A-League’s Set-Piece Specialist Sidelines at 13 for Crossing Skills: ‘A Game-Changer for My Career’

In the 2024-25 season of the Isuzu UTE A-League, Francis De Vries has emerged as the set-piece specialist—but the Auckland FC defender humbly admits he hasn’t always been recognised for his goal-creating prowess with his powerful left foot.

De Vries has racked up six assists this season, with five of these coming from set pieces. Notably, three assists are from corners, one from a free-kick, and astonishingly, another was directly from a throw-in to Guillermo May during last weekend’s thrilling 4-4 encounter with Adelaide United.

No other player has matched De Vries in terms of assists from set pieces this season, and only four players (Zach Clough, Marin Jakolis, Jed Drew, Brandon Borrello) have outdone his six assists, all of which come after 21 rounds of the regular season.

The New Zealand international has been a standout performer in the league, with his impressive set-piece delivery and crossing skills bolstering a defence that has only conceded 17 goals in 18 games.

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However, following Auckland’s dramatic 4-4 draw with Adelaide, De Vries shared that crossing hasn’t always been his strongest suit. In fact, struggles with his delivery once led to him being dropped from a junior squad.

“As a left-footer growing up, you often get nudged in that direction a bit more because there are fewer of us in the team,” he explained.

“I remember a coach told me when I was 13 that I didn’t make a team due to poor crossing. That stuck with me, particularly since I was having difficulty keeping the ball on the ground.”

“That experience really motivated me; I distinctly remember going to the park to practice. It’s one of the simplest things to work on when you’re alone.

“Mastering that technique has done wonders for my career, and I’m pleased it’s helping the team, too. It’s all for naught without the lads finishing it off well.”

This season, Auckland has netted 15 goals from set pieces—the highest in the league. Steve Corica’s squad ranks eighth for goals scored in open play, underscoring the significance of their set-piece execution in transforming opportunities into goals, helping Auckland maintain an eight-point lead at the top of the table after 21 rounds.

De Vries believes that consistent performances have unlocked his team’s potential on set pieces, emphasising both the importance of accurate delivery to dangerous areas and the players’ well-timed runs to capitalise.

“It’s mostly about consistently delivering the ball to the right places and making the right runs, which we practise on every week,” he said.

“A lot of elements come into play, but nothing occurs by chance. I credit the players for getting into the right positions and finishing it off, which is fantastic.”

After Saturday’s exhilarating 4-4 draw with Adelaide, league leaders Auckland now shift their focus to a Round 22 showdown against Newcastle Jets across the ditch at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Newcastle is currently riding a wave of great form, having secured victories in their last three matches following back-to-back draws, which places Rob Stanton’s side unbeaten in five games heading into Round 22.

“It’s shaping up to be a great match,” De Vries commented. “Newcastle is clearly a talented squad, and as Steve (Corica) has noted, they moved the ball exceptionally well last time we faced them. 

“They have some electrifying players who are coming together as a unit and finding the back of the net. So it’s set to be an exciting game, and we’re going in fully focused and ready.”