AUCKLAND, NZ - Fresh from their victorious OFC Champions League campaign in Fiji, the Navy Blues return to domestic duty for the final round of the Northern League — a trip south to face Melville United.
28 August 2026
City have already sealed qualification for next month’s National League, but assistant coach Alan Shaker insists there’s no easing off.
“Full credit to the boys — Fiji was tough, the conditions were tough, the teams were tough. But we went there to change that number from 13 to 14, and the boys delivered.” “It’s been a massive couple of weeks, but for us it’s business as usual.”
“Back to basics, train hard, and finish the Northern League as strongly as possible.”
“Melville are always a tough test — young, energetic, and they’ll want to finish on a positive note. We need to work extremely hard this week and focus on what we do. Hopefully we come away with three points.”
The sides last met on 23 May, when Auckland City produced a dominant 4–0 performance at Kiwitea Street — a match played in honour of Ryan De Vries, and one the Navy Blues controlled from start to finish. (READ match report HERE)
City’s overall record against Melville remains flawless: eight wins from eight. The hosts sit ninth with six wins from 21, while Auckland City hold third, aiming to sign off the regional phase with authority before the national competition begins.
Earlier in the day, the U23s will face their Melville counterparts at 12:30pm at Gower Park.
MATCH DETAILS
Northern League R22
Auckland City FC vs Melville United AFC
Saturday 29 August 2026
Kick‑off: 3:00 PM
Gower Park, Hamilton
AC SQUAD: 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 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. Nathan LOBO 14. Shaan ANAND 15. Jeremy FOO 16. Fergus GILLION 17. Ryan WATSON 18. Ari PRASAD (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 20. Pavel OSMANCIK 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS 24. Matt FOORD (GK) 25. Mike Den HEIJER, 26. Matt ELLIS 27. Tom GOLDING 29. Rhys DAVIES
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
