The Wellington Phoenix are feeling right back at home.
They play their first game at Porirua Park this season on Sunday, facing Sydney FC.
Head coach Bev Priestman is buzzing to be at her favourite venue in the A-League
“I can’t wait. I think about the last time we were back there [last year’s semi-final], it was that special moment, it was immense.
“You score a goal and you’re right there with the fans.
“It very much feels like home for us, and I’m super super excited, I hope we get a good turnout. It has come at a really good time.”
While this fixture last year delivered a club-record 7-0 win for the Phoenix, she’s not underestimating the opposition.
“Sydney definitely have an improved squad this year.
“I’ve seen a really good footballing team. I’ll be delighted with a win no matter the scoreline.”
The team are feeling confident after picking up their first win of the campaign last Friday night against Adelaide United.
“It was a while coming. They earned every second of it.
“Could it have been less transitional with a few more goals, yes, but they found a way to win and can grind out a win.
“The vibe in the group feels really good and that’s nice.”
The matchweek 5 Ninja A-League match between the Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC is scheduled to kick-off at Porirua Park at 2pm (12pm AEST) on Sunday and will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport 1 and Sky Open in New Zealand, and on Paramount+ in Australia.
Most recent meeting: 20 March 2026 – Sydney 1 Wellington 3
All-time A-League head to head: Phoenix 4W, Sydney 6W and 0D
Wellington Phoenix (two to be omitted): 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, 23. Brooke NUNN, 24. Pia VLOK, 25. Alyssha EGLINTON, 26. Lily BRAZENDALE, 30. Kam PICKETT, 31. Makala WOODS, 32. Brooke NEARY (gk).
Unavailable: 2. CJ BOTT (c) (maternity), 9. Sabitra BHANDARI (injured), 19. Mikaela BANGALAN (injured), 27. Zoe BENSON (injured).
Sydney FC squad: 2.Faith WEBBER, 3.Charlotte MCLEAN, 11.Kiley DULANEY, 13. Riley COHN, 14.Olivia PRICE, 16.Willa PEARSON, 17.Claire CORBETT, 18.Amber LUCHTMEIJER, 19.Amy CHESSARI, 20.Sophie AUNGLE, 22.Jada TAYLOR, 23.Rubi SULLIVAN, 26.Madeleine CASPERS, 27.Poppy CHANNING, 28.Kenzie ROLING, 30.Tiahna ROBERTSON (gk), 33.Abbey PUCKETT, 37.Annabelle CROLL (gk).
Unavailable: 1.Jada WHYMAN (gk) (knee), 6.Shay HOLLMAN (quad), 7.Amelia CASSAR (ankle), 8. Bianca GITTANY (pregnant), 10.Indiana DOS SANTOS (foot), 12.Natalie TOBIN (returning from pregnancy), 21.Sarah HUNTER (foot), 29.Alyse OPPEDISANO (gk) (knee).
