The Wellington Phoenix are raring to go for the Macca’s Match for Good on Saturday, their first game in three weeks.
The break saw eight players away on international duty and a chance to plot out the rest of the season for head coach Bev Priestman.
“I think we kept going, a mental refresh but not necessarily a physical one,” Priestman told media pre-match.
“We’ve sprinkled a little bit of newness, trying to add that five, six percent. The players who have been here have been outstanding.
“I’ve been waiting two weeks for a real game, and that’s an exciting opportunity for us to go towards.”
It’s mixed news on the availability front, Pia Vlok ruled out after suffering a concussion on Football Ferns duty.
However, Macey Fraser is back after returning to full fitness following her mental health break.
“It’s next player up as always. Pia gets a little break before she can go again.
“With Macey, it’s day by day, but she was in, got some good minutes in her legs and a smile on her face.
“So far she seems happy, she’s ready to go and I’ve been really impressed with her. Hopefully we can get her on the pitch in this game.”
With just five games to go, the home stretch of the campaign begins with Brisbane Roar this weekend.
“The mindset is week to week, but for me this is like an Olympic Games where I got six games in 21 days.
“Planning’s been a big part of my background in international football, things like schedules, what’s the best time to travel. The staff have unpicked and really dug into that.
“I think the A-League’s tight, and it’s been tight the whole season. Every game is a big game, that is the reality.
“We have to be on our game. Every team we play now is after the top six.
“If we can match that mentality, that’s the number one thing. We have the talent, but the mentality to want it more than the opposition, that’s what these last five games are about.”
Last time out against the Roar, the Nix were a team “in transition”, but grabbed a 98th minute equaliser, a result which Priestman believes reflects the mentality in the group.
“This team have shown they can go down, come back, and get points out of the game.
“I do think Brisbane are a very good side. They’ll be coming here very hungry, and I think that was a pivotal moment.
“We’re ready to face any team in front of us. We have to be disciplined, hungry, win the firsts, the seconds.
“All the stuff that this team likes to do that not every team likes to do, not the sexy stuff, if we do that well then we can enjoy the other moments.”
A one-off kit, designed by four families staying in Ronald McDonald House Charities houses, will be worn by the team, before being auctioned off for the charity afterwards, and Priestman is a big fan.
“I must say I love the kits, players can’t wait to put them on. As a parent, this sort of occasion is close to my heart.
“The players did the promo, this group are great with kids. These moments are important for the club, for the community.
“It’s going to be a great day. Hopefully it’s a six pointer, and something to cheer about, because on both sides, men and women, the fans have been immense this year.
The round 19 Ninja A-League match between the Wellington Phoenix and Brisbane Roar is scheduled to kick-off at Hnry Stadium in Wellington at 6pm on Saturday and will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport 5 in New Zealand, and on Paramount+ in Australia.
Most recent meeting: 3 January 2026 – Brisbane Roar 2 Wellington Phoenix 2
All-time A-League head to head: Phoenix 2W, Roar 3W, 2D.
Wellington Phoenix squad (two to be omitted): 1. Victoria ESSON (gk), 3. Tiana JABER, 4. Mackenzie BARRY, 5. Ellie WALKER, 7. Grace JALE, 8. Macey FRASER, 11. Manaia ELLIOTT, 12. Ella MCMILLAN, 14. Lucía LEÓN, 15. Daisy BRAZENDALE, 16. Marisa VAN DER MEER, 20. Emma MAIN, 22. Aimee DANIELI (gk), 23. Brooke NUNN, 24. Pia VLOK, 27. Zoe BENSON, 30. Mackenzie ANTHONY, 31. Makala WOODS, 32. Emma PIJNENBURG.
Unavailable: 2. CJ BOTT (c) (pregnant), 6. Tessel MIDDAG (injured), 9. Sabitra BHANDARI (injured), 10. Alyssa WHINHAM (injured), 21. Lara WALL (injured).
Brisbane Roar squad: 3. Daisy BROWN, 4. Kijah STEPHENSON, 5. Aimee MEDWIN, 6. Ruby CUTHBERT, 7. Momo HAYASHI, 8. Josie STUDER, 11. Marianna SEIDL, 12. Tahlia FRANCO (gk), 14. Zara KRUGER, 15. Kiera MEYERS, 17. Bente JANSEN, 18. Amali KINSELLA, 20. Stella CAMPBELL, 22. Ava PIAZZA, 27. Ashlyn MILLER, 32. Alicia WOODS, 47. Kyla Hanson.
Unavailable: 1. Chloe LINCOLN (gk) (international duty), 2. Angela BEARD (international duty), 10. Grace KUILAMU (injured), 13. Tameka YALLOP (injured), 24. Sharn FREIER (injured).
