Auckland FC: Alex Paulsen’s heroics help bring A-League title within reach

Auckland FC know the A-League Premiers Plate is theirs to lose.

After a season that started with no gear, they are now on the verge of grabbing silverware — the Black Knights are all but confirmed as minor premiers.

For goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, it’s made his detour back to his hometown, on the way to the English Premier League, all worth it.

“It’s very special, especially because I’m a hometown boy in Auckland,” Paulsen said.

“Aside from that, New Zealand haven’t really had an opportunity to do something pretty big in the A-League.”

The Auckland FC goalkeeper is set to achieve what he missed out on 12 months ago when he played for the Wellington Phoenix. For the first time in the club’s 17-year history, the ‘Nix were regular-season runners-up, reaching the playoff semifinals.

Former Phoenix goalkeeper Alex Paulsen celebrates with teammates after saving a penalty. Photo / Photosport

This year, he’s on track to go one better. Paulsen’s current team, in their inaugural season, need just a point from their last two fixtures to secure the title.

It’s expected this will be achieved at home on Sunday against the bottom of the table, Perth Glory.

“We’re almost touching distance — it’s good to put that into our head frame.

“This club and the community here in Auckland have done such an amazing job to support us all the way through some tough times and then also some good times here.

“We’ve just got to try to finish it off this weekend.”

Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica reckons it was Paulsen’s hands that put them on the cusp of glory, after pulling off one of the saves of the season in their most recent win against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

“That save won us the game and maybe the premiership.”

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Corica said Paulsen’s contributions meant a lot to the team this season.

“He comes up with big saves like he did against Melbourne Victory, but he’s been doing it all season.

“He’s done a wonderful job, and this is an opportunity for him to win a trophy as well because he got close last year.”

After a sensational 2023/24 season — where he was a key figure in the Phoenix’s most successful campaign yet — led to his signing with EPL’s AFC Bournemouth, Paulsen was stunningly loaned out to Auckland FC.

The move was helped along as both clubs are owned by American billionaire Bill Foley.

After the announcement in August, Paulsen’s expressions were hard to read. During his first press conference, dressed in his AFC attire, Paulsen maintained a reserved demeanour and seemed slightly deflated, however, he reassured that he was committed to the opportunity to play in Auckland.

Auckland FC's Alex Paulsen: 'It's very special, especially because I'm a hometown boy in Auckland.' Photo / Photosport

At the time, it was seen as a setback for the 22-year-old All White to return to the league they recently graduated.

Fast forward eight months, and it’s arguably turned out to be the best save of his career.

Paulsen, now older and wiser, can add a title to his already shining CV, and he should return to Europe a better player after consistent minutes playing for the best club in Australasia.

Paulsen said in January that he’s in regular contact with Bournemouth.

“[Bournemouth] are keeping direct dialogue with our goalkeeper coach here at Auckland.

“We’re just trying to exchange communication and make sure that if I need to improve on anything, then they’re always going to be watching and give me feedback as best they can,” Paulsen said.

After the clash in Melbourne, Corica said they have to make the most of the talented goalie while they have him.

“I don’t think we will [keep him].

“He needs to go. He’s had two good seasons. He wants to play at a higher level, like everyone does.

“He is on the books of Bournemouth. I’m not sure where he’s going to go next season, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be with us, unfortunately. That’s the way it goes.

“He’s had a great year, last year.”

Paulsen said he’s not sure where he’ll end up next, as speculation grows that he’s headed for Scottish club Hibernian FC — also owned by Foley.

“It’s all speculation, isn’t it,” Paulsen said.

“I just want to focus here on Auckland FC, I don’t want to be disrespectful or anything like that because it’s a special moment for Auckland and [I] just want to focus on making sure that we can get some silverware by the end of this week”

Bonnie Jansen is a multimedia journalist in the NZME sports team. She’s a football commentator and co-host of the Football Fever podcast, and was part of the Te Rito cadetship scheme before becoming a full-time journalist.