Auckland FC are on the cusp of history this weekend but it is all part of something bigger for the Black Knights, who are eyeing an unprecedented feat in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Only a point is needed against Perth Glory on Sunday for high-flying newcomers Auckland to clinch the Premiership in their inaugural season.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE
Should Auckland – riding a 13-game unbeaten streak – get the job done on the penultimate weekend of the regular season, they would become the first New Zealand team to win A-Leagues silverware.
GAME-BY-GAME PREVIEW: What you need to know for Round 28 of the Isuzu UTE A-League
“Big picture is winning the Grand Final,” Auckland head coach Steve Corica told reporters when asked how he plans to keep his players grounded ahead of their proposed Premier’s Plate celebrations.
“So obviously we want them to celebrate once we get the Premier’s plate and enjoy that, because it is really special.
“But at the end day, the big trophy is the Grand Final. That’s what we’re working towards as well.
“If we could do the double that would be something unheard of that a club in the first season wins the double, because (Western Sydney) Wanderers have won the Premier’s plate before in their first year, but they missed out on the Grand Finals. So that’s something that we want to achieve as well.”
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE
Pressed on the magnitude of the Premiership for New Zealand football given the lack of silverware in the country, A-Leagues great Corica replied: “We definitely know about it.
“Not a lot of people probably would have thought we’d be right here now and we have the opportunity.
“Full credit to the players and the coaching staff, they’ve done an amazing job so far this season.
“It is a big thing. No trophies in New Zealand. Our supporters have been amazing as well, and they deserve it. It’s fitting that if we can do it at home on Sunday.”
