The Wellington Phoenix are pleased to announce the signing of Australian defender Annabel Martin to its A-League Women’s team.
The 23-year-old defender joins the Phoenix squad as its most experienced A-League Women’s player, having played in 40 matches combined for Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Victory over the last five seasons – including 39 starts and only two substitutions off in her career.
Martin was tagged as a player to watch at just 17 years old, when she first made her debut with Melbourne Victory in the Women’s A-League. Despite being the youngest member of Victory’s back-four, Martin was a standout defender during this campaign – credited on a regular basis with making key defensive plays to prevent her side from conceding a goal.
She would go on to win the 2016 Victory Medal in her third season, playing one more season with Melbourne before moving to New South Wales for her University studies and joining the Jets.
Martin has also played with NPL NSW side Sydney University Soccer Football Club during the W-League offseason, as well as two seasons with Geelong Galaxy in NPL VIC.
Wellington Phoenix Head Coach, Gemma Lewis, says that Martin brings a measure of toughness and experience to an otherwise young squad.
“Every team needs a player like Annabel on and off the pitch; someone who’s been in the trenches and is an experienced player in the A-League competition,” says Lewis.
“We expect Annabel to not only contribute on the field for the Phoenix this season, but to be someone who can help show our younger players what it takes to succeed in the professional space.”
Martin, who will wear no.18 for the Phoenix, will join up with the squad in Wollongong shortly. The Phoenix have now signed 19 players to its women’s squad, as they prepare prepares for their first ever A-League Women’s match – taking on Western Sydney Wanderers on Fri 3 December 2021 at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.
