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Auckland FC ready for redemption in A-League opener
Kieran Bingham • October 15th, 2025 9:39 am
Photo: Photosport
The 2025 A-League Men’s season kicks off this weekend with a blockbuster semi-final rematch between reigning premiers Auckland FC and grand finalists Melbourne Victory - and for Auckland boss Steve Corica, the stakes are clear.
“Everyone's excited for the first game of the season,” Corica told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy.
“Sometimes the pressure's off a little bit when you play away from home as well, first game. But it is definitely redemption for us.
It's obviously still in my mind, I know that much. It should be still in the players' mind as well. We would like to get off to a winning start and that means going down to Melbourne and beating them down there on their home turf.”
Auckland FC took out last season’s Premiership in commanding fashion but fell short in the Finals Series, a gap Corica and his squad are determined to close in 2025.
“For us, it's just about being consistent like we were throughout the season last season,” he said.
“And if you do that, you win the Premiership again. So that's obviously our aim. But it is to go one step further than what we did last year. And to win two trophies.”
To that end, Corica has bolstered his squad with key off-season additions, including towering 6-foot-5 striker Sam Cosgrove, dynamic midfielder Lachlan Brook, and defender Jake Girdwood-Reich, along with goalkeepers Scott Morris and Oli Sail.
Melbourne Victory snatch win from Auckland FC in ALM semi-finals | Sport Nation
Sail, a proud Aucklander, returns home to contest the No. 1 spot following the departure of 2024 A-League Goalkeeper of the Year Alex Paulsen, who has made the move back to European football.
But for now, the gloves are in the hands of Michael Woud.
“Oli knew what he was coming into, I think, when we brought him in,” Corica said.
“At the moment, Michael's playing and it's up to him really. He's got his opportunity now. Alex had his opportunity last year and he took it. Now it's up to Michael.”
That competition for places will be crucial in a season where the margins are tighter than ever.
“There’s new players that come in. So it's all about competition for places,” Corica added.
Auckland’s campaign begins this Saturday away at AAMI Park, where they'll face a Melbourne Victory side just as hungry for silverware, but Corica's squad arrives with belief and unfinished business.
Listen to the full interview below:
