Callan Elliot moves from Phoenix to Auckland FC. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Auckland FC have added three more players with significant professional experience to their first A-League squad - including two former Wellington Phoenix players.
All Whites Callan Elliot and Joey Champness are joined by three-time A-League title winner Scott Galloway as Auckland FC brought their player total to 16.
Head coach Steve Corica said the latest signings showed the direction the new club was taking.
"Between the three of them they have played more than 400 professional games. Scott is obviously the most experienced having won a decent amount of silverware and is a real versatile player capable of playing both right and left-back. Callan was a regular with the Phoenix and Joey has played internationally in Turkey.
"These are three quality players who will provide the club with a solid foundation. I'm proud to bring them here and they are just as excited to play for us.
"With these three signings, plus the addition of centre-back Dan Hall earlier in the week, fans will start to see the type of team we're trying to build. A team that is exciting to watch that mixes youth with experience and a good amount of local talent."
Melbourne City's Scott Galloway eludes Oskar Zawada of the Wellington Phoenix during their A-League game. Photo: Photosport
Galloway, 29, was an experienced defender who joined from Melbourne City. Perth born, Galloway has played more than 243 professional games, the majority in the A-League including 22 for the Wellington Phoenix back in 2017/18.
Another familiar name who will now be wearing the black and blue of Auckland FC is 24-year-old Elliot. The right back returns to New Zealand after a season with Scottish Premiership side Motherwell FC.
Born in Scotland and emigrating to New Zealand as a young child, Elliot began his career with hometown side Tasman United under the mentorship of team mate Paul Ifill, making his senior debut with Auckland City in 2017.
His performances caught the attention of Wellington Phoenix in 2018 and with a successful spell for the reserve side, Elliot signed a professional contract in 2019. In September 2020, Elliot signed a three-year deal with Greek club Xanthi before returning to the Phoenix in 2021.
In January Elliot joined Motherwell on a short term deal until the end of the season.
Joey Champness of New Zealand in action during their international friendly match between Jordan and New Zealand. Photo: Neville Hopwood
Auckland-born left-winger Joey Champness has six international caps to his name and has been playing in Turkey since the start of the 2020/21 season, most recently with Adanaspor.
Champness has been representing New Zealand in international competition after switching from Australia in 2021.
Despite representing Australia at age-group level Joey has always considered New Zealand "home".
Champness burst onto the scene with Newcastle Jets as a teenager, scoring on his debut shortly after being subbed on against Central Coast Mariners. He played in the 2018 final but then shocked the sport by walking away from football to pursue a hip-hop career, performing under the stage name JOWIC.
He returned to the game in 2020 to represent New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics, followed by the deal with Adanaspor, playing in the TFF First League.
Corcia knew there was interest in which international visa players the club would sign - "all I can say is watch this space".