Tomorrow at 6pm, Wellington Olympic and Auckland City FC will meet once again in a Dettol National League final, this time at Newtown Park, where the 2025 champions will be crowned.

Olympic come into the decider after a strong season, finishing top of the table with seven wins and three losses. Even though they slipped late with defeats to Auckland FC Reserves and Christchurch United, they bounced back at the right time and secured the first position in  the league with an exciting win over Miramar Rangers in the final round.

Auckland City FC, meanwhile, have had a more uneven year compared to what we’re used to from them. But when the pressure rose, they responded well, winning their last three matches to grab a place in the final on the last round of the league.

These teams last met in Round 4 of the Championship Phase, when Auckland City won 1-0 away thanks to a goal from Angus Kilkolly. This will be their third National League final against each other: the Navy Blues won 3-2 in 2022, while Olympic claimed the title in 2023 with a 2-0 victory. 

A few Olympic players have stood out this season. Isa Prins has played with confidence despite being so young. Tor Davenport-Petersen has also been important in midfield, helping the team stay organised and often joining the attack to score.  Another player who deserves a mention is Gianni Bouzoukis who has been one of their most reliable goal threats, always dangerous around the box.

For Auckland City FC, Gerard Garriga has been a key figure in midfield in the matches that he played and arrives at the final as the team’s top scorer. David Yoo, who will join South Island United in next year’s OFC Pro League, brings creativity and attacking spark, constantly causing problems for defenders. Captain Mario Ilich adds leadership and strength in the air, making him another important part of Paul Posa’s team.

Referee Calvin Berg will take charge of the final, with Gareth Sheehan and Ashton Davenport as assistant referees and Cory Mills as fourth official.

If you can’t make it to Newtown Park, you can watch the final live and free on FIFA+.

Article added: Friday 12 December 2025