The Wellington Phoenix have brought back one of the club’s most notable alumni.
The Phoenix have signed Macey Fraser to a three-year contract after the Football Ferns midfielder was released by Utah Royals FC late last week.
Fraser, 23, was one of the first women to join the club’s academy in 2021 and finalised a record transfer to the National Women’s Soccer League club in April last year after a breakout maiden season as a professional.
She scored three goals and led the Nix with five assists during the 2023-24 A-League season and was called up to the Ferns for last year’s Paris Olympics.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman is thrilled to have secured Fraser’s signature.
“For someone of Macey’s calibre to want to come back to the Phoenix speaks to where the club is heading and the people in the building,” Priestman said.
“Macey’s quality speaks for itself and I look forward to integrating her back in.
“She can play higher up the pitch and deeper, and having that flexibility in midfield depending on who we’re playing and who she’s playing alongside will really benefit us.
“We really do have a whole squad and a bench that can be used week to week and Macey’s certainly going to add to that.”
Macey Fraser has already arrived in Wellington and has joined the squad for the first week of pre-season training.
“It’s been on my mind for a while to return to the Phoenix,” Fraser said. “I have a bit of unfinished business at the club.
“I grew up watching the Phoenix with my family and I’m really grateful for them giving me my start in professional football. To win a league with the Phoenix is my dream.
“Obviously I haven’t had the minutes I wanted at Utah Royals. It’s important for me to get back playing football again.
“I looked at my options and I said I just want to go somewhere I can completely focus on my football and not worry about a language barrier or moving to a new place, so I thought why not go back to the Phoenix.
“They’ve got an amazing list of signings and an amazing coach so it feels like the right decision.”
Fraser has no regrets about her time in Salt Lake City.
“It’s been a rollercoaster, but I have learned so much and I wouldn’t change it at all.
“I’ve grown so much as a person and as a player at Utah Royals and I’ve played with and against some of the best players in the world.
“I feel really lucky that I got to come here and play in this league and I’m excited to bring some of that experience back to the Phoenix.”
Macey Fraser will wear the no. 8 shirt for the Phoenix women this season and is the 22nd player confirmed in the squad for the 2025-26 Ninja A-League.
Priestman still has one visa spot available, but is in no rush to fill it.
“We want to make sure we get the right character and the right attributes through the door, and we’re taking our time to do that, even if it means waiting.
“The ability to invest in that visa spot is there so we want to make sure that we maximise whatever we’ve got available and enhance the squad even more.”
