The Wellington Phoenix women’s team kick off their 2024-25 season tonight as they look to try and qualify for the finals of the A-League for the first time.
The Nix finished eighth last season, five points behind sixth place which meant they didn’t progress to the finals series.
Wellington Phoenix head coach Paul Temple said he’s "raring to go" ahead of the opening game against Western United which kicks off at 9pm tonight.
"It’s been a good pre-season for us, we’ve been working really hard," Temple said. "I think we’re just excited to get on the road and get going.
"We see it at training every day. I’ve been really impressed with the mentality in pre-season."
Heading into the clubs fourth season in the A-League, they’ve had a lot of player movement in the off-season.
The Phoenix have lost 11 players that featured for the club last season.
Included in the group of outgoing players were Kiwis Macey Fraser (Utah Royals) and Kate Taylor (Dijon) as well as letting go of visa players Hope Breslin (Brooklyn FC), Isabel Cox (Brooklyn FC) and Mariana Speckmaier (Melbourne City).
Michaela Robertson has also taken a break from football and wouldn’t feature for the Nix this season.
Tonight’s match will feature debuts for both imports and Kiwi signings.
"It’s always exciting for players to play their first game for the club. I know there’s a lot of excitement in the group about that.
"It’ll be good for fans to see our new players and get any first-game nerves out of the way, and celebrate those milestones for them."
The most notable visa signings are Portuguese goalkeeper Corolina Vilão and English striker Olivia Fergusson, who might miss the first game due to injury.
"Olivia Fergusson’s probably just a slight injury concern, so we’ll make a call on that just before the game but it’s nothing major at this point."
Football Fern Annalie Longo will lead the side for a second season and said she wants to create history for the club this season.
"My job as captain and one of the leaders in the team is to ensure we create that good environment so players are continuing to enjoy their football and want to represent the club well," Longo said.
The Nix's opponents tonight, Western United, finished in third place last season and beat the Phoenix 3-0 in their most recent encounter.
The Phoenix have only beaten Western United once from four previous meetings, with a 3-1 win in November last year.
Wellington Phoenix squad:
Zoe McMeeken, Tiana Jaber, Mackenzie Barry, Maya McCutcheon, Grace Jale, Olivia Fergusson, Alyssa Whinham, Manaia Elliott, Ella McMillan, Mebae Tanaka, Daisy Brazendale, Annalie Longo (c), Liv Ingham, Emma Main, Lara Wall, Aimee Danieli (gk), Rebecca Lake, Carolina Vilão (gk).
(two to be omitted)
Unavailable: 18. Ella McCann (injured).
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