Like a swarm of bumblebees, Wellington Phoenix has swept into the A-League finals and is – remarkably – just one kick off from a place in the decider set to be played today against Sydney FC.
It has certainly been the romantic story of the season.
There is plenty to love about the Phoenix.
It might be the part its played in New Zealand‘s World Cup qualification for the second time. Or the way the Phoenix have reinvigorated the careers of its squad members, like defender Jon McKain (recently recalled to the Australian fold after an absence of more than three years), tenacious midfielder Vinnie Lia or talismanic strike Eugene Dadi. Perhaps it is that coach Ricki Herbert – who looks like he once could have been a star of Neighbours – has emerged one of the region’s finest coaches.
Most probably, it’s the way the club has lived up to its name.
There were plenty of naysayers when Wellington emerged as New Zealand’s entrant in the A-League for the 2007/08 season.
They had ample reason. The New Zealand Knights, based in Auckland, were the antithesis of the Phoenix outfit that will tomorrow run out in the A-League preliminary final.
Consistently dogged by poor results, not to mention painfully low attendances, the Knights never engaged the Land of the Long White Cloud.
It’s why the Phoenix has, quite literally, risen from the ashes.
The club has had its detractors, even now as it begins to experience onfield success.
AFC president Mohammed Bin Hamman has been a long-time critic of the right of the club, still a member of Oceania, to play in an Asian competition.
Branko Culina, coach of the defeated Newcastle Jets, admitted this week he’d rather see the Phoenix’s spot go to an Australian team.
The Phoenix hierarchy, led by unflappable owner Terry Serepisos and chief executive Tony Pignata, has always
answered criticism and speculation with a straight and composed bat.
On the field, Herbert’s side has simply got down to business. Helped by some astute signings – none more so than electric striker Paul Ifill – the Phoenix has answered in the best way possible: by a finals campaign that could end in grand final glory.
Questions over its legitimacy should it potential secure an Asian Champions League spot did not worry the 32,792 spectators that flocked to Westpac Stadium to cheer on the club’s nail biting minor semi-final over the Jets.
Skipper Andrew Durante and his men will be gunning for Sydney come kick off.
But for so long the A-League’s poor cousin, the Phoenix has already won.
Wug
Guest
Wellington have done well this year but I' hoping it's MV all the way
Ricky J
Guest
Show's over. Melbourne vs Sydney Grand Final. Let's get on with it.
Midfielder
Guest
From TV NZ .. http://tvnz.co.nz/football-news/phoenix-ready-fight-their-life-3414294/video
Davstar
Guest
Im from Melboune we have the best squad in the league however Sydney FC have the best coach in the league. They area better side then the Nix i think sydney will win in a close encounter, remember the nix aren't good way from home. However the Nix have been amazing this season im hoping they can stay in the A-league and continue to build support for football in New Zealand.
Adam
Guest
Will be quietly cheering home Wellington here. They have had a great season and it will be a real underdog story if they can pull it off. They certainly have the squad to do it to be fair.
Joe FC
Guest
There has been good coverage in the SMH.
Al
Guest
Ben Buckley is just an AFL trojan horse, why the FFA thought that picking someone from the enemy camp was a good idea is beyond me.
Al
Guest
I'm definitely going for Wellington, hoping to see them next week at Etihad, sick of Sydney FC already!
Australian Football
Roar Guru
MVDave, I forgot to add the :D c'mon the SFC
Realfootball
Guest
Media coverage has to be partly an FFA responsibility. The FFA attitude towards the finals seems to be smash and grab, take the cash and run. It's a disgrace. Buckley has time to publicly bollock Melbourne Victory but he doesn't have to run a proper finals series. Ben Buckley and Archie Fraser PLEASE start actually doing your jobs. Come back John O'Neill - all is forgiven. I have this familiar sinking feeling as the game is mismanaged by yet another crew of inadequate bureaucrats.
Midfielder
Guest
Media for the game in Sydney is non existent...
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Good luck to the Phoenix.
Australian Football
Roar Guru
MVDave, The Gold Coast SFC’s supporters have contacted the “Czechoslovakian One” and have stressed the importance of tonight’s encounter with the Nix––there is a great deal of prestige placed on this season and this fixture tonight up here on the Gold Coast. Nothing less then the double this season will suffice. The “Czechoslovakian One” with a short return reply emailed statement; “Žádné starosti Lads”. ------- AF
DERBY COUNTY FC
Guest
Go SFC but if they don't win and Phoenix win the grand final does that mean Victory have absolutely nothing, including no Asian Champions League next year? That would be a great second prize for SFC.
Country Victoria
Guest
Wellington Phoenix to pull it off, GF = Melbourne Victory Vs Wellington Phoenix will be a more mind blowing encounter.
whiskeymac
Guest
a nz club with a large aussie player list, and kiwi players wo have contributed to other clubs over here. good overseas signings. engaging with the locals. all good stuff and commendable and IMO you wld have to think that their achievements are already the success story for a mixed fortune season, potentially overshadowing SFC's first "plate" and MVs grand final appearances. hopefully they can continue and growfrom here (but SFC pip them to get into a final as i wld still rather see a SFC MV final)
Joe FC
Guest
They have certainly been the story of the season but I think (hope) it will come to an end tonight.
Midfielder
Guest
They have created a huge NZ fan base .. all good stuff...are starting to get heaps of local media..
Punter
Guest
They will need to be at their best to come anywhere near Sydney.
Dave
Guest
Wish the Pheonix all the best and give it to Sydney FC.