Wellington Phoenix Face Crucial Battle for A-League Playoff Spot

New Zealand’s wait for a return to the World Cup could end this week, but before that, knockout football is arriving early for the Wellington Phoenix women.

The Phoenix host Central Coast Mariners at Porirua Park on Saturday afternoon in a pivotal A-League Women’s clash that could determine their playoff fate.

With just four rounds remaining, the Nix sit eighth in the standings but are only two points behind the Mariners, who currently hold the sixth and final playoff berth.

Phoenix head coach Paul Temple believes the intensity of the competition already mirrors that of a finals campaign.

“The wins feel even more valuable, and the defeats more soul-destroying,” Temple said. “We’re on the edge, but I told the players that we’d rather be in this fight than have nothing to play for.”

“We’re still confident we can qualify, and with three of our last four games at home, that makes a big difference.”

Home Crowd Could Prove Decisive

Temple emphasized the significance of playing at Porirua Park and the boost that a strong crowd presence provides.

“It’s about our connection with the fans and community. We’re seeing more familiar faces every week, and it’s amazing to see young kids idolizing the players.

“We need their energy. Against Western Sydney, we could hear them the whole time, and it made a difference. With three of our last four games at home, they’ll be our 12th player.”

A Tough Challenge Against a Well-Organized Mariners Side

The Mariners have won all three previous encounters against the Phoenix, but this will be their first visit to New Zealand. Temple is eager to capitalize on home advantage.

“We know their coaching staff well and respect them, but this is our home game. They are very organized and tough to break down, but they’ve also struggled for form lately. It’ll be a real battle.”

Injury Concerns for Phoenix

The Nix will be without defender Tiana Jaber, who is serving a one-match suspension. However, Football Ferns centre-back Mackenzie Barry has an outside chance of returning after missing the last two games with a foot injury.

“She’s trained all week, so she might get some minutes, but it’s still touch and go,” Temple said.

Forward Grace Jale, who returned from a hamstring injury last week, is set for more playing time.

“She had a great impact last game and is pushing to start. We’re happy to have her back; she’s a top-quality player.”

Match Details

Fixture: Wellington Phoenix vs. Central Coast Mariners
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2025
Kick-off: 4:00 PM NZT
Venue: Porirua Park, Wellington
Broadcast: Sky Open & Sky Sport 5 (New Zealand), Paramount+ & 10 Play (Australia)

Most Recent Meeting: January 26, 2025 – Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Wellington Phoenix
All-time A-League Record: Phoenix 0W, Mariners 3W, 0D

Squad Lists

Wellington Phoenix (two to be omitted):

Zoe McMeeken, Mackenzie Barry, Alivia Kelly, Maya McCutcheon, Grace Jale, Amelia Abbott, Olivia Fergusson, Alyssa Whinham, Manaia Elliott, Brooke Neary (gk), Mebae Tanaka, Daisy Brazendale, Annalie Longo (c), Ela Jerez, Liv Ingham, Emma Main, Lara Wall, Carolina Vilão (gk).
Unavailable: Tiana Jaber (suspended), Ella McCann (injured), Aimee Danieli (gk, injured), Rebecca Lake (injured).

Central Coast Mariners (two to be omitted):

Sarah Langman (gk), Jessica Seaman, Jessika Nash, Annabel Martin (c), Isabel Gomez, Jade Pennock, Bianca Galic, Taylor Ray, Annalise Rasmussen, Tiana Fuller, Sarah Rowe, Tess Quilligan, Leia Puxty, Chloe Carmichael (gk), Brooke Nunn, Peta Trimis, Lily McMahon, Blake Hughes.