Navy Blues take on Kitchee SC in the final of the Nike Lunar New Year Cup.

Last week’s goal in a frustrating draw against Canterbury United in Christchurch was just the latest milestone for Rogers but an important one nonetheless.

“Riser [Ryan De Vries] had a shot across goal, the keeper parried it and I was just lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time I guess.” Rogers told ACFC TV.

“It was nice feeling – unfortunately we couldn’t get the win at the end of the day the end but yeah, it was nice to get my first goal for the club.”

Rogers’ form has give Ramon Tribulietx increased options in selection with the Lancaster-born Kiwi and Takuya Iwata sharing duties on the left of a defensive unit that has conceded just six goals in 11 national league matches.

“It’s nice to keep trying to train hard and do the right things and do what Ramon wants you to do I guess. Just keep the head down and hopefully just keep going with it.”

“We’ve been defending really well this season. We haven’t let in many goals. We’ve got good players back there, we’ve got a great goalkeeper so we’ve just got to keep doing the right things, and keeping clean sheets.”