The seasons couldn't have been more of a contrast. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
So that's it. Another A-League Men regular season has concluded and, for the first time, two sides from New Zealand have battled it out with various trans-Tasman rivals for the past six months. But what comes next for Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix is a demonstration in polar contrast.
Auckland finished their regular season with a 4-2 defeat to Western United, which should take no gloss off an incredible debut campaign. This was just the Black Knights' third loss of the season as they claimed the Premier's Plate at the first attempt. Now, they enter the A-League finals series in hopes of an unprecedented debut double.
This upcoming weekend will determine their opponents. Weekend conquerors Western United face Adelaide United, while Western Sydney Wanderers take on Melbourne Victory in the Elimination Finals and the lowest ranked team who advances will face Auckland in the semi-finals.
Auckland FC Manager Steve Corica celebrates with the A-League Premier Plate, 2025. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Auckland's potential path to glory
Semi Finals (Leg 1), Saturday 17 May - TBC v Auckland FC
Semi Finals (Leg 2), Saturday 24 May - Auckland FC v TBC
Grand Final, Saturday 31 May - Kick off time TBC
Steve Corica's men will take the weekend's loss as a much-needed wake-up call. Nobody in the final six is going to lie down and allow Auckland to add another piece of silverware to a trophy cabinet so fresh it's probably still flatpacked somewhere. Auckland will need to find their best form to get through three more crucial ties in a remarkable fledgling season.
As for the Wellington Phoenix, the forecast for the coming weeks and months is much less promising. A weekend loss to Perth Glory means the Phoenix finish the A-League season bottom of the form table and, after suffering a defeat to Brisbane Roar last weekend, they have jut lost to the two teams who have finished below them in the ladder.
Giancarlo Italiano Photo: photosport
It's certainly not the same feeling as 12 months ago, when the Phoenix were looking to secure success in the finals series.
However, a summer of pillaging left them with a tough rebuild while the arrival of their noisy northern neighbours has taken the shimmer of a clu who have been flying the flag for Kiwi football for nearly two decades.
Another summer of change looks likely. Senior leadership has decided to stand by Giancarlo Italiano and that's the right decision. Chiefy has credit in the bank from last year and has done his best with a side that lost several key players.
Kosta Barbarouses of the Phoenix Photo: PHOTOSPORT
That looks likely again. Scott Wootton and Sam Sutton are heading over to join Oli Sail at Perth and the club are sweating on the future of star striker Kosta Barbarouses. Keeping as many of their bright sparks will be key as will a summer of recruitment where the Phoenix need to get things right to improve the first-team squad.
Before all that, there's the small task of an Australia Cup play-off against the Roar on May 14. This involves a trip to Australia's Northern Territory to give Darwin a taste of A-League football.
So while Auckland prepare for the biggest matches in their short history, the Phoenix are left to rebuild once again.
Two Kiwi clubs heading in very different directions for now, but both with plenty to play for. Whether it's silverware or a solid rebuild, whatever happens next, New Zealand's presence in the A-League is bigger than ever.
In other football news:
Liverpool's title celebrations left them blowing cold for a meeting with Champions League chasing Chelsea whose enigmatic star Cole Palmer put them to the sword in a 3-1 loss. The Reds also saw confirmation that right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving in the off-season, seemingly bound for Real Madrid.
Manchester United lost another thriller, this time going down 4-3 to Brentford, with a shot at Europa League glory firmly in their mind. They face Spain's Athletic Club with a 3-0 advantage in midweek with a potential all-English final on the cards with Tottenham Hotspur leading Bodo Glimt 3-1 in the other tie.
The four teams who are set to battle for Premier League football in the Championship play-offs are now confirmed. Sheffield United, Sunderland, Coventry City and Bristol City will be the quartet of teams vying for the third promotion slot.
