Some days in Football it just doesn't go your way. Auckland FC after leading from the front all season were beaten at home by Melbourne Victory in the all important A-league Semi Final second leg.

It's all over for the year but at Nice Drop of Port we want to celebrate a truly wonderful debut season and reflect on it's successes.

We'll of course discuss the did it cross the line did it not cross the line, the incredible 6 players and coach that made the PFA team of the year and we'll announce the Nice Drop of Port Award Winners as well!

It's been great having you along for the ride this year.

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With qualification for a history making Grand Final just 90 minutes away Dale and Matt are at Go Media stadium.
As 29,000 plus fans pack into the stadium Nice Drop of Port interviews fans, the Chief Executive and Director of Football of Auckland FC to try get a gage on how things will go. 

In the carpark Dale bumps into Logan Rogerson and Guillermo May and wishes them luck for the game. They look switched on!

This is it, everything has come down to this game - Can Auckland FC reach the Grand Final?

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Sandwiched between the two semifinals we reflect on the away victory against Melbourne and look ahead to this weekend sequel, can Auckland FC get another great result and seal a grand final spot?

We dissect and analyse the game against Victory and cast our eyes across team selection for Saturday.

We dip into what’s hot on the socials …Oh and make sure you watch, we’ve got tickets to give away! 

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The big day is finally here! Auckland FC play the away leg against Melbourne Victory. It's the club's first finals game, first semi-final.... first everything!

Dale and Matt are joined by fans as they soak up the action at the Watch Party back in Auckland. The lads catch up with Auckland FC fans in Tyler Street Sport and over in Melbourne as they prepare to march to the stadium.

And we drop in on another watch party in Cambridge with none other than one of our favourite player's brother among the guests!!

If you can't wait for the big game - join us as we countdown to this historic match.

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427 days. 26 games. 49 goals. Three A-League league records. Nearly 250,000 fans through the gates. And now — just 48 hours until Auckland FC’s first-ever A-League Semi Final.

Welcome to Episode 29 of Nice Drop of Port — the Thursday night countdown to the big one.

Tonight, we break down both elimination finals, ask if Western United are still a threat, and dig into what makes our semi opponents Melbourne Victory tick — plus how Auckland FC can take them down.

We’ve got NZ Herald’s Bonnie Jansen joining the show, Robbie Feldman bringing the gold-standard insight, and of course, Matt — ever-present through every twist and turn of the season.

From record-breaking crowds to defensive dominance and a silverware-winning debut season — Auckland FC are on the brink of history yet again. 

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Ever wondered who it was that decided on the Black Knights philosophy that fed into which players Auckland FC signed?

Tonight on Nice Drop of Port, we chat with Doug Kors, Head of Player Recruitment at Auckland FC, about building a squad from scratch and the club’s remarkable debut season. Doug shares insights into the recruitment strategy that prioritised a strong Kiwi core, balancing experience with emerging talent, and how a clear vision from the top helped create instant chemistry on and off the pitch. He talks about the importance of getting foreign signings right, the long hours behind the scenes, and why success is a whole-club effort.

Doug also lifts the lid on Auckland FC’s approach to youth development, explaining why the club opted against a traditional academy model and instead focuses on maintaining flexibility and wider community involvement. With an eye already on Years 3 and 4, Doug outlines how the club is identifying and nurturing young Kiwi talent, keeping doors open rather than locking players into rigid systems too early. It’s a fascinating look at what goes into building a football club—not just for now, but for the future.

We also look back at the last game against Western United and figure out who Auckland FC are most likely to face in the Semi Final playoffs.

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Well the party was well and truly started at Go Media stadium on Sunday evening as Auckland FC lifted the Premier Plate after 1st pace was confirmed late on Saturday night in Melbourne.

Joining Nice Drop of Port this evening is Auckland FC's domineering centre back Dan Hall. He fills us in on the celebrations that followed on Sunday and tells us just what he saw as he entered the dressing room!

We figure out who Auckland FC is likely to face in the semi finals and we catch up on the latest with these stadiums plans. 

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 Auckland FC manager Steve Corica joins Nice Drop of Port as the club edge closer to that Premier Plate and a top of the league finish.

As the Premiership sits within easy reach this weekend the boss discusses how far the club has come in such a short time.

Steve also lets us in on the game plan for the playoffs and gives us the road map to A-league Grand Final success!

And we have an appearance from one of Matt's heroes.

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With that draw in Sydney, Auckland FC can clinch the Premier Plate with a win against Melbourne Victory this weekend💪

If results go our way elsewhere, a victory seals the deal! And remember, just a point would also guarantee us a semi-final spot—if Western don’t win.

Complicated? Well just relax, we got you covered with all the permutations as the season reaches its conclusion.

Tonight, Dale, Matt, and Robbie break down the exhilarating 2-2 draw in Sydney, featuring those stunning goals from Sydney FC’s Adrian Segecic and a comeback for the ages. 

We’ll dissect every moment, from Robbie's firsthand experience at the game to Matt’s ratings and expert analysis of Steve Corrica’'s return to Sydney FC.

We also go inside the Port with a travelling fan who witnessed the action at the Port of Call 2025 in Sydney last weekend.

We’ll preview the upcoming battle against Melbourne Victory and the playoff landscape ahead.

Don’t miss out on the discussion, insights and all the LOL’s! Tune in and be part of the conversation! Chats open. ⚽️

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After a season with very few bad headlines off the field, the spotlight was turned on Auckland FC this week after an away fan was assaulted and rival fans clashed inside Go Media stadium.

Auckland FC Chief Executive joins Nice Drop of Port tonight to discuss the incidents and outlines plans to make match days safer.

Also we reflect on the 1-1 draw last week and figure out where that places the club in the run in to finals footy!

We preview Sydney FC away and Steve Corica's return to his old stomping ground. Matt returns with a social media round up and Robbie looks forward to watching his beloved Auckland FC in person this week.

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