Wellington Phoenix defender Andrew Durante is revelling in his role as captain of the club. The 27-year old, who joined the Phoenix at the start of the 2008/09 season, is enjoying life in Wellington and loves the challenge of leading a club who is yearning for success.
Success is one thing he has already tasted, winning the Championship with the Newcastle Jets in the 2007/08 season (he was awarded the Joe Marston Medal for Best on Ground) and after almost two seasons at the helm of the Phoenix, is looking to go there again.
"I think I learned a lot - things to do, things maybe not to do," he says.
"I got caught up in everyone else's business (last season), on and off the field. I thought about it and the reason I probably got the captaincy was because I led on the field with performances, so that was the main aim, just to get back to basics. I think it's been much better for me in that sense."
The New Zealand club is on the verge of their first final series and Durante is comfortable with the tightness and of the squad which he believes can progress further once the play-offs begin.
"Last season it was very much around Shane Smeltz, we relied on him way too much. We've got so much more attacking depth and the back four has been really solid," he added.
"The boys are so tight off the field, too, and we really want to do well for each other. We don't want it to stop here."
The Phoenix will be chasing a top-four finish when they take on Central Coast Mariners in the final home and away match of the season tonight at Westpac Stadium - kick-off is at 7:30pm local time (5:30pm AEDT).
