Jake Brimmer of Auckland FC. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/Photosport
Competition for starting spots at Auckland FC is still fierce six months into their first season in the A-League.
Coach Steve Corica is unwavering in that he picks on form but every player wants to be playing a significant part in what will be a historic season.
Auckland are four points clear of the chasing pack in the standings and are closing in on the Premiers Plate.
With three games remaining in the regular season, before the playoffs begin, Corica is open to making changes if needed.
"We want fresh players out there and if I think some players are tired, we'll change them, if they're not in form as well there's an opportunity to change players," Corica said.
"I think we've got a good squad, good depth in the squad as well and I think everyone's fighting for a spot and I can only make decisions what I think is best for the team and what we really want is the win, so we'll make decisions for that.
"We change the team every now and then. We've changed shape every now and then as well. Just what suits who we're playing against."
Auckland FC players celebrate a goal against the Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Obviously only 11 players can start against Melbourne Victory on Saturday but Corica said the whole squad was trying to push for game time.
"You can see the players that aren't playing, they're working hard out here [at training], and they do extras all the time. They've got great attitudes and they need to be ready for when they do get the opportunity and then when they get the opportunity they have to take it. So that's what their mentality should be like and that's what it is like."
Corica was comfortable with where the team was but wanted more.
"Not many people would've believed that we'd be in this position right now, but we are and it's a fantastic opportunity for us to try and win something in our first year and we don't want to let it slip, but there's three important games still to go and we just need to win. If we win, we take care of business and we will end up with the trophy.
Wins had been hard to come by of late with five draws in their last six games.
"Big players you need for big games and we have experienced players but everyone can help in this situation now. For me it's working hard for each other, maintaining the focus and like I said, we've created enough chances to win the games. We are just lacking that final touch right at the moment."
Confidence was "very high" amongst the squad as the playoffs approached.
"There's 12 games unbeaten, so it should be quite high. We are hard to beat. That's for me is a real bonus leading into any game and into the finals.
"At the start of the season we kept a lot of clean sheets and if we can get back to that and continue scoring one or two goals again, obviously we're going to win games."
Midfielder Jake Brimmer has had limited playing minutes in the last three matches and has played several positions this season but he said he wanted to do the "best for the team" even if he hoped to be back in the starting side.
"Over the last few weeks a lot of stuff has happened in my personal life and [Corica] decided to put me on the bench," Brimmer said.
"Obviously I want to start every week and I am used to starting but it's been a bit different for me the last few weeks and for personal reasons or whatever the gaffer decides it's up to him and my job is to just continue to do what I do whether I start or whether I'm off the bench is continuing to play well when I get called up.
"Last week, especially against Sydney I felt free again so I went back into that attacking role and felt really comfortable and hopefully moving forward I can continue to play there and get the team ticking."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
