Emma Main

Emma Main was Paul Temple’s first signing after taking over as head coach in 2023.

The forward trained with the Phoenix women throughout the 2022-23 A-League season and joined the squad as an injury replacement for the final three games of their campaign.

A Wellingtonian, she played all of her junior football for Upper Hutt City.

Main represented New Zealand at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan in 2016 before attending the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) in 2019.

Unfortunately, injuries cut short her time in the U.S. and forced her out of football for a year.

Main returned in 2021 with Wellington United, whom she helped secure the Kate Sheppard Cup. She was named the winner of the Maia Jackman Trophy as the most valuable player in the final in March 2022.

She joined the academy shortly after, playing with the women’s team, coached by Temple, on Wednesday nights and training with boys’ teams.

Main had a breakout campaign in 2023-24, scoring five goals and providing two assists to become a key player for the Phoenix.

She played across the frontline, starting 15 games and coming off the bench in three more.

Her performances led to her becoming a fan favourite and picking up the nickname “Main Train”.

Main recommitted to the club in June, signing a new one year deal despite interest from other clubs in the A-League.

> 2024-25 season

Emma Main remained an ever-present member of the Wellington Phoenix matchday squad in her second full pro season.

Main made 22 appearances, of which 10 were starts.

She scored from the penalty spot in the season-opening match against Western United and also found the back of the net against Western Sydney Wanderers in January and again against Western United in the final round of season to secure a draw.

Main signed a two-year contract extension with the club early in the off-season.

“It definitely was an easy decision for me to re-sign. Obviously, Wellington’s my home and playing in front of my friends and family is something I never take for granted.

“I also really cherish the club’s belief in me over the past two seasons and having the confidence to sign me for another two seasons.

“It’s a great opportunity for me. Over the previous two seasons I’ve grown a lot in terms of understanding how to handle the pressure and finding consistency, whether that’s coming off the bench or being in the starting team.

“I think that’s really set me up well and I’m hoping the next two years is when I really thrive, score a lot of goals and become a really integral part of this team.”