The Wellington Phoenix will celebrate a significant player milestone this weekend.
Phoenix midfielder Alyssa Whinham will play her 50th Ninja A-League match on Sunday afternoon when the Nix play host to Newcastle Jets at Porirua Park.
In doing so Whinham, 21, will become just the second player to make 50 A-League appearances for the club, after centre back Mackenzie Barry reached the half century mark at the end of last season.
Head coach Paul Temple says it’s important to celebrate milestones like this.
“Fifty games for the club is awesome,” Temple. “Alyssa’s been here since day one so she’s definitely part of the furniture.
“It’s pretty special for her and her family to get to a milestone like 50 games for the Phoenix and to still only be 21 years of age, it’s a pretty amazing achievement.
“We celebrated Mack when she got it at the end of last season, and we’ll do the same for Alyssa.
“They deserve it. They’re putting in the work and that consistency to get to that number of games.
“It’s not like they’re playing 30 or 40 games a season so getting to these totals means you’ve got to be consistent, and you’ve got to be good.”
And Temple is proud of how Whinham’s grown as a player since he took over as head coach at the start of last season.
“Alyssa is really committed to bettering herself on and off the pitch.
“She’s working so hard in the gym to be stronger, fitter and faster. She’s committed to that, she’s doing the work and I think she’s seeing the benefits of it.
“I think she’s been playing great this season. She’s got that game changing ability to break pressure and twist and turn between lines. She’s exciting to watch.”
The squad returned to training on Thursday after being given a couple of days off following the long trip home from Adelaide.
“We needed the break physically and mentally [both] staff and players.
“ I think it did give everyone a refresh and the energy has been great this week.
“Training has been good this week and they’re looking sharp again.”
It is the second meeting between the Phoenix and Newcastle Jets this season. The Jets prevailed 1-0 on a hot afternoon in Maitland back in round three in November.
“We definitely weren’t at our best,” Temple said. “I think we were still at that stage of the season where we were discovering the right balance and formula to get to where we wanted to get to.
“It definitely won’t be that hot in Wellington, so we don’t have to worry too much about that.
“We’re looking forward to playing them again. They’ve been a team that’s tried to build, play out and play that shorter passing football through the back so I think it’ll be a good game.
“I thought it was going to be that game in round three but I think the heat really effected the energy of both teams. I think it’ll be a good contest on Sunday.”
The Nix are also looking forward to returning to Porirua Park, where they have won their past three matches.
“It’s been great at Porirua Park since we started there last season with the crowd, the Yellow Fever, the noise, the chanting and there’s good banter.
“Quite a few of the opposition coaches have said to me after games that they’ve appreciated the atmosphere and it’s been difficult to come and play in.
“I think it does provide us that 12th man up in the stands and the energy you get from hearing the crowd and that support.
“When we’re away from home we have Little Corner of Yellow and they’re there and we know we’re always supported, but the noise really ramps up at Porirua.
“I want to see people keep coming down, being noisy and getting behind the team.”
The round 12 Ninja A-League match between the Wellington Phoenix and Newcastle Jets is scheduled to kick-off at Porirua Park in Wellington at 4pm Sunday and will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport 3 in New Zealand and on Paramount+ and 10 Play in Australia.
Most recent meeting: 17 November 2024 – Newcastle Jets 1 Wellington Phoenix 0
All-time A-League head to head: Phoenix 1W, Jets 5W, 0D
Wellington Phoenix squad (two to be omitted): 2. Zoe MCMEEKEN, 3. Tiana JABER, 4. Mackenzie BARRY, 5. Alivia KELLY, 6. Maya MCCUTCHEON, 7. Grace JALE, 9. Olivia FERGUSSON, 10. Alyssa WHINHAM, 11. Manaia ELLIOTT, 12. Ella MCMILLAN, 14. Mebae TANAKA, 15. Daisy BRAZENDALE, 16. Annalie LONGO (c), 19. Liv INGHAM, 20. Emma MAIN, 21. Lara WALL, 22. Aimee DANIELI (gk), 39. Carolina VILÃO (gk).
Unavailable:8. Amelia ABBOTT (injured), 18. Ella MCCANN (injured), 23. Rebecca LAKE (injured).
Newcastle Jets squad (two to be omitted): 1. Danielle KRZYZANIAK (gk), 2. Josie WILSON, 3. Claudia CICCO, 4. Natasha PRIOR, 6. Cassidy DAVIS (c), 7. India BREIER, 8. Emma DUNDAS, 10. Libby COPUS-BROWN, 11. Deven JACKSON, 13. Lauren ALLAN, 17. Sheridan GALLAGHER, 18. Sophie HOBAN, 22. Lorena BAUMANN, 25. Lara GOOCH, 27. Chloe WALANDOUW, 30. Tiahna ROBERTSON (gk), 32. Claire ADAMS, 39. Alexis COLLINS.
Main image: Cam McIntosh/Photomac.
