Grace Jale is returning to the Wellington Phoenix to help lead the club to its first A-League title.

The Football Ferns forward has signed with the Phoenix for the 2024-25 season, further bolstering Paul Temple’s squad.

Jale, 25, was the top goalscorer in the women’s team’s maiden campaign, finding the back of the net six times, and has played for Canberra United and Perth Glory over the past two seasons.

She has also been capped 34 times for New Zealand and played at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and this year’s Paris Olympics.

“Now that I’ve experienced a World Cup and an Olympics I think I’m ready to thrive and take the league by storm,” Jale said.

“I hope to be up there scoring lots of goals and setting up goals, and just doing my best for the team.

“It’s finals at minimum but I’m hoping to win the league with the Phoenix. That’s the plan.

“The core group of players that have already signed are really good and I think Paul is definitely capable of coaching a winning team.”

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND – APRIL 6: Grace Jale of New Zealand controls the ball against Phonphirun Philawan of Thailand during the Women’s International Friendly match between the New Zealand Football Ferns and Thailand at Apollo Projects Stadium on April 6, 2024 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

Grace Jale is looking forward to returning to the club where she started her professional career.

“I went to Canberra for a season and I went to Perth for a season, and I missed the Phoenix.

“It was nice to come up against the Nix over the past two years and see how much they’ve developed and see their set-up in Wellington.

“The facilities, the coaching staff and everything has gone about a thousand steps upwards from Wollongong.

“I missed being at home, having the home crowd and representing New Zealand in an Australian league.”

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 16: Grace Jale of the Phoenix celebrates a goal during the round seven A-League Women’s match between Wellington Phoenix and Brisbane Roar at WIN Stadium, on January 16, 2022, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Jale got to experience what life at the Phoenix will look like this season, when she spent time with Paul Temple at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) preparing for the Olympics.

“I was really grateful to be able to spend some time there, work with Paul and all of the Wellington staff and get to use the facilities.

“I enjoyed my time and it was a kind of a no brainer to sign with the Phoenix after that because I fell in love with the place.

“Paul sold it to me and Wellington sold it to me so I’m really excited to be coming back.”

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 18: Grace Jale of Phoenix in action during the A-League Women’s match between Wellington Phoenix and Adelaide United at WIN Stadium, on February 18, 2022, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

Phoenix head coach Paul Temple is equally excited about Jale’s return.

“Grace is a player who I’ve been keen on bringing back to the Phoenix for a while now,” Temple said.

“I remember seeing her play as a youngster in Auckland and I’ve always kept an eye on her development and progression.

“So I’m delighted she has chosen to come back to the Phoenix and we finally get to work together.”

He believes the Phoenix can help her realise her potential. “I think Grace is ready to put in consistently strong performances and kick on to the next level.

“Her performances for the Ferns at international level have shown that she has exciting qualities as an attacking player.

“I think with the way we want to play football she will suit the style of play and we’ll be able to bring out her qualities consistently in games.”

Grace Jale is the 16th player confirmed in Paul Temple’s first team squad, with further signings and re-signings to follow in the coming weeks.