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Sport Nation
New-look Phoenix set lofty goals ahead of A-League Women's opener
Stephen Foote • November 7th, 2025 12:10 pm
Phoenix's Bev Priestman & Mackenzie Barry | Photo: Photosport
The new-look Wellington Phoenix will kick off their 2025/26 A-League Women's campaign on home territory on Saturday.
After missing the opening round of the competition with a bye, coach Bev Priestman believes her side are primed and ready to scratch their competitive itch against Canberra United FC as part of a double-header with their male counterparts at Sky Stadium.
Having the first week off proved timely for the Phoenix, who would've been forced to play without their sizeable contingent of Football Ferns yet to return from their North American tour.
With the squad now at its full complement, Priestman - who guided Canada to gold at the Tokyo Olympics - is eager to see the spoils of their off-season work in action.
"We've had to watch the season from afar but now everybody's roaring and ready to go," Priestman told Sport Nation Mornings.
In her first appointment since her enforced sabbatical on the back of the dronegate saga at the last World Cup, Priestman - the only female coach in the league - is out with a point to prove, both to herself and NZ football.
"This is a club that has looked after the development of football in this country," said Priestman, who had a coaching role in Wellington before joining New Zealand Football in 2009.
Macey Fraser | Photo: Photosport
"I have a big passion for the game here in New Zealand. I was a big part of that 10 years ago.
"It just feels really special to be back and back in the game and ready to go at the weekend."
The Englishwoman is part of a fresh looking batch of internationals in the capital, as well as the marquee homecoming of midfielder Macey Fraser.
All of the Phoenix’s visa players from last season have left and in their place, an abundance of international experience has replaced them, including star keeper Vic Esson, Nepalese goal machine Subitra Bindari and Dutch international Tessel Middag.
According to Priestman, squad depth is one of the team's key strengths and will be a key factor to their success.
"This team has an unbelievable bench and starting 11," she noted.
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"We've talked about starting games strong, but also finishing them strong, and I'm very front footed in using my bench.
"It's going to take all players this season to get this team over the line and having a great bench as well is going to be critical to our success."
And Priestman has her sights set high. Finishing in 9th place last year, the Phoenix are yet to qualify for the A-League Women's finals, the start of the Durham product's list of goals for the side this season.
"We'd be disappointed if we didn't get some big firsts for this club.
"I've spoken to the group around being that team and those moments where the whole country stops for women's sports.
"In this country, those have generally been more national teams. We want to be a women's professional team that everyone remembers where they were in that moment… inspire the next generation to go on and do great things in the sport."
