KEY POINTS:
There has been a shift of power in the NZFC and it has moved down Highway 16 from Auckland City to Waitakere United.
Auckland won almost everything in their first three years of existence - three NZFC titles and one O-League title - but Waitakere have been dominant this season.
"We are concerned because we are competitive people but the results tell a story," Auckland chairman Ivan Vuksich said.
The story is that Waitakere are unbeaten in games between the two sides this season - and conceded only two goals in the process - and have lost only once in the last nine outings with Auckland.
There is even the very real proposition that Auckland could miss out on their first grand final in four years, as well as a spot in the potentially lucrative O-League.
The second part of that equation would have serious implications for the club.
"Playing-wise, we are a bit light this season and are looking to address that," Vuksich said. "But if we don't make the O-League it makes it difficult to attract players. It's a big thing for the top players."
He said they were "happy" with Colin Tuaa but it's understood the board have questioned whether he is the right coach. The main problem is there is a dearth of good coaches.
Assuming Waitakere beat Otago today, Wellington need only a draw against Auckland to claim second in the league and home advantage next weekend against the same opposition to find Waitakere's opponent in the grand final. If Waitakere go on to win the final, the second-placed team in the league will then take the second O-League place.
Auckland have shown signs of fatigue from a heavy workload and today will be without Ben Sigmnd, Greg Ulhmann, James Pritchett and Riki van Steeden, while there is a doubt over Jeff Campbell's fitness.
Auckland's demise started with the end of Allan Jones' reign as coach two years ago. They managed to claim the title last season under Roger Wilkinson and then Paul Marshall but were less convincing.
They have also seen a host of players transfer out west, including Jonathan Perry, Neil Sykes and Paul Seaman. The result is that Waitakere have an experienced squad with a strong defence that outmuscles Auckland strikers Keryn Jordan and Grant Young.
