The Wellington Phoenix are prepared to bounce back from opening day defeat.
Last Sunday’s 2-1 loss to reigning champions Melbourne City had plenty of positives despite the scoreline, and head coach Bev Priestman knows what she’s after this weekend against Melbourne Victory.
“We want a winning performance, but we also want a winning result,” she told media pre-match.
“That’s the business of what we’re in. I have no doubt in the team to show what we did, do ‘us’ well, and then just learn from those tired moments.
“I think we’ll have a fresh, hungry, want to put that last result right in this game.
“It is about the final third and keeping a clean sheet. We were in them places of the pitch, now we just need to be better.”
An early season win over Victory was one of last year’s signature moments under Priestman, and she’s taking them seriously again.
“Victory can be dynamic in terms of how they attack. They have a very clear identity and style, and it’s always a tough game.
“I remember the away leg last year, they’re a good team and we have to respect the players who are in there.
“They’ve got experienced centre-backs in Claudia Bunge, Kayla Morrison who are going to defend that box well. We’ve got to be mindful of what they can do with and without the ball.”
The Nix squad is still not up to full strength, but she has full confidence in youngsters to step up if required.
“It’s all part of their journey and development. I look at Alyssha [Eglinton] today, and she was outstanding. She’s got a bit of a spring in her step from getting her debut.
“The trust is there now. People have stepped on the pitch, whether in pre-season or last game.
“Every player in this squad is needed to do what they’re going to do. People have to take their opportunities, because knocking on the door is some new legs coming in.
“Everybody’s hungry to get out there and help this team get over the line.”
The matchweek 2 Ninja A-League match between the Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory is scheduled to kick-off at Hnry Stadium at 12.15pm (10.15am AEDT) on Sunday and will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport 3 in New Zealand, and on Paramount+ in Australia.
Most recent meeting: 20 February 2026 – Melbourne Victory 1 Wellington Phoenix 1
All-time A-League head to head: Phoenix 1W, Victory 3W, 5D
Wellington Phoenix squad (two to be omitted): Wellington Phoenix: 1. Victoria ESSON (gk), 3. Lara WALL, 4. Mackenzie BARRY, 5. Ellie WALKER, 6. Abby ERCEG, 7. Grace JALE, 8. Milly CLEGG, 11. Manaia ELLIOTT, 13. Tameka YALLOP, 16. Marisa VAN DER MEER, 17. Indiah-Paige RILEY, 20. Emma TAYLOR-MAIN, 21. Sienna CANDY, 22. Aimee DANIELI (gk), 23. Brooke NUNN, 24. Pia VLOK, 25. Alyssha EGLINTON, 26. Lily BRAZENDALE, 29. Freya DES FOUNTAIN, 31. Makala WOODS.
Unavailable: 2. CJ BOTT (c), 9. Sabitra BHANDARI (injured), 19. Mikaela BANGALAN (injured), 27. Zoe BENSON (injured), 30. Kam PICKETT (injured).
Melbourne Victory squad (two to be omitted): 1.Courtney NEWBON, 2. Skye LEACH, 3. Claudia BUNGE, 4. Chelsea BLISSETT, 7. Ella O’GRADY, 8. Sophie HARDING, 9. Holly FURPHY, 10. Sienna SAVESKA, 11. Nicki FLANNERY, 13. Angela BEARD, 14. Alicia WOODS, 16. Anna SUTTER, 18. Kayla MORRISON, 19. Zoe MCMEEKEN, 21. Jasmine MILLAR, 25. Ayana AOYAGI, 28. Sienna TECHERA, 30. Chloe MCKENZIE, 31. Shaylee LANE, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI.
Unavailable: 88. Grace MAHER (leg), 17. Poppy O’KEEFFE (foot) 20. Leyla HUSSEIN (international duty)
