by Tayla O’Brien (11/10/26)
Above: Wellington Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman leads training last season. Image : Guardian.
With a new season fast approaching Wellington Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman has made it clear that there’s still room for improvement in her team after last year’s grand final defeat.
The Grand Final heartbreak has given the team more drive and determination ahead of season 26/27.
Pre season has looked positive at the Phoenix where the club secured top signings such as Milly Clegg, Abby Erceg, Kam Pickett, Indiah-Paige Riley and Matildas legend Tameka Yallop, all of whom add experience, depth, and versatility into the squad. These players will play key roles in Wellington’s season.
With new faces to the squad there’s more to fight for each week. “Everyone has come back with a point to prove,” Priestman stated when talking about the team.
“There is more of a competition to get that starting spot and everyone has become more hungry for that spot and to establish themselves more. Managing the squad will be harder with a large squad and with multiple players coming back throughout this season.”
Priestman has to carefully manage game time, player fitness, rotation and making sure players are kept fresh and ready. The start of the new season will be about finding that balance.
Injuries will make a massive impact with the match week one squad with Alyssa Whinham and Samba still recovering from their ACL injuries while CJ Bott is coming back after having her baby, and new signing Kam Pickett is also recovering from an injury. Milly Clegg is also a touch and go for after a quad injury but is progressing well. Other players are also being assessed with more clarity expected closer to the match.
At the start of pre-season, Priestman and the Phoenix went to a Marae for a team experience with the New Zealand Army, this camp was much more than fitness. This camp helped the players become more open and vulnerable to each other and made them learn about leadership and communication under pressure. “I saw things in people I didn’t know were there,” Priestman admitted.
The camp was important as the Phoenix head coach wants the players to enjoy themselves despite the pressure and expectations and doesn’t want the season to feel tight.
Priestman wants to make sure the team can express themselves and enjoy their football while also bringing the city on the journey with them again.
This season isn’t just about results ; it’s about representing the city and club positively.
“We will give everything we have to make the city proud.” Priestman emphasised.
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