Auckland FC have rejected any notion of “second-year syndrome” as they look to surpass the dizzying heights of their debut A-League season.
The Black Knights claimed the Premiers Plate on their first attempt, but exited in the semifinals at the hands of the Melbourne Victory.
Auckland secured their first win of the new season against the Western Sydney Wanderers at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart on Saturday, after their 0-0 draw against the Victory away in their opener.
Auckland FC chief executive Nick Becker claimed second-year syndrome is “a load of bollocks”.
“Honestly, why? It’s an opportunity. We literally have just got started. Why can’t we go one better?
“Last season, it was successful. We were disappointed not to make the final. We’ve reflected, and it’s given us the motivation to go again.
“We want to win the double. We want to win the premiership and the championship. We want to make the grand final and win that. We certainly aren’t going to rest on our laurels of one good season.”
The team drew 14,767 fans into Mt Smart for the round-two fixture, over 4000 more than any other A-League game over the weekend.
The Black Knights attracted an average crowd of 18,101 last season.
Becker said they have made additions to the fan experience on game day.
“The fanzone is absolutely pumping. The new inflatable [slide] is up and running. We’re loving life.
“The beach will be back. Next week, we’ve got the ferris wheel. But we’re also starting to do tailgating in the carpark. So you can come along, pop the boot. You’ve got food, there are bars up there, Red Bull have come with their DJ.
“The players all walk through so you can high-five them as they are going into the game. It’s been a spectacular success.”
Becker said Mt Smart works perfectly for balancing a family-friendly vibe with allowing others to let loose.
“Down that end, you’ve got the South Stand. The Port, the rowdiness, the atmosphere, the colour is down there. Up here [North End], you’ve got the family zone. Naturally, it splits itself really well.”
The Port is Auckland FC’s active supporter group, known for its raucous chants and energetic character.
One supporter said the fan excitement will only build.
“It’s like a snowball rolling down the hill. It’s good to see kids involved, too. I’ve got my own kids, and they’re asking, ‘when’s the next game?’. And then they get the posters and just get stuck in.
“It’s a family environment, but also they allow a bit of rowdiness, which is good.
“Compared to last year, you’re going to see an uptick. The Port’s got more membership than last year and it’s just going to grow.”
Another fan thinks The Port will be intimidating for visiting teams.
“They’re going to go hard for as long as they can and try and bring as much noise as possible.”
One youngster named Billy described the atmosphere of walking through the gates as “absolutely electric”, before declaring “New Zealand is blue!”.
Another fan, Andy, said he has full confidence Auckland FC will win the title this season.
“Last year, it was a bit sad because the final game didn’t go the way everyone wanted it to. The memory’s still a bit tainted.”
Auckland have lost the services of star goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, who has returned to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth after featuring on loan last year. He’s now out on loan again, this time to Polish top-flight club Lechia Gdansk.
One fan said the players the Black Knights have in the guts of the team are strong.
“Sport at this level is 90% mental. If they have it right in their head, I think they’re going to do just fine.”
Eleven-year-old Agnes Jun designed Auckland FC’s new mascot – a kōtare (kingfisher) named Tama.
“I chose a kingfisher because it was sharp and fast, which I thought was perfect for a team like Auckland FC.
“I named it Tama, because Tama means male or boy in Māori, because this is like the men’s team. It’s also kind of short for Tāmaki Makaurau, which is Auckland.”
Auckland FC next host Adelaide United on Saturday at Mt Smart.
Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport.