First-Team and OFC Professional League Squad Rosters

First-Team and OFC Professional League Squad Rosters

Maintaining a competitive edge in professional football requires a strategic blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent. The current squad structure is divided between the primary first-team roster and the OFC Professional League squad, ensuring a pipeline of development for athletes across various stages of their careers.

The rosters are categorized by position: GK (Goalkeeper), DF (Defender), MF (Midfielder), and FW (Forward). Nationalities are listed according to FIFA eligibility rules, though some players may hold multiple non-FIFA nationalities.

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Key Facts

  • The first-team squad is current as of 24 July 2026.
  • Hiroki Sakai serves as the first-team captain, with Jake Brimmer as vice-captain.
  • Several players, including Bailey Ferguson, Isa Prins, and Aaron Cartwright, are designated as scholarship players.
  • The OFC Professional League squad roster is current as of 5 June 2026.
  • Tass Mourdoukoutas captains the OFC Professional League squad.

First-Team Squad Analysis

The first-team squad features a diverse international presence, with players representing nations such as Japan, Chile, Norway, and Australia, alongside a strong core of New Zealand talent. The team is anchored by captain Hiroki Sakai in defense and supported by a variety of specialized roles across the pitch.

First-Team Roster Details

First-Team Squad Composition (July 2026)
No. Position Nation Player
1GKNZLMichael Woud
2DFJPNHiroki Sakai (Captain)
4DFNZLNando Pijnaker
7MFNZLCameron Howieson
8MFCHILuis Felipe Gallegos
9FWENGSam Cosgrove
10MFNZLLachlan Bayliss
15DFNZLFrancis de Vries
16MFNORDaniel Normann
17DFNZLCallan Elliot
18FWAUSBailey Ferguson (Scholarship)
19MFNZLOliver Middleton
20GKNZLOliver Sail
21FWNZLIsa Prins (Scholarship)
22MFMLTJake Brimmer (Vice-Captain)
23DFNZLRonan Wynne
24FWNZLAaron Cartwright (Scholarship)
25DFNZLLuka Vicelich (Scholarship)
27FWNZLLogan Rogerson
28DFAUSAaron Calver
30GKNZLJoseph Knowles (Scholarship)
35FWNZLJonty Bidois
57FWNZLVan Fitzharris (Scholarship)
77FWAUSLachlan Brook

Additional First-Team Contributors

Beyond the primary squad, several players have made first-team appearances, providing essential depth to the roster. These include Matthew D'Hotman (DF), James Mitchell (MF), and Eli Jones (GK), all representing New Zealand.

OFC Professional League Squad

The OFC Professional League squad serves as a critical developmental tier. As of 5 June 2026, this squad is led by captain Tass Mourdoukoutas. This roster often overlaps with the first team, allowing select players to gain experience in both environments.

OFC Squad Composition

  • Goalkeepers: Oscar Mason, Blake Callinan, and Eli Jones.
  • Defenders: Tass Mourdoukoutas (Captain), Michael den Heijer, Jonathan Robinson, Nathan Lobo, Ronan Wynne, Zac Zoricich, Luka Vicelich, and Everton O'Leary.
  • Midfielders: Aidan Carey, Daniel Normann, James Bayliss, Isa Prins, and Reid Drake.
  • Forwards: Oscar Faulds, Liam Gillion, Matt Ellis, Bailey Ferguson, Kian Donkers, Ralph Rutherford, and Aston Burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the captain of the first-team squad?

The first-team squad is captained by Hiroki Sakai.

What does the "scholarship" designation mean for players?

Players marked as scholarship recipients, such as Bailey Ferguson and Isa Prins, are typically young talents on specific developmental contracts.

Which players appear on both the first-team and OFC Professional League rosters?

Several players overlap between the two squads, including Daniel Normann, Ronan Wynne, Luka Vicelich, Bailey Ferguson, and Eli Jones.

How are national team affiliations determined in these rosters?

National team flags are based on FIFA eligibility rules, although some players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Who is the vice-captain of the first-team?

Jake Brimmer serves as the vice-captain for the first-team squad.

References

  1. Jack Snape (21 November 2023). "New Auckland football club to join A-Leagues after Bill Foley secures licence". The Guardian.
  2. "A-Leagues set to expand to Canberra and Auckland for 2024–25 season". ABC News. 14 March 2023. Archived from the original on 14 March 2023. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  3. Smithies, Tom (10 October 2023). "Premier League owner confirmed as preferred bidder for A-Leagues expansion licence in Auckland". Australian Professional Leagues. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  4. "Auckland expansion team awarded full A-Leagues license". Australian Professional Leagues. 21 November 2023. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  5. Voerman, Andrew (21 November 2023). "Auckland A-Leagues club has 'lot of work' to do on brand; owner not wedded to 'Knights'". Stuff.co.nz.