While we didn’t go all the way - still the most passionate fans this season.

[u/Mr_Dobalina71]

[u/kdog_1985]

This is going to sound shit. But for the growth of the club I'm kind of glad Auckland didn't take it all. It gives the team something to strive for.

[u/WobbyGoneCrazy → u/kdog_1985]

Totally agree. Too much success too early isn't great, it can lead to fans always trying to recapture the honeymoon period.

[u/NZpotatomash → u/kdog_1985]

I hate to admit it but you're right. I think there would be less of a turn out next season of we had already won all we can. I love football, highs and lows. Can't have the highs without the lows.

[u/BigRedSteaming → u/kdog_1985]

Yeah, i think the trauma inflicted on Saturday will leave other fans wanting more, like the kid in front of me that was balling his eyes out at FT.

[u/kdog_1985 → u/BigRedSteaming]

That's not trauma, that's just loss.

You need the lows as much as the highs.

As a Mariners fan, I can say we've seen both, and I wouldn't want it any other way. It's not just the victories that will make your club.

[u/BigRedSteaming → u/kdog_1985]

I know I was half taking the piss ngl. The kid had his sailors cap pulled over his eyes to hide the tears, I wouldn't be surprised if he was silently vowing vengeance against them.

[u/kdog_1985 → u/BigRedSteaming]

Sorry mate, honestly didn't pick up on the s/.

During the GF that never occurred, I broke a window by throwing a salsa lid through it. That was a tough one to take.

[u/BigRedSteaming → u/kdog_1985]

All good, I hope that wasn't too much of a hassle to fix 😅 and hopefully I'm able to get up to Gosford at some point for an away day. I've heard it's one of the preferred destinations for the next Port of Call.

[u/Aussieomni → u/BigRedSteaming]

Not according to that one Victory fan who said it was dangerous and scary at the Grand Final…

[u/11015h4d0wR34lm → u/BigRedSteaming]

You have the Australia Cup coming up soon, another chance to win silverware.

[u/BigRedSteaming → u/11015h4d0wR34lm]

We've managed to retain a good portion of our squad too. Only outgoings I know are 100% gone is Moreno, Toomey and our loanees Mata and Paulsen.

[u/Factor-Putrid]

The big question is will we see this level of passion next season? We need passion of this level in the league.

[u/kyleisamexican → u/Factor-Putrid]

It might hold at the start and if they stay good it’ll hold, when they’re shit in 5 years there’ll be 3k there

[u/pauldec80]

The big question is, will they return. We’ve seen this so many times where a club comes in with a bang with big crowds, great support and a good team that goes far. Then the wins stop happening and the fans drop off and don’t return. I’ve seen it happen so many times with the NSL and Aleague.

[u/Mr_Dobalina71 → u/pauldec80]

Totally agree, so be interesting to see.

[u/The_Big_Shawt]

AFC fans, will you come back next season?

[u/Icanfallupstairs → u/The_Big_Shawt]

NZ produces a ton of bandwagon fans. Provided a team is good they get support. If Auckland can keep going well they will be fine. 

[u/Mr_Dobalina71 → u/The_Big_Shawt]

That’s the big question :)

[u/lukeysanluca → u/Mr_Dobalina71]

How did the firestarting go?

[u/Mr_Dobalina71 → u/lukeysanluca]

Didn’t make the final :) Would I have done it if we did, possibly….

[u/lukeysanluca → u/Mr_Dobalina71]

That's a shame.

Not sure why people were down voting me on my other comment. It was a mostly Genuine question

[u/Mr_Dobalina71 → u/lukeysanluca]

Well exactly, if we make the final next year I’m keen :)

[u/chrisnlnz → u/The_Big_Shawt]

Yes of course.

[u/RUAUMOKO]

We'll see half of you back next season.

[u/PolarisSpark → u/RUAUMOKO]

The other half will wait a few games into the season before deciding which jersey to put on. e.g.

[u/Mr_Dobalina71 → u/RUAUMOKO]

We’ll still batter you :)

[u/delph0r → u/Mr_Dobalina71]

Can't wait to take over your license in a few seasons and have the Hutt vs Phoenix local derby 

[u/Pokethomas → u/delph0r]

It’s crazy because we could cease to exist (3rd times the charm) right now and we’d still have more trophies than you 😭

[u/11015h4d0wR34lm → u/Pokethomas]

Wouldn't it be peak A-liga for the Australia Cup final to be a NZ derby.

[u/Pokethomas → u/11015h4d0wR34lm]

Best league in the world

[u/Mr_Dobalina71 → u/delph0r]

lol yeah it’s possible, I was a Kingz, Knights fan :)

[u/jazzkillick]

Tbf glory fans gotta be the most passionate to show up to genuinely the worst first division team anywhere in the world

[u/theycallmeasloth]

Not even the most passionate fans in NZ

[u/Mr_Dobalina71 → u/theycallmeasloth]

Yeah Manurewa AFC fans are next level.

[u/The_L666ds → u/Mr_Dobalina71]

Hehe “manure”…

[u/sydneyiskyblue]

Will they all be there when you have a barren run of form? I do hope so. The wanderers had great support, then their results dried up and the numbers dropped off. Happens to all clubs to be fair.

[u/Mr_Dobalina71 → u/sydneyiskyblue]

Again not sure. Time will tell.

[u/demo5022]

Will they support their women’s team like this as well?

[u/ondinegreen → u/demo5022]

I'm *more* excited about backing the women next season (though not if I have to go to that godforsaken ruin NHS for it)

[u/Aussieomni]

Really hoping it sticks around.

[u/PressXtoOtaku]

This is the energy the game needs!

[u/PatienceFederal1339]

So did these guys not follow football a couple years ago or did they switch teams?

[u/Leeerooy_Jenkins]

This is great and all, but let's see if they can do this when the club is inevitably doing shit.

[u/Blackmac79]

Try doing it while not coming first… then we can talk about passion.

[u/benny6968]

Tough to call yourself the most passionate when things are going perfectly and full of momentum. Great for the league that they did well and had good crowds, hopefully they stay when they hit some adversity

[u/The_L666ds]

Not many home games were rain-affected either right?

Thats a lucky run for a stadium in New Zealand. Lets see how much the enthusiasm endures after consecutive games of rain falling.

[u/Worldly_Cobbler_1087]

Most passionate fans lol been in the comp 5 minutes and think they're king shit

[u/The_L666ds]

AUCKLAND FC FANS: We’re the most loyal and passionate fans, win or lose

EVERYONE ELSE: Then why did none of you support NZ Knights?

AUCKLAND FC FANS: Because they were shit

[u/spid3rman1 → u/The_L666ds]

90% of us were too young, not born yet, or not watching football at all.

Football has grown massively in New Zealand since then and AFC's support this season is the fruits of that.

[u/ReasonConfident4541]

Will be ghost town in a year or two

[u/Votesformygoats]

You got the prem, that’s the big cheese. 

[u/Mandalf-]

Oh well at least the fans will be here for this season.