Expectations are high for a new-look Wellington Phoenix women’s A-League squad but head coach Bev Priestman says she’s ready for the challenge.
“We want to do things that this team hasn’t done before [and] we want to get this country behind us,” Priestman told media ahead of her team’s first game of the Ninja A-League season, against Canberra United at Sky Stadium on Saturday.
“Get the city and the country behind us and go and inspire a nation and a generation to pick up a football,” Priestman says.
“There’s been a lot of talk; we just want to get the ball rolling and start with action.”
The Phoenix have fallen short of the finals in the women’s team’s past four seasons and Priestman is driving a mentality change.
“This team is used to being the underdog, the one that goes and hunts the other team, now in many ways we’re being talked about as a big dog and we’re the hunted team.
“That takes a different mentality and a different complexity. Teams get up for you more and, if you’re not careful, it can make you take a step backwards and bring fear.
“We’ve got an unbelievable group of players, we all know where we’re heading, and we’ve got a vision of where we want to be. Now it’s about belief and confidence.
“They don’t know how good they are yet. That’s the big thing for me to try and instil that confidence and belief. That’s going to take time. I think it’ll be more a mentality shift than anything else.”
It has been a “tricky” pre-season for the Nix as a result of injuries and international commitments.
“In terms of getting what you deem the best XI for this game together hasn’t been there.
“But I’m really happy with the squad and I’m really happy with their mentality.
“Now we’ve got the Ferns back, we’re just excited to get the ball rolling and get the season underway.
“This game can feel bigger than what it is. It is one game and it won’t be perfect.”
Bev Priestman has been counting down the days to Saturday, which will be her first competitive game as a head coach in around a year and a half.
“I’m really, really excited. If I think of where I was a year ago tomorrow, it was a dark place.
“I’m super excited to get on the pitch, play in front of fans and get this team going.
“I feel really grateful, proud and privileged to lead this team. I’m super excited for the day, I have been all week.”
Canberra lost their season opener to Newcastle Jets 2-1 last week, but Priestman is wary of what they are capable of and has identified Michelle Heyman and Sasha Grove as threats.
“[They are] a very expansive team. An attack-minded team. They throw numbers [forward].
“I don’t need to really talk about Heyman, but I should. Very traditional number nine, lives off the shoulder, great in the box [and] finishes first time so we’re highly aware of her.
“They’ve recruited well. They got Grove from Western United, a really attacking, crossing, joining on the line fullback so crossing and finishing is a bit part of their game.
“We’ve also identified some areas we can capitalise on because of their nature of going forward.”
Proud Wellingtonian CJ Bott will captain the Phoenix women on Saturday afternoon.
“I’m very honoured,” Bott told media on Friday. “It might be a little bit emotional for me, I don’t know, but I am really, really excited to lead this group.
“And like I say, I’m very honoured and privileged to be able to walk the team out tomorrow.”
Past meetings
Most recent meeting: 13 April 2025 – Canberra United 1 Wellington Phoenix 0
All-time A-League head to head: Phoenix 3W, Canberra 4W.
How to watch
The game will be broadcast live and free on Sky Open and live on Sky Sport 1 in New Zealand and on Paramount+ in Australia.
The match will be the first game in a double header, and will be followed at 7pm by the men’s A-League derby between the Phoenix and Auckland FC.
Fixture
Games to be played on Saturday November 8, 2025
Women’s A-League
Wellington Phoenix v Canberra United
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 4pm (NZT)
Pos
Club
MP
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Brisbane Roar
2
2
0
0
6
4
+2
6
2
Central Coast Mariners
1
1
0
0
3
0
+3
3
3
Perth Glory
2
1
0
1
5
4
+1
3
4
Newcastle Jets
1
1
0
0
2
1
+1
3
5
Melbourne City
1
0
1
0
2
2
0
1
5
Sydney FC
1
0
1
0
2
2
0
1
7
Wellington Phoenix
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
Melbourne Victory
1
0
0
1
2
3
-1
0
9
Canberra United
1
0
0
1
2
3
-1
0
10
Western Sydney Wanderers
1
0
0
1
1
3
-2
0
11
Adelaide United
1
0
0
1
0
3
-3
0
Table at 8am (NZT) on Saturday November 8, 2025
Squads
Wellington Phoenix (two to be omitted)
1. Victoria Esson (Gk), 2. CJ Bott, 4. Mackenzie Barry, 5. Ellie Walker, 6. Tessel Middag, 7. Grace Jale, 9. Sabitra Bhandari, 10. Alyssa Whinham, 11. Manaia Elliott, 12. Ella McMillan, 14. Lucía León, 15. Daisy Brazendale, 16. Marisa van der Meer, 19. Liv Ingham, 20. Emma Main, 21. Lara Wall, 22. Aimee Danieli (Gk), 23. Brooke Nunn, 24. Pia Vlok.
In: Nil
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 3. Tiana Jaber (injured).
Canberra United (two to be omitted)
1. Sally James, 2. Alex McKenzie, 5. Jazmin Wardlow, 6. Josie Aulicino, 7. Emma Hawkins, 8. Sasha Grove, 9. Kiara De Domizio, 10. Mary Stanic-Floody, 11. Emma Robers, 12. Hayley Taylor-Young, 16. Keira Bobbin, 18. Coco Majstorovic, 19. Sienna Dale, 23. Michelle Heyman, 25. Darcey Malone, 28. Tegan Bertolissio, 32. Bethany Gordon, 33. Nanako Sasaki, 44. Ava Briedis.
In: 9. Kiara De Domizio, 19. Sienna Dale.
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: Nil.
Officials
Referee: Sarah Jones.
Assistant referees: Courtney Bremner, Avrol Beecham.
Fourth official: Mikayla Ryan.
This story was first published on November 8, 2025.
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