Whether by train, bus or plane, dedicated fans have criss-crossed Australia in growing numbers in Hyundai A-League’s season two, keen to support their team in fixtures away from home. Away fans have been spotted at almost every match this season, providing a colourful counter to the home fans behind the opposite goal.

Only the Hyundai A-League’s biggest fans take the time and bear the expense of these away trips. But even the most dedicated have their limits. For Genevieve Thyer, a passionate Mariners fan who has travelled with her family to almost every Central Coast match this season, that limit is New Zealand. “It’s the time of the week they play.” The Knights played the Mariners on Thursday and Sunday this season, making it difficult to fit in a weekend’s football around the fixture, particularly given the flight times to Auckland. “I do have a real job!” Genevieve admits.

For most fans, cost is also an issue. “It’s fairly expensive once you start looking at an international flight,” Genevieve says. From Sydney or Melbourne, a return flight to New Zealand will cost at least $400, and that is booking well in advance.

Away from time and cost there’s also the issue that New Zealand is not exactly regarded as being a glamour tie. The Knights have struggled with home attendances, the weather can be chilly, particularly early in the season, and the football is not guaranteed to set the world on fire.

Brian Evans is a devoted Roar fan who has made the trip to Auckland. He says: “New Zealand is totally different. The football side of it is totally weird. The supporters are funny. I don’t know whether they really do support the game, or whether they’re supporting a New Zealand team against an Aussie team!”

However, some fans have made the trip to New Zealand and have come back beaming. Mariners fans and couple Kev and Vanessa, and mates Michael and Eggy, coincidentally planned week-long holidays in New Zealand around the Mariners/Knights round 13 clash back in November.

Kev says that they had an “absolute ball”. “We went over for my birthday. It was an absolutely fantastic experience, we’d do it again tomorrow.”

Though the stadium was far from full, the group thoroughly enjoyed the match. “We had the whole end to ourselves,” Kev says. Even the security seemed to enjoy things. “The steward said they’re used to the rugby when you’ve got maybe ten thousand people there. Then you’ve got four of us there and they just wanted to have fun and enjoy it,” he remembers. “She was wearing a yellow vest and she just started singing with us!” Eggy adds.

“I’ve got relos over there but I went all for the Mariners. I wouldn’t have gone just to see the relos! It was such an adventure,” Eggy says. The Mariners 2-0 victory obviously made a difference... but far would you be prepared to go?

Reproduced from TheFull90 – the official matchday magazine of the Hyundai A-League www.a-league.com.au Get it at the game!