All Whites defender Francis de Vries commits long term to Auckland FC

One of Auckland FC’s most important players has extended his time at the club.

All Whites defender Francis de Vries has inked a new deal, which will keep him at the A-League franchise until the end of the 2028-2029 season. It’s a big boost for the expansion team, given de Vries would have attracted interest from other clubs when his previous contract expired in June.

The left fullback has been one of the most influential figures in the A-League since his Auckland debut, especially with his capacity for assists with wicked delivery from the flank. The development is another remarkable chapter in the career of the 31-year-old, given he was a part-time footballer for many years and it looked like his professional dreams were over in 2023, when he ruptured his ACL playing in Sweden with six months left on his contract.

Given that uncertainty, he returned to New Zealand with his Swedish partner Lisa and started a new life, with football on the back burner. There was interest from several A-League clubs, but most were hesitant because of his injury, so he continued to play for Eastern Suburbs in our domestic league and pondered non-sporting options.

But Auckland FC were prepared to take a chance – offering a two-year deal – and it has paid off spectacularly, as de Vries has assembled an unmatched record. He started all 28 matches of the inaugural campaign and has been an ever-present again this season.

Across that time he has barely missed a minute and contributed 13 assists and three goals. De Vries has also emerged as a leader off the field and worn the captain’s armband twice this season. At the same time, de Vries has become a regular in All Whites squads, which has elevated his play, his confidence and his belief.

The Herald understands other A-League clubs had indicated interest in de Vries, though they weren’t able to formally talk with him until January 1, when he had moved into the last six months of his current deal. However, by that stage negotiations were underway between Auckland FC and de Vries, who is settled and comfortable here, on and off the field.

In other squad news, fan favourite Liam Gillion and promising youngster Luka Vicelich have been moved to the OFC Pro League squad before that competition kicks off on Saturday, with the opening match against South Island United.

Gillion was a popular figure in the inaugural season, starting in the first 11 matches. But he lost his place on the wing in January and only featured in five games after that, all off the bench, as he also dealt with niggling injuries. Gillion scored his first goal for the club in the Australia Cup in July but has barely been sighted this season, with just 89 minutes across four matches.

It doesn’t mean Gillion can’t return to the A-League team but it will be a chance for him to get matches under his belt and regain some confidence and rhythm. Vicelich, who is the son of All Whites great Ivan, is 17 and will also benefit from the experience.

Auckland FC also confirmed the final batch of names for their O-League squad on Thursday – Aidan Carey (24), Jonathan Robinson (24), Oscar Faulds (24) and Aston Burns (19).

Meanwhile, the A-League team hopes to continue their remarkable away record on Friday night, as they face Melbourne City. Auckland FC have only dropped two matches away from their Mt Smart base and have yet to taste defeat in Australia this season, with four wins, one draw and two goals conceded in those five matches.

Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.