As Auckland FC gears up for their Semi-Final clash against Melbourne Victory, Sky Sports NZ commentator Jason Pine shares his insights with aleagues.com.au on how a city engulfed in Black Knights excitement is ready to produce an unforgettable atmosphere this Saturday night.
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If you’re in search of an extra reason to get hyped for the Semi-Final in Auckland this Saturday, let Sky Sport NZ’s Jason Pine, the voice of New Zealand football, paint the picture.
“When those 22 players step onto the pitch on Saturday night, with the lights shining down and the crowd roaring, it will be a sensory overload,” Pine tells leagues.com.au.
“They’ll get the smell of the grass, feel the energy of the crowd above them. Every nerve in their bodies will be completely tuned in to this unique experience.
“As they await the referee’s whistle to kick off, there’s that brief moment of calm before the storm — a split second that embodies everything football can deliver. There’s really no other sport like it.
“Then, it will be all systems go for 90 minutes – possibly more. What a remarkable occasion it promises to be.”
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For nearly 20 years, Pine has chronicled the rollercoaster journey of Wellington Phoenix, and over the past eight months, he’s been the voice behind Auckland FC’s impressive debut season in the league.
The upcoming second leg of the Semi-Final between the Black Knights and Melbourne Victory is set to be a spectacle he believes could eclipse any sporting event ever held in New Zealand.
And that’s before considering the potential for a Grand Final in Auckland the following week, should Steve Corica’s team build on their 1-0 lead from the first leg to make it through to the championship match.
“I truly think it will be something we’ve never seen before. There’s really no comparison,” Pine reflected.
“This country is steeped in rugby union traditions. We think of the iconic All Blacks fixtures and Rugby World Cup Finals that have taken place here.
“While those experiences were extraordinary, there’s a unique fervour among football supporters that I believe is unmatched by fans of any other sport.”
Throughout their dazzling first season in the Isuzu UTE A-League, Auckland FC has attracted an average attendance of over 18,000 across 13 home matches – the highest of any club in the league.
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On Saturday night, attendance at Go Media Stadium is anticipated to reach around 30,000 after Auckland FC and the Australian Professional Leagues collaborated to add an extra 2,700 seats to the stadium’s north end.
Back in October, nearly 25,000 supporters turned up for Auckland’s inaugural A-League game, marking the beginning of a season where home fans adorned in black and blue have enthusiastically backed a club committed from the start to building strong ties within the community.
This Semi-Final showdown against Victory is about much more than Auckland’s talented Premiership-winning squad; it’s a testament to the local fanbase, who stand on the brink of hosting the 2025 Grand Final.
“There have been countless unforgettable moments at Auckland home games this year,” Pine noted.
“The opener. The first derby. Last-minute goals. The thrill. The fan connection. The Port’s exuberance. The matchday experience is a melting pot bringing together football supporters for two hours of phenomenal action.
“The Port, the active support group, always congregates at a small bar near Go Media Stadium called Lilyworld. They arrive an hour and a half before kick-off, coordinating their arrival instead of trickling in piecemeal. They march down to their seats at the southern end of the stadium.
“It’s quite a sight; they bang drums, wave flags, and chant. What I love most is they start this half an hour before kick-off, not just a few minutes prior. Anyone else in attendance gets swept up in the excitement, even if they’re seated at the opposite end.”
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“Another thing I’ve observed,” Pine added, “is the diverse range of supporters Auckland has drawn in. There’s no single type of Auckland FC fan; you’ll see families, young couples, grandparents with their grandchildren, and groups of friends — it’s a truly eclectic mix.
“Moreover, nearly everyone is now sporting replica gear.
“I may not reside in Auckland, but I have many friends there, and I’ve noticed an increasing number of kids arriving at school in replica shirts. It used to be Premier League shirts or Wellington Phoenix gear, but now it’s all about the blue and black.”
“At the beginning of the season, Auckland FC’s CEO Nick Becker informed me they had optimistically ordered 3,000 replica shirts. Now, they’ve sold 22,000 replica shirts. It’s astounding.”
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Auckland FC’s ability to generate widespread interest in their debut season has been remarkably successful, countering concerns from critics of the recent A-League expansion, which closely followed the failed New Zealand Knights experiment during the league’s early years.
The Knights averaged just under 3,500 attendees for their 21 home games across the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons before folding.
After 18 long years without a professional football club, on October 19, 2024, Auckland FC’s inaugural starting XI took to the field in front of 24,492 fans against Brisbane Roar. From the commentary box, Pine eloquently summarised the moment, declaring, “The beautiful game is back in New Zealand’s largest region.”
He sensed something extraordinary was beginning in Auckland.
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“There’s evidently been a strong demand for it, just bubbling beneath the surface,” he stated.
“What transpired with the New Zealand Knights at the outset of the A-League in 2005-07 has often been referenced as a reason for not pursuing Auckland as a viable A-League option.
“Whenever expansion is discussed elsewhere, Auckland is often met with, ‘We know what went down with the Knights. It doesn’t have a football culture; it’s too large, and there’s too much else going on. The Warriors are in the NRL, several rugby union teams are around, and the NZ Breakers play basketball there; how can a football club capture attention in that city? How will they pull in crowds?’
“However, all those fears have proven to be completely unfounded. Look at the current landscape, and it’s clear there’s a genuine hunger and demand. Naturally, every football club experiences highs and lows — and while Auckland FC might not win the A-League every season, the consistent support seems to suggest fans will always turn up, no matter what.
“There appears to be a solid foundation of football enthusiasm in Auckland, which I believe will persist.”
“Every club claims to want to connect with their community, especially new ones. Many talk the talk, but Auckland FC has genuinely walked the walk since the outset. They’ve reached out to nearly every football club in Auckland to establish that connection.”
“Whether it was attending first team matches, giving up-and-coming players chances to train or trial, visiting junior clubs for award nights, or participating in events where fans could meet players — Auckland FC has consistently engaged with the local football community.
“You’d see them everywhere within the Auckland football scene. They’ve invested the effort, and it’s paying off. Their commitment to engaging with the football community has been remarkable.”
This weekend, New Zealand sees a repeat of history as, for the second consecutive season, Victory will face off against a team from across the Tasman in a Semi-Final second leg.
Last year, Wellington Phoenix hosted their maiden Semi-Final, going toe-to-toe with Victory, only to narrowly miss out on a Grand Final spot.
A goalless draw in Melbourne led to a high-stakes second leg, where former Phoenix striker Oskar Zawada scored a last-minute equaliser, cancelling out Adama Traore’s opener and pushing the match into extra time.
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Ultimately, Victory triumphed, with Chris Ikonomidis netting the decisive goal in the first half of extra time, securing Victory’s place in the Grand Final, shattering the dreams of over 33,000 fans packed into Wellington’s Sky Stadium for the club’s biggest match to date.
“It’s eerily similar,” Pine observed. “Away at Victory, then back home. Although Wellington couldn’t score the goal Auckland did in the first leg, they arrived back with everything on the line.
“There was an enormous crowd, yellow and black everywhere. The influx of Victory fans made an impact, with the excitement encapsulating the city – it was all about the A-League and Wellington Phoenix.
“Being in Wellington, I distinctly recall the buzz leading up to that second fixture. This week, it’s that same energy rippling through Auckland, and will only intensify as the week progresses.
“However, this situation is different because Phoenix supporters had long awaited a match of that significance, and there was a sense of closeness yet distance after not making it to the Grand Final.”
“While we should hold on to last year’s memories of Wellington’s achievements, it’s Auckland’s turn to take the baton and sprint ahead this year.”
“After their performance last weekend, Auckland fans will undoubtedly be optimistic. Despite Melbourne’s fearsome attacking talent, they have not managed to find the back of the net against Auckland in three encounters — which is quite astonishing.”
“Look at Victory’s lineup: Nishan Velupillay, Daniel Arzani, Nikos Vergos, Bruno Fornaroli, Clerismario Santos, Zinedine Machach, Reno Piscopo. What an impressive group, yet they’ve struggled to score against Auckland — that’s remarkable.
“As finals approach, the uniqueness of last year’s event in Wellington stands out. It represented the furthest Wellington had journeyed, whereas Auckland’s matches seem like a series of firsts. Last weekend was their maiden finals appearance, and this weekend marks their first finals match at home. Who knows? They may even reach the Grand Final next week.”
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Pine will return to the commentary box this Saturday, as Auckland ticks off another pivotal milestone in their brief yet illustrious history, hosting Victory with a chance to secure the Grand Final at Go Media Stadium on May 31.
On the southern end of the stadium, the Port will bring an electric atmosphere. In contrast, the northern side will see Victory’s fans contribute to the intensity of the occasion. With 2,700 additional seats added to the stadium, the atmosphere is set to reach unprecedented heights for an Auckland home game this season.
“It’s going to be absolutely massive,” Pine asserted.
“The home crowds at Go Media have been fabulous this season, averaging over 18,000 per match. You’ve likely seen footage of The Port’s vibrant support going wild at the southern end. This weekend, it’s going to reach a whole new level.”
“With Auckland holding that one-goal lead from the first leg, it’s entirely possible that by the end of Saturday night – whether in regulation, extra time, or penalties – Auckland FC could secure a place in the Grand Final. Everyone will want to be there for that possibility.”
“I have no doubt it will sell out — if it isn’t already. Based on what’s been an incredible matchday atmosphere, we’re certain it will elevate even further this Saturday night.”
“Players often express their desire to be part of major games on the grandest stage. We, too, seek out and celebrate these pivotal events. I can barely contain my excitement to be a small part of this momentous occasion on Saturday night, witnessing what could be something very special. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this journey.”
Auckland will host Victory at Go Media Stadium this Saturday, May 24, at 4pm AEST, carrying a 1-0 aggregate lead into this second leg of the Semi-Final.
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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