Phoenix confirm departures of three men's players

Stefan Colakovski, Chico Geraldes and Dublin Boon have not returned to the Wellington Phoenix for the first week of pre-season training.

The Phoenix have decided against offering the trio new contacts for the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League.

Director of football Shaun Gill has thanked Colakovski, Geraldes and Boon for their contributions to the club during the 2024-25 season.

“We unfortunately only got to see all three of them in Phoenix colours for a limited amount of time,” Gill said.

“Knee injuries cut-short both Stefan’s and Chico’s promising seasons, while Dublin was stuck behind two quality goalkeepers who were vying to be the number one.

“But all three were great teammates and made a positive impact off the pitch.

“We wish Stefan and Chico all the best with their rehab and look forward to seeing them back playing football in the future.

“And I’m sure Dublin has taken a lot out of his first pro experience and his career is just getting started.”

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 26: Stefan Colakovski of the Phoenix in action during the round two A-League Men match between Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix at HBF Park, on October 26, 2024, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Colakovski joined the club on the eve of the 2024-25 season and the Australian forward made six appearances off the bench in the first couple of months before rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee at training in December.

“I just want to say thanks to all the fans for the support,” Colakovski said. “I wish things could’ve been different!”

Geraldes featured in five straight matches after joining the Phoenix on loan in February, but he missed the remaining five matches of the season after injuring the meniscus in his left knee.

The Portuguese midfielder showed glimpses of his immense talent, providing the final pass for the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Sydney FC in March before scoring in the 2-2 draw against Western Sydney Wanderers at Sky Stadium in April.

“I had a great time in Wellington,” Geraldes said. “I was willing to stay but unfortunately we couldn’t make it work.”

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 29: L to R, Hideki Ishige, Corban Piper, Chico Geraldes and Sam Sutton of the Phoenix celebrate Piper’s goal during the round 24 A-League Men match between Wellington Phoenix and Western Sydney Wanderers at Sky Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Boon was an invaluable member of the Phoenix’s goalkeeping union and was an unused substitute for seven A-League matches following the season-ending injury to Alby Kelly-Heald.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity I had at the Phoenix,” Boon said.

“It was a great year for my development and I want to especially thank Ruben [Parker] for the time and effort he put into the GK space.”