The Wellington Phoenix FC women will carry the hopes of New Zealand football into Saturday’s Ninja A-League Grand Final after naming an unchanged squad for their historic clash with Melbourne City FC at AAMI Park.
The Phoenix face the four-time champions in Melbourne on Saturday night, with kickoff scheduled for 6.15pm NZT. It will be the club’s first appearance in an A-League women’s grand final and the first time a New Zealand women’s side has competed for the title.
Head coach Bev Priestman said the occasion meant more than silverware for the club.
“As the only professional women’s football team in New Zealand, we want to put women’s football in New Zealand on the map,” Priestman told media before the team departed Wellington Airport.
“It’s not just about representing Wellington, it is about representing New Zealand.”
The Phoenix booked their place in the decider after defeating Brisbane Roar FC 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals, with forward Makala Woods scoring twice in extra time in front of 5,923 fans at Porirua Park.
Priestman said the challenge now was ensuring her side recovered emotionally and physically after the dramatic semi-final win.
“We’ve got to be careful that the last game doesn’t become our final,” she said.
“Finals football is about turning up fresh, hungry and enjoying the moment.”
The Phoenix squad remains unchanged for the grand final, led by captain Mackenzie Barry and Football Ferns goalkeeper Victoria Esson. Midfielder Macey Fraser and forward Grace Jale are also expected to play key roles against a Melbourne City side that finished top of the regular-season table.
City earned hosting rights after beating rivals Melbourne Victory FC 2-0 on aggregate in their semi-final.
The Melbourne club is chasing a record-equalling fifth championship and could complete a rare treble after already securing the Premiers’ Plate this season.
City have been boosted by the return of Danella Butrus from injury, although several players remain unavailable because of international duty and suspension.
The Phoenix will again be without captain CJ Bott, who is pregnant, while Tessel Middag, Sabitra Bhandari, Alyssa Whinham and Emma Main remain sidelined through injury.
For the first time, video assistant referee technology will be used in a Ninja A-League grand final.
The match will be broadcast live in New Zealand on Sky Sport, Sky Open and streaming platforms Sky Sport Now and Sky Go.
