Well, crikey. The last time you heard from me I was ripping my leg hairs out. The ol’ Nix couldn’t even buy a win. They couldn’t match fix a win. Hell, they wouldn’t have even been able to take a win hostage and hold it for ransom! They had 4 points from 10 games, and let’s be honest, really only the true blues were tuning in.

But that was then. Since that painful defeat to Central Coast on December 19th, something transformed. Something within that squad of battlers screamed ‘ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!’ and then good ol’ Manny Muscat whipped out his boom box and blasted ‘We’re Not Gonna Take it’ on repeat.

Since that fateful night, the Nix have crusaded to 10 points from 4 games. 3 wins on the trot can be credited to some awesome spikes of form, a bit of luck, but 99% perseverance. Ernie Merrick has been brave enough to stick to the same positive game plan all season, and it’s finally paying off.

While it’s definitely been a team effort, a few individuals have really started to make their mark;

Steinbags Huysegems – 4 goals in 4 games. You can’t argue with that, the man’s been in the right place at the right time & looks shit tonnes more threatening than when Jeremey Brocoli is on the ball (Sorry Jerry, I know you’re out of form, but we’re just having a laugh mate). Yeah, he’s still slower than a wet week, but he’s got a great big mug & his name sounds great when the commentators yell it as he’s slotting home, so it’s all gravy baby.

Albert Reira – isn’t this guy meant to be on holiday? Aren’t his family wondering where he is? “Oh yeah hey Mum, I just got caught up with playing some professional football, I should be home after my brand spankin new contract expires.” But in all seriousness, this guy has come from playing backyard football in Spain, to being the anchor of our midfield. He wins the ball, passes well, and is rarely caught out of position. What a champ, hope you’re enjoying the holiday, mate!

Andrew Durante – Ok so he had an average start to the season, but who didn’t? He copped a lot of shit during New Zealand’s loss to Mexico, “He’s a bloody useless Aussie! He’s a witch! Burn him!” and so on. But this guy is a classy A-League player. He doesn’t need to be anything more than that. He’s like Kevin Nolan to the EPL. In the last few weeks, Durante hasn’t made a mistake, and has been throwing himself in front of every shot heading towards his goal. While he’s more of a ‘behind the scenes’ man, his leadership has been key. And how about that beard!

And last but probably most, Glen Moss. Man, this guy is insane. I shit you not, he must make at least 3 top class saves per game. Yeah, he gave away a penalty (unconverted) in the latest draw against Central Coast, but he has definitely been player of the year thus far. No one’s put a Glen Moss highlights video up on YouTube yet, but seriously… someone should. But not me, I’m a busy man.

In other news, we won’t be seeing Paul ‘Jesus Christ, the saviour, the Holy One’ Ifill again this season, he’s buggered his ankle. And that sucks, because he is the man and the crowd (and myself) love him to bits. But never fear, Ernie’s brought in Auckland City front man Roy Krishna. Now, I don’t know a heck of a lot about this guy – but I grew up playing against plenty of naturally skilled Fijians, and I’m really excited to see how he fairs in the next step up. He was given 10 minutes against Central Coast without really seeing too much ball. Merrick’s signed this bloke for a reason, and since Brockie’s waaaaaay out of form, maybe Krishna deserves a chance in the deep end. The word around town is that a chance with the Phoenix has been on the cards for a while now, so good on him.

The Nix host Melbourne on Saturday night at the Cake Tin, a team they’ve only beaten twice in 19 meetings. However, those 2 victories did come at home. With the form they’re in, I’m quietly confident, even if Melbourne are sitting in 3rd spot.

Come on lads, we’re now only 5 points off the top 6! Let’s get into it!

Wellington Phoenix Last 4 results:

ROUND 11

Phoenix 1, Sydney FC 0 @ Westpac Stadium

Stein the Brain 32’

ROUND 12

Heart 0, Phoenix 1 @ AAMI Park

Stein the Brain 74’

ROUND 13

Wanderers 1, Phoenix 3 @ Pirtek Stadium

Stein the Brain 77’, 82’

Tyler Boyd 66’