The Wellington Phoenix have farewelled a further three members of the women’s history-making 2025-26 squad.
Lara Wall, Daisy Brazendale and Mackenzie Anthony are off contract and won’t be re-signing with the Phoenix.
Head coach Bev Priestman has thanked all three players for their contributions to the club.
“Lara’s been a very, very consistent player in her first two years as a pro,” Priestman said. “She made an immediate impact at the club, she drives the training standards every day and gives her everything for the club.
“Daisy has poured her heart into the Phoenix since joining the academy and has developed a lot over the past three seasons, but she’s at an age where she needs to play more minutes.
“And Kenzie brought a massive amount of energy to the team after joining the Nix as an injury replacement and was a great fit, but we unfortunately don’t have a visa spot available for her this season.
“We wish them all the best for the next steps in their football careers.”
Lara Wall leaves the Phoenix after making 39 A-League appearances over the past two seasons since joining the club following a successful trial.
After featuring in all 23 matches during her rookie season, a calf injury limited the tireless Football Ferns fullback to 16 appearances during the women’s record-breaking campaign.
“My time at the Phoenix has been an incredible journey,” Wall said. “While the moments we created on the pitch will stay with me, what I’ll treasure most is the people.
“To the teammates, staff, and fans who made this club feel like a second family, I’m grateful for every memory together and I’ll be cheering the club on for years to come.”
Daisy Brazendale was an ever-present member of the Phoenix squad on their run to the grand final, featuring in 20 of the women’s 23 matches.
The New Zealand under-20 international made 43 A-League appearances in all after graduating from the club’s academy in 2023.
“I’ll always be grateful to the Phoenix for giving me my first professional contract and for taking a risk on me as a young player,” Brazendale said.
“I’ve learnt a lot in my time at the club and the Phoenix will always have a special place in my heart.
“Thank you to the staff, the players and the fans for everything you’ve done over the last three years.”
Mackenzie Anthony joined the Nix as an injury replacement in January and went on to make 13 appearances over the second half of the season.
The American striker scored just one goal, against the Central Coast Mariners in February, but made a big impact in a number of matches, including as a halftime substitute in the grand final.
“Thank you to everyone at the Wellington Phoenix for an unforgettable chapter,” Anthony said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent the club and to be part of such a historic season.
“I’m going to miss this team, the people, and everything that made this experience so special.
“I’ll be following along from afar and can’t wait to see everything you accomplish this season. Wishing you nothing but the very best—up the Nix!”
The Wellington Phoenix have 17 women’s players contracted for the 2026-27 Ninja A-League season, with further squad announcements to follow in the coming days.
