A big 10 days ahead for the Wellington Phoenix women.
The Phoenix will play their final three Ninja A-League regular season matches in a week and a half, starting with their rescheduled fifth round fixture against the reigning champion Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Wednesday night.
Win all three and the Phoenix will more than likely be crowned premiers.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman says her side is up to the challenge.
“Mindset is everything at this point and that’s my job to really dial them into what we can be and what we need to be,” Priestman told media via zoom from Gosford on Tuesday.
“And does it mean more to us than it does to the opposition? That ultimately is what it comes down to.
“Let’s be real that third game in 10 days is not going to be the prettiest football match. We know that, but we have to be willing to do the dirty work [and] the stuff that some teams or players aren’t willing to do.
“When I look in the eyes of the players I’ve got in front of me I believe they want it and I think that’s what it’s going to come down to.
“I also think we have enough depth in the team. You’re going to call on an entire squad and that’s all we’ve done all season with the injuries that we’ve had, so the entire squad is going to be needed.”
The Phoenix qualified for the finals for the first time in the women’s team’s short history at the weekend and are all but assured of a top four finish.
“Now it’s about a big push physically [and] mentally. We’re in a position that maybe some of these players have never been in so getting the mindset right against a very good Central Coast team is probably the biggest thing we need to put attention on.
“We’ve recruited enough players who have been here before. The likes of a Brooke Nunn is going to come up big in these moments, experienced players such as Lucía León and players that have been there before.
“That’s the unique thing, we’ve got a blend of players where it’s not all new territory.”
Priestman says while the possibility of winning the Premiers’ Plate has become a real prospect, she’s not worried about that yet.
“I’m worried about the game in front of me and how we can get that done first.
“I’ve kept the players focused on the three points in front of us. I know everyone’s job is to talk about what could be, but ultimately we have to turn up for 90 minutes, do the game in front of us and deal with what comes next.
“My job is to focus on the three points in front of us and not get too high and not get too low because the reason we love football so much is it’s fine margins and it can go one way or the other, regardless of who should win.”
The Mariners have won all five of their previous meetings with the Nix, including a 2-1 victory at a weather-hit Porirua Park last month.
“There were moments in that game where… we dominated large spells of that first half.
“The mindset and maybe their experience shone through in the second half.
“We have to stay in the fight. Let’s be real the team’s that we’re playing, Central Coast, are fighting to be where they probably should be.
“They are an experienced team and they’ve won it for a reason. We have to show that respect, but at the same time on the road what I do know is important is staying switched on and using your bench.
“Look at the wins we’ve had on the road this season, it’s come from finishers doing their job late in games. Again, I’ll be relying on the entire squad going into this game.”
Bev Priestman has no fresh injuries or absences to deal with following last Friday’s 3-1 over Sydney FC.
The rescheduled round five Ninja A-League match between the Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners is scheduled to kick-off at polytec Stadium in Gosford at 9pm (7pm AEDT) on Wednesday and will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport 1 in New Zealand, and on Paramount+ in Australia.
Most recent meeting: 15 February 2026 – Wellington Phoenix 1 Central Coast Mariners 2
All-time A-League head to head: Phoenix 0W, Mariners 5W, 0D.
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, 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, 28. Grace BARTLETT, 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).
Central Coast Mariners squad: TBC.
