Navy Blues Raring To Go As Title Defence Begins

Fresh from securing a record-extending continental crown, the Navy Blues return to domestic action eager to make a positive start against an Eastern Suburbs side that opened their campaign with a scoreless draw away to Ferrymead Bays.

Assistant coach Ivan Vicelich is expecting another tight contest between two teams that have become familiar rivals in recent seasons.

“Eastern Suburbs are a very good team,” Vicelich said.

“They had a really good regional phase to the season. Finishing second is a great result for their club.

“We’ve had some very good games against them this year as well. We had a loss against them and a draw, so we’re really looking forward to going to Madills and having a good result.”

The recent record between the sides highlights just how competitive the fixture has become.

Recent head-to-head

• 2026: Auckland City 0-1 Eastern Suburbs
• 2026: Eastern Suburbs 0-0 Auckland City
• 2025: Auckland City 2-1 Eastern Suburbs
• 2025: Eastern Suburbs 1-0 Auckland City
• 2024: Eastern Suburbs 0-3 Auckland City

Auckland City’s last victory at Madills Farm came in October 2024 when the Navy Blues secured a 3-0 National League Championship win over Eastern Suburbs. Since then, City have taken just one point from their last two visits to the venue.

Vicelich knows the challenge awaiting his side.

“Historically there’s always been tough games there,” he said.

“There’s a lot at stake as well. With the bye in the first round you’re always mentally chasing the group a little bit, but hopefully the guys can come through with a good performance and a good result.”

Following an intense five-match OFC Champions League campaign in Fiji, the squad has enjoyed a short reset before turning its attention back to the National League.

“The boys in Fiji did really well,” Vicelich said.

“It was amazing to win the Champions League for the club again and for the players. That was quite intense, five games in a short period of time, so the players needed that break.

“They’ve got their enthusiasm back now and they’re really looking forward to the first game of the National League.”

Midfielder Pavel Osmančík believes the team has returned refreshed and ready for the challenge ahead.

“We’re glad that we had a bit of rest because it was needed,” he said.

“And we are looking forward to the first round of the National League.”

The Czech midfielder was clear about the mindset required heading into the opening round.

“We are ready for a war. We know it’s a tough job ahead and we just want to fight and get the three points in the very first round.”

In a competition where every point can prove decisive, Osmančík believes concentration will be crucial from start to finish.

“There’s no space for mistakes. You can’t lose any points.

“You have to be switched on from the very first moment to the very last moment of the National League.”

With the title defence set to begin and another difficult assignment awaiting at Madills Farm, Auckland City will be determined to start their National League campaign with a statement performance.

Ends

Match Details

National League R2
Eastern Suburbs AFC vs Auckland City FC
Venue: Madills Farm, Auckland
Date: Sunday 4 October
Kick-off: 11:30am

AC SQUAD: 1. Louie CAUNTER (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nathan ROSTRON 6. Nico ZAMBRANO 7. Michal DOUDERA 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Shaan ANAND 15. Jeremy FOO 16. Fergus GILLION 17. Ryan WATSON 18. Ari PRASAD (GK) 19. Rhys DAVIES, 20. Pavel OSMANCIK 21. Bono KACUROV 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS 24. Matt FOORD (GK) 25. Mike Den HEIJER, 26. Manraj SINGH 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