EXCLUSIVE: A pre-season prediction that Wellington would finish “a dismal tenth” has driven Phoenix towards their first A-League finals, says skipper Andrew Durante.
At the start of the season, former Socceroo and Fox Sports pundit Robbie Slater predicted Phoenix as finals ho-hopers.
His comments didn't go down well with the black and gold and were subsequently put up in the Phoenix dressing room before each game.
It has helped the capital city club push into unchartered territory of a first A-League finals series since their inception in 2007.
"I think a certain journalist [Slater] picked us to come a dismal tenth was his assessment of the league. Mr Robbie Slater... we've actually kept that little article as inspiration throughout the year," Durante told au.fourfourtwo.com at today's launch of the A-League finals.
"Not even tenth, just a 'dismal tenth'."
The former Jet admitted Slater wasn't the only doubting the credentials of the Nix.
"But over the last two months we've shown we deserve to be there," he said. "We're a very strong team at home. We've got the first semi at home which is a massive advantage for us."
Durante's leadership has been a major factor in the club achieving their success this year. Seemingly on the outer with the Socceroos, the former Olyroo however did not rule out one day playing for the All-Whites.
"It is possible," he said with a laugh. "To be honest, I've always wanted to play for the Socceroos and it's still my aim. But you have to live in the country [New Zealand] for five years.
"You never know - life's funny."
Phoenix wingback Leo Bertos added that belief was coursing through Phoenix - unlike previous seasons.
"I spoke about it with some of the guys, the belief that's there we haven't had in the last few years," he said. "We didn't just fluke it into the finals; we deserve to be here, man. We can beat anyone here on the day."
A crowd of around 20,000 is tipped for this weekend's do-or-die finals game against Perth Glory at Westpac.
Bertos said the 12th man factor was even more evident in Wellington than other clubs.
"It's extra special for me [being from Wellington]," added the former Glory man who's set to play in this year's World Cup with the All-Whites.
"It's my home crowd, and I've got a lot of mates in the Yellow Fever. Most of the time the weather's been windy and rain and they've still got their tops off and chanting and singing.
"And I'd probably be in there too if I wasn't playing football. They're extra special, they're amazing."
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