Wellington Phoenix midfielder Brown said visits to various events and schools had allowed the players to feel the rising public expectation and they were enjoying the growing buzz.

Competitiveness in the camp was high which was to be expected given the chance in a lifetime it represents to the players vying to be in the final selection.

"There is ferocious competition but in saying that there is a good atmosphere and guys are getting on respectful of what everyone is trying to achieve," he said.

"Physically it is very demanding and the coaches laid that out from the start and I think that is what we need at the moment. The guys, certainly from the A-League point of view have had a bit of time off so there's a lot of hard, physical work to be done. But it's enjoyable and there is a lot at stake and some big games ahead so we're trying to make the most of it," he said.

"It's great that there is competition here. There are some good young players who haven't had their chance in this type of environment before but I think they are making the most of it and I think it will be a tough selection for Ricki and his staff."

Players had approached the situation well, they were being themselves and acting professionally which was better than trying to be something they might imagine the coaches wanted them to be.

"There's some big games ahead and we need to be absolutely spot on and on top of our games and we're working at that," Brown added.