WELLINGTON Phoenix football players are a bunch of gaming geeks. They like to relax ahead of big matches by challenging each other in video game competitions.
Phoenix forward Paul Ifill is not only skilled on the field, but has skills when it comes to playing virtual football.
“Pro-Evolution is the best. I’m the current champion. [Phoenix midfielder] Troy Hearfield and [goalkeeper] Danny Vukovic are good but [forward] Mirjan Pavlovic is terrible.”
Striker Chris Greenacre is another Phoenix player who is an avid Pro-Evolution fan.
“On away trips we synchronise the games so we can play against each other. I think Paul Ifill is the best gamer but Troy Hearfield probably thinks he’s the best.”
Defender Ben Sigmund enjoys motion gaming, where players control characters on the screen using a hand-held controller.
“I’ve played the Sports Champions’ game against Paul Ifill and (forward) Dylan Mcallister a few times on the new Playstation Move console and I think we are about even,” he says.
Movies and dining are other popular ways for the players to prepare ahead of a game.
“We all like to bring our favourite DVDs on away trips and, if any of the guys haven’t seen some of the squad’s favourites, we put them on and rate the movies out of 10,” says Ifill.
Vice-captain Ben Sigmund also likes to relax at home ahead of a big game. It allows him to focus.
“I just like to chill out, watch TV and enjoy a nice pasta.”
Sigmund will need to be focused ahead of Friday’s game against North Queensland Fury at Westpac Stadium.
The last time Sigmund played against Fury, Phoenix conceded a goal in the final minutes, which gave Fury a share of the points.
However he is confident that the Phoenix can get a good result.
“We are a good solid team and we’re not far away from playing good football. We just haven’t got it together yet, but we will get it together this weekend and when we do there will be a heavy hammering for Fury.”
Sigmund will want to avoid a repeat of last year’s performance and feels the Phoenix have a big advantage when the team plays in the capital.
“You can’t beat our home crowd. They’re the best in the A-League. They sing and cheer and get right behind you. It’s a great atmosphere when we go out to play.”
Wellington Phoenix vs North Queensland Fury, Westpac Stadium, 7.30pm, September 24.