Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

It’s the biggest day in Auckland FC’s short history.
Just two years into their existence, the team is facing Sydney FC in the A-League Grand Final tonight at a sold-out Mt Smart Stadium.
CEO Nick Becker told Piney it’s definitely a bit of a pinch me moment.
He says they wanted to be competitive, wanted to win silverware, and it’s an incredible feeling to be able to right, today’s the big dance, this is what we’ve worked so hard for.
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Tonight is a night for the history books, as Auckland FC looks to claim the A-League title in their second ever season.
They’re going up against Sydney FC at a sold-out Mt Smart Stadium – the first time New Zealand has hosted a Grand Final.
And watching from the sidelines is Oli Sail, a goalie for the team who was knocked out of the season in February with a knee injury.
He told Piney that while it’s important to enjoy the energy and excitement around a home Grand Final, it’s also important to separate yourself from that and work under the notion that it’s just another game.
But Sail says the way the city and the media have gotten behind the team is amazing.
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On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 23rd May 2026, it's all A-League Grand Final as Piney brings you the show from the home of Auckland FC, Tyler Street.
Jake Girdwood-Reich, Patrick Kisnorbo, Erik Paartalu, and Steve Rosich are among those who joined the show ahead of the final showdown.
Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Auckland FC is one match away from making history, having made it to the A-League Grand Finals in their second-ever season.
They’re facing Syndey FC tonight at a sold out Mt Smart Stadium.
Now a hugely respected football analyst, Erik Paartalu won two A-League championships and a premiership as part of the Brisbane Roar.
He told Piney that Auckland FC is really feared around the League.
“I think when you talk to other teams about playing Auckland, coming here was very difficult last year. This season, not so much, but tonight they’ve got to go back to the old Auckland.”
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Sydney coach Patrick Kisnorbo is taking a siege mentality into tonight's A-League Grand Final against Auckland FC.
They’ve made the trip across the Tasman to meet the Black Knights at a sold-out Mt Smart Stadium, aiming to spoil their party and take home the title.
Kisnorbo took up the coaching role in March, and he told Piney the key to the team’s success was simply showing the players some love, belief, and positivity.
He says they’ve been very adaptable, great to work with, and they deserved this chance to play in the Grand Finals.
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