AUCKLAND, NZ - Auckland City FC return to Kiwitea Street on ANZAC Day with the table tightening around them and a sense that the season’s rhythm is waiting to be found.
24 April 2026
Sixth place after six rounds tells only part of the story: defensively, the Navy Blues have been among the league’s most disciplined, conceding just five times. But at the other end, goals have been harder to come by, with seven scored in six matches. Last weekend’s 0–0 draw in Tauranga felt emblematic of a campaign still searching for fluency.
Right-back Adam Kanui Bell believes the moment is right for a shift.
“We need to get into the flow of winning — and this weekend’s the perfect time,” Bell said. “Continuity’s been tough with injuries, but we’re building chemistry every week. Fencibles have started well. It’ll be a tough test, but we’re ready.”
Fencibles arrive as one of the early pacesetters, sitting third with four wins from six and a league-leading 20 goals scored. Their 3–2 victory over Auckland FC Reserves last weekend underlined both their attacking threat and their growing confidence. For City, the challenge is clear: turn control into incision, possession into pressure, and pressure into points.
This will be only the third meeting between the clubs. Their most recent clash at Kiwitea Street, in July 2025, ended 1–1, a frustrating afternoon in which City dominated but could not break down a stubborn Fencibles side fighting for survival. The first encounter, in April 2025, saw City overturn a deficit to win 2–1 thanks to a decisive second-half surge led by Angus Kilkolly.
Milestone Watch: Ryan De Vries
If selected, Ryan De Vries stands on the verge of becoming the first player in Auckland City FC history to reach 250 competitive appearances. It is a landmark that reflects longevity, excellence, and an enduring connection to Kiwitea Street.
Across more than a decade in Navy Blue, De Vries has compiled a record that places him among the club’s greatest:
249 matches, 112 goals
Second-highest scorer in club history
31 Northern League goals in 59 appearances
36 National League goals in 70 appearances
15 OFC Champions League goals in 38 appearances
14 Chatham Cup goals in 16 appearances
His impact has been matched by silverware: eight OFC Champions League titles, three Northern League titles, three National League Championships, a Chatham Cup, and multiple Golden Boots and Player of the Year honours. Add professional spells in Japan and Ireland and a full All Whites cap, and the breadth of his career becomes clear. But it is at Kiwitea Street where his legacy is etched deepest.
U23s Building Momentum
The day begins with the U23s, fresh from a 6–1 statement win in Tauranga that showcased both confidence and depth. Bono Kacurov enjoyed a memorable double last weekend, making his First Team debut before scoring a first-half brace for the Young Navy Blues. The group will look to carry that momentum into their meeting with Fencibles at the Croatian Club.
Kiwitea Honours ANZAC Day, Unites for Dom
ANZAC Day at Kiwitea Street has always carried a sense of reflection and unity, and this year the occasion holds an even deeper resonance. Auckland City FC and Central United come together to honour the life of Dominic “Dom” Vlasic, a cherished member of the Central United family whose connection to the ground spans generations.
Friends and family of Dom are warmly invited to gather at the Kiwitea Street clubrooms for a special Remembrance Day in his honour — a moment to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate a man remembered for humility, kindness, loyalty, and the quiet strength that defined him.
On a day when New Zealand pauses to remember courage, sacrifice, and community, Kiwitea Street stands together to honour both the ANZAC legacy and a much-loved member of our football whanau. The club looks forward to welcoming Christine and the entire Vlasic family back home.
The Match Ahead
For Auckland City FC, the task is straightforward but demanding: break open a free-scoring Fencibles side, rediscover attacking sharpness, and turn a solid defensive base into upward movement on the table. Bell’s words capture the mood — a team aware of its challenges but convinced of its potential.
“We just need to get into that feeling of winning again. This weekend’s the perfect time.”
ANZAC Day at Kiwitea Street offers the stage. Now the Navy Blues must seize it.
Ends
AC SQUAD: 1. Nathan GARROW (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 5. Nathan ROSTRON 6. Kieran RICHARDS, 7. Michal DOUDERA 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Shaan ANAND 14. Nico ZAMBRANO 15. Jeremy FOO 17. Bono KACUROV 18. Ari PRASAD (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 21. Adam Kanui BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS 24. Seba CIGANDA (GK) 26. Kian SHAHBAZPOUR 27. Tom GOLDING
HEAD COACH : Rudy MOZR
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Alan SHAKER
GOALKEEPER COACH: Adam BANNISTER
TRAINER: Karlo PAVIC
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
