The Wellington Phoenix women’s fairytale Ninja A-League season has ended in heartbreak, losing 3-1 to Melbourne City in the grand final at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Despite the defeat, the Phoenix capped off a record-breaking campaign with the club’s first appearance in an A-League Women grand final, cementing their rise as one of New Zealand football’s biggest success stories this season.
Melbourne City took control early, with Matildas striker Holly McNamara scoring twice before halftime. Fellow Australian international Leticia McKenna added a third shortly after the break, putting the hosts firmly in command.
The Phoenix refused to fold. Makala Woods gave Wellington hope early in the second half, tapping home after goalkeeper Malena Mieres failed to hold a header from Mackenzie Anthony. The visitors pushed hard for another goal but could not break through City’s defence again.
Phoenix coach Bev Priestman said her side failed to show their best in the opening half but was proud of the response after the break.
“When you’re not at your best a team like City can punish you,” Priestman said post-match.
“What I am proud of is in the second half we gave a much better account of ourselves. We never gave up, which I think is important, but it wasn’t our best night.”
Priestman said the experience of playing in a grand final would help the young squad grow.
“These are the moments that make players and make clubs depending on how you respond,” she said.
“I’ve got no doubt that dressing room will respond in the right way and push on.”
The match also featured the first use of VAR in A-League Women grand final history. Melbourne City appealed for a penalty just four minutes into the game after Bryleeh Henry went down in the box, but the decision not to award a spot kick was upheld after review.
Wellington created several chances throughout the night. Brooke Nunn, Grace Jale and Pia Vlok all threatened before halftime, while Woods and Anthony sparked a much stronger second-half performance as the Phoenix chased a comeback.
The result ends a remarkable campaign for the Wellington side, which exceeded expectations under Priestman and captured support across the capital and beyond.
The arrived in Wellington on Sunday morning and will celebrate the season with supporters at Fraser Park later in the day.
