Grace Jale is the latest player to re-sign with the Wellington Phoenix for the 2026-27 Ninja A-League season.
The club’s newly crowned women’s player of the year has committed to a fourth season with the Phoenix, joining Brooke Nunn, Makala Woods, Ellie Walker and Mackenzie Barry in re-signing with the Nix in the past two months.
A member of the inaugural Phoenix women’s team, Jale has gone on to play 88 matches in the A-League, 52 of which have been in Wellington colours.
She has been an integral member of the side which has secured finals football for the first time in the team’s history this year, missing just one match during the regular season due to concussion whilst being amongst the leaders in a number of statistical categories.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman says Jale has the ability to play in any league in the world.
“The minute I arrived at the club and got to work firsthand with Ja it was very evident that she is a top, top player,” Priestman said. “And I think she’s demonstrated that week-in, week-out for this team this season.
“She has technical ability that is second to none in the A-League. She has the ability to pass the ball and do it on limited touches, but at really high impact.
“It’s often Ja’s pass into the final third that’s resulted in an assist or some critical moments in a game.
“She also has the athleticism and the mindset to win the ball back aerially and on the ground, which is what you really want in any midfield.
“She’s been an absolute pleasure to work with, has really thrived at the Phoenix and I’m excited what the next version of Grace Jale looks like next season.”
Like the other players who have recommitted to the club recently, Grace Jale says it was an easy decision to re-sign with the Nix.
“Working under Bev for another season was a big selling point,” Jale said. “She’s a great person on and off the field.
“Bev’s really good at managing people, which I think is half the job as a coach, she set standards early on and holds you accountable but also gives positive reinforcement.
“She has struck a great balance of challenging you and nurturing you, which is pretty hard to do.
“And the girls that re-signed before me are good people and a good core of the squad.
“Mack and Ellie at the back are the best you’re going to get in the league and then Brooke’s creativity and the fire that Makala brings are unmatched.”
Jale has felt reenergised this season after moving into the heart of midfield, having played as a forward for most of her previous four seasons in the A-League.
“It’s brought back my love for the game because I wanted to be more involved, and I believe I have the technical quality to play in the midfield.”
And she feels she’s only just getting started.
“This is my first season as a six so there’s still so much more to do and skills to refine that will be make me and the team even better. It’s exciting.
“Driving with the ball is like a lost skill for me. I’ve got it but I see a player and I want to pass it. I want to have the confidence to see the space and drive.
“And I think I can have better awareness and have my head on a swivel, and really control the game by improving my passing range and passing accuracy with both feet.”
All attributes Jale hopes will make her a key part of the Ferns side at next FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
“I’ve grown a lot under Bev and I’m playing consistent minutes so it’s a safe option to re-sign with the club, but I think it’s also the smartest option.”
Grace Jale and the Wellington Phoenix will return to action on Sunday when they visit Brisbane Roar in the first leg of their Ninja A-League semi-final.
