“It’s been difficult learning people’s patterns of how they play and stuff, but I guess my previous experience playing in Oceania means I kind of know how the island players like to play,” he says.
“They’re a bit more off-the-cuff and unpredictable which can work to great benefit. But for me personally, and for the Australian boys in the squad, we’re here to provide a bit of experience defensively and just organise things a bit.”
Amicale qualified for the final of the inaugural OFC President’s Cup with a deserved 2-1 victory over Bahrain club Busaiteen and a 3-0 win over Fiji U-20.
“It’s great for Amicale and the Vanuatu people,” Hogg says.
“Obviously in the past they’ve done alright in the Oceania league, but to step up against a professional team who train day-to-day and play at the highest level – it just shows you that the gulf between teams around the world is actually quite small.
“So we just hope to grow on that performance and take that into the final.”
Hogg made 73 appearances for Auckland City FC between 2009 and 2012 and has also played for New Zealand Premiership clubs Hawke’s Bay United and Waitakere United during his career.
Now, with Amicale through to the final of the OFC President’s Cup, and Auckland City looking set to join them, Hogg is excited about the prospect of playing against his former teammates.
“Obviously I spent a lot of time at Auckland City and have some good memories of there, they’re a well-run team and they play some good football,” he says.
“Over the last three or four years the two sides have had a good rivalry so I think for some of the Amicale boys they’re hoping it will be Auckland City in the final so they can get some revenge for the loss in the Champions League final last season.
“Personally I’m hoping it will be Auckland City in the final which I’m really looking forward to as I’ve still got a few friends there. It should be a good match.”

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