Wellington Phoenix Women General Discussion and Squad Speculation

The squad looks much stronger than last season, especially with the addition of the experienced Hassett, Rolston, Satchell and Robertson.
The only major loss is Grace Jale but that is more than made up for with the signing of attacking options Clegg, Rolston and Satchell.
Marisa van der Meer is an example of a young Kiwi who should benefit from the increased minutes she is likely to get at the Nix compared to struggling for game time at an overseas club.
We always rated her here in Christchurch at the Pride when she was an important part of that side as a teenager but in my opinion her game had gone backwards at Melbourne City due to the scant game time she got (230 minutes last season and no starts). It's very hard for young players new to the A-League Women to develop if they're not getting regular game time, when there is no reserve or youth league. She didn't seem at her best to me during the FIFA u-20 World Cup earlier this year.
I expect that she will prove her true potential at the Nix though.
One of five former Canterbury Pride players at the Nix, which adds a lot of interest down here.

I agree that the squad is looking stronger than last year. But am still tempering my expectations. Read a lot of people comments about them challenging for the league title. But there is a lot of quality and experience in some of the other teams. International players and pretty good looking imports. Making the top six might still be a tall order and may well depend on how we go in front of goal. None of our attacking players have been regular goal scorers of any note over the last few years. Lawrence says she wants to play attacking football so will be interesting to see how they click and if someone can pick up that goal scoring mantle. And if Lawrence's attacking intent doesn't leave us too vulnerable at the back.
If we avoid the bottom three would that be considered a success for still a pretty young team in their second year as professionals. 

I don't know about title challengers but they will be a huge improvement on last season. A lot of new players with time to gel as a group. They are out there 5 days a week practising. My Granddaughter sat there for 2 hours watching them training. At 10 years old, she said she was very encouraged to taking up her lunchtime kick around's at school to another level. (She had a a couple of days off sick, so we kept our distance - tummy bug). It looks a very professional set up at the new training facility and the players and coaches are definitely loving it. 

Ranix

I agree that the squad is looking stronger than last year. But am still tempering my expectations. Read a lot of people comments about them challenging for the league title. But there is a lot of quality and experience in some of the other teams. International players and pretty good looking imports. Making the top six might still be a tall order and may well depend on how we go in front of goal. None of our attacking players have been regular goal scorers of any note over the last few years. Lawrence says she wants to play attacking football so will be interesting to see how they click and if someone can pick up that goal scoring mantle. And if Lawrence's attacking intent doesn't leave us too vulnerable at the back.
If we avoid the bottom three would that be considered a success for still a pretty young team in their second year as professionals. 

Perth Glory were like the Nix, last in their first ALW season (20/21). 
Last season they were 5th, just missing the playoffs on GD.

https://us.soccerway.com/national/australia/w-league/20212022/regular-season/r62765/

Some sort of yardstick for the Nix maybe.

coochiee

Ranix

I agree that the squad is looking stronger than last year. But am still tempering my expectations. Read a lot of people comments about them challenging for the league title. But there is a lot of quality and experience in some of the other teams. International players and pretty good looking imports. Making the top six might still be a tall order and may well depend on how we go in front of goal. None of our attacking players have been regular goal scorers of any note over the last few years. Lawrence says she wants to play attacking football so will be interesting to see how they click and if someone can pick up that goal scoring mantle. And if Lawrence's attacking intent doesn't leave us too vulnerable at the back.
If we avoid the bottom three would that be considered a success for still a pretty young team in their second year as professionals. 

Perth Glory were like the Nix, last in their first ALW season (20/21). 
Last season they were 5th, just missing the playoffs on GD.

https://us.soccerway.com/national/australia/w-league/20212022/regular-season/r62765/

Some sort of yardstick for the Nix maybe.

I see your point. 
Perth have been part of the W league for yonks though. Used to have Sam Ker as there Marque not so long ago but still struggled to make top 4 when there were only 9 teams.

Apparently the new women's specific active group Flight of the Nix will be sitting in aisle 29U, I assume the Fever will still be in the zone though?

Friar Tuck

Apparently the new women's specific active group Flight of the Nix will be sitting in aisle 29U, I assume the Fever will still be in the zone though?

We've been talking with them and are in full support of them doing their own thing. It's important they have their own identity so in loose terms, the zone won't really be a thing. Basically we're encouraging people to join the Flight of the Nix for the WPW games. That's probably what I'll be doing. 

Full on in the sun. Gonna bake sitting there. Aisle 33 would be better. But hell, who cares, so long as we all show up anywhere. In summer me and the Grandchildren prefer the shade.

I think Hannah Blake may have finished her university time in the US, could be wrong there but if she is finished someone at the Nix needs to get into gear and sign her up. She should be getting a look into the NZ womens teams squad too.

AlfStamp

I think Hannah Blake may have finished her university time in the US, could be wrong there but if she is finished someone at the Nix needs to get into gear and sign her up. She should be getting a look into the NZ womens teams squad too.

Probably finished her football for the year. But still got College and exams etc till the end of winter in US. That is usually when the US college year ends. Could be wrong on that though.
But agree she would be a really good Nix addition. maybe next year.

Does anyone know about Paige's surgery and what that was for?
Also, does anyone know about Rolston's ability to play 90min with her back? Would love to see her out there but hopefully they don't overdo things too early in the piece with her?

Big loss for the team, thank god we actually have three keepers this time though.

Wellington Phoenix women’s captain Lily Alfeld will miss the start of the 2022-23 season after having a minor knee operation last week.

All the best with your recovery Lily. We can’t wait to see you back on the field! 🙌

💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/3WCqoOdfLd

— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) November 9, 2022

If anyone wants to know the squad numbers

Nix fans! 🤩

Here is our confirmed 2022/23 A-League Women Squad numbers for the upcoming season! 🔥

Get your 2022/23 A-League Women's kit now! 🙌

👕👉 https://t.co/1wogjuKOw7
🎟 👉 https://t.co/hMIA8NlF4P

Be part of #HERSTORY! https://t.co/SAVRs4aeWc | 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/SeCznvEDwI

— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) November 8, 2022

And now Grace is out with a calf injury.

Well plenty of injuries leading into the first game. Bugger.
Alfeld
Taylor
Wisnewski
Rolston
Satchell not 100% still properly recovering.
Just as well we have a bit more depth this year.

I see in today's Dominion Post; they are hoping to get 10 thousand to their first game.

Are they dreaming or am I missing something obvious?

Don't think they are dreaming at all!

Walsall Boy

I see in today's Dominion Post; they are hoping to get 10 thousand to their first game.

Are they dreaming or am I missing something obvious?

Walsall Boy

I see in today's Dominion Post; they are hoping to get 10 thousand to their first game.

Are they dreaming or am I missing something obvious?

The Black Ferns packed Eden Park. Maybe women's sport is more of a spectator attraction than men's these days, which would be hilarious

I think they will get good numbers actually, would be really happy if they got more than the men's team did for their first game this season at home.

I was surprised to see the record biggest crowd is 8599 when it was played before an A-League Men's semifinal. Biggest standalone regular season is 5159. So while I hope we beat both, I'd at least want to beat that standalone one. 

Predicting us in 7th this season. Got some more experience under our belts and made good signings, built some depth. Should be somewhere in lower mid-table.

The rest I have is: Sydney 1st, Melb City 2nd, Melb Victory 3rd, Adelaide 4th, Brisbane 5th, Canberra 6th, Perth 8th, Western Utd 9th, WSW 10th, Newcastle 11th. 

Since there’s some new players and with this being our first season at home, I’m sure some of you will be unfamiliar with a lot of the squad this year. Although I’m no expert and am only getting to know these players for the first time myself, with the help of the Niche Cache season breakdown and my own knowledge/googling skills I’ve put together an overview of each player in the squad for 21/22. Have a read and have a look at a programme or the Nix social media to put some faces to the names.

#1. Lily Alfeld - GK

27 year old keeper and captain of the Wellington Phoenix. Experienced player having been through the US College system at LSU and in her 3rd A-League Women’s season, spending 20/21 with Perth Glory and 21/22 with the Nix. On the fringes of the Football Ferns and a chance to make the World Cup squad. Starts season 22/23 on the sidelines having recently gotten surgery on an injury.

23 year old fullback who returns to the Nix having been part of the 21/22 squad. A very capable left back, suffered from injury last season and struggled to find a start over Talitha Kramer upon her return. Might struggle to start this season considering the depth at fullback, but a very handy player with a lot to give.

19 year old centre back who returns to the Nix from season 1. A breakout star and nailed on starter at CB, she will don the captains armband in Lily Alfeld’s absence and is regarded as a future Football Ferns captain. Immensely talented, a rock at the back with a license to get forward. Earned a Football Ferns call-up and cap for the recent Korea series.

21 year old centre back and another breakout star from 21/22. Will also be a nailed on starter in the back four having established an excellent partnership with Kate Taylor. Strong in the challenge and pretty rapid, also earned a Ferns call-up and cap vs South Korea.

20 year old fullback joins the Nix from Melbourne City for her second season in the ALW. Capped at both left and right back for the U-20 Ferns, will likely be a nailed on starter at LB, but may play on the right too. A talented and exciting player, is one to watch.

20 year old defensive midfielder, Gomez returns to the Nix following a successful 21/22 campaign. One of only two Aussies without NZ links, was previously at WSW but made her senior debut with the Nix. A bulldog in the middle of the pitch, constantly making tackles and breaking up play. Somewhat reminiscent of Cammy Devlin. Not a guaranteed starter but plays a role no one else in the squad can.

26 year old midfielder returns following a successful first pro season in 21/22. A key player in season 1 and one of the more experienced leaders in the squad. Used mostly as a striker and winger in 21/22, now has the chance to show what she can do in her preferred role. Not a guaranteed starter but has an air of quality to her play. Should chip in with a goal or two as well.

20 year old midfielder returns for her second season with the Nix. One of the most exciting young players in NZ, was an absolute stand out at the U-17 World Cup. Missed the second half of season 1 to take care of her mental health, returns in a better space and will be a key player in 22/23. Currently out with a calf tear, will likely start upon her return.

19 year old winger returns after starting every game in 21/22. First ever goal scorer for the Nix, will be a key player in the front line. Not a guaranteed starter with the depth the Nix now have, but can play anywhere in the front 3. No real weaknesses but no real stand out features either, a reliable player who could potentially develop into a class player.

19 year old attacking midfielder returns for her second season with the Nix. The gem in the Phoenix crown, undeniably the breakout star of 21/22. Whinham can do things no one else in the squad can, super reminiscent of Rojas and Singh. Still young and raw despite her enormous talents, will get double marked and kicked out of every game, but is an unmatched creative force. If you’re keeping your eye on any player this year, make it Alyssa Whinham.

32 year old midfielder joins the Nix from Icelandic club Stjarnan, following a long career at some of the biggest clubs in Europe. 128 caps for the Football Ferns and undoubtedly the best player in the squad. Guaranteed starter and brings a wealth of class and experience to a very young squad. Capable of playing on the wing or in midfield, will likely dictate play from the middle of the park.

19 year old Kiwi/Aussie goalkeeper returns for her second season at the Nix. Super talented reserve keeper, played 2 games in 21/22 and was called up to the U-20 Ferns for the World Cup. Will start in Alfeld’s absence.

24 year old winger joins the Nix from Sydney FC for her third season in the A-League. Highly experienced with 26 caps for the Ferns, seems to have earned herself a starting role in the lead up to the 2023 World Cup. Despite her youth she brings much needed quality and experience to this young side. A bit like Sotirio in that she has blistering pace but an inconsistent finish. Will be a nailed on starter (although has recently recovered from heart surgery which may limit her minutes).

26 year old winger joins the Nix in her first ever professional contract. First Wellingtonian and first academy product to join the Wāhinix. Pacy diminutive winger, is a long serving and high scoring legend of Wellington United. Currently carrying a minor injury, will be super important and hopefully chip in with some big goals when she returns to the squad.

18 year old right back returns for her second season at the Nix. A nailed on starter in 21/22, might struggle to start this season with so much depth at fullback. An incredibly talented athlete, she’s still raw but her talent defies her age.

26 year old striker joins the Nix from Norwegian Avaldsnes IL. Third senior Football Fern to be signed for 21/22, Rollo brings a wealth of talent and experience. Insane scoring record at U-20 international level, has 6 in 10 senior apps. Currently battling a chronic back injury which flared up vs Korea hence her absence in round 1. Will be extremely valuable in the forward line, just need to hope her back injury can be managed effectively.

18 year old RB/CB joins the Nix in her first professional contract. The second full on Aussie in the squad, Cicco has just been capped for the Young Matildas. Not expected to be a starter, Cicco could easily snag a starting role at RB in time. Very talented young player and will be looking to make an impact.

19 year old CB/DM, Walker returns to the Nix on a scholarship contract for her second season in yellow. A very composed and versatile player capable of playing both CB and DM, she started four games and featured in all but one in 21/22. Capped by the U-20 Ferns, will be pushing hard to earn a spot in the backline or midfield.

19 year old winger/fullback, Lancaster returns for her second season with the Nix. Another scholarship player, is highly versatile and can play as a winger or fullback on either side of the pitch. An effective impact sub who always makes a difference, will be battling for a starting role. Hopefully she doesn’t have to fill in as backup keeper again this season.

17 year old striker joins the Nix from Auckland United on an amateur contract (to retain US College eligibility). Regarded as the best NZ striking prospect in the last 15 years, Clegg is a major coup for the Nix. Capped for the 17s at 14 years old and currently playing for the 20s, she might not start for the Nix yet but is a serious talent. Another one to watch.

23 year old utility players joins the Nix following an outstanding season with Northern Rovers. Originally a centre back, Foster played as a striker for Rovers this year but is capable of playing anywhere on the pitch. Former captain of the U-17 Ferns and daughter of All Blacks coach Ian Foster, she’ll be pushing to start at either LB, ST or on the wing. Has bags of talent and her versatility will likely see her start a good portion of games.

21 year old goalkeeper joins the Nix on a scholarship contract. Candy’s signing means we finally have three goalkeepers, and she’ll be pushing Bri Edwards for the backup role to Lily Alfeld. Talented shot stopper, Candy was Anna Lear’s backup at the 2018 U-17 World Cup where NZ finished 3rd.

Anyone know what's up with Whinham? Desperately missed 

Absent for Personal Reasons. So not fair really to speculate. 
She did have that heavy head knock carried on, then collapsed in one game. Was put down to heat exhaustion, and then played in the next game.
But her absence for what ever reason, doesn't reflect to well on current coaching team management of players. Got to remember some of these girls are still very young and under a lot of pressure.
A good thing I say that she is taking time out if that's what she feels she needs.

She said today she hopes to be back in a couple of weeks. Hope so.

So much for TT cooperation heading into the WWC. Pretty poor by other ALW clubs.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/130895972/wellington-phoenix-will-make-compromises-to-help-football-ferns-as-they-host-the-us

That left national team coach Jitka Klimková having to negotiate to lock in a squad – a task she has managed to accomplish with help from the Phoenix, who are only active in A-League Women thanks to significant financial support from NZ Football.

Lawrence confirmed to Stuff on Sunday that one of her players wouldn’t make the trip to Perth for the Phoenix match on Sunday, January 15, and would therefore be available to start for the Ferns against the US three days later.

She would not identify the player, with the Ferns squad yet to be named, but all signs point towards it being midfielder Betsy Hassett, one of two regular international starters in the Phoenix squad.

Forward Paige Satchell is the other, but she missed Monday’s draw with the Wanderers with a minor knee injury and Lawrence said afterwards that she would definitely be back against the Glory, if not on Saturday against Western.

Lawrence said after Saturday’s match that the Phoenix had tried to have the Canberra match moved to the middle of the following week to no avail and that some of the other A-League Women clubs weren’t releasing their Ferns, decisions she described as “a shame”.

The Ferns at other A-League Women clubs are forward Grace Jale at Canberra, defender Claudia Bunge at Melbourne Victory, defender Liz Anton at the Glory, defender Anna Green at Sydney FC, midfielder Malia Steinmetz at Western Sydney Wanderers and defender Katie Bowen and forward Hannah Wilkinson at Melbourne City.

I guess in the bigger scheme of things. Not a big deal to release a bunch of players from the Nix team. The Nix are not going to win any silverware or finish in playoff positions this season. So might as well give some girls the chance to be in the Ferns environment. That also gives a chance for the Nix fringe players get some game time.
Wouldn't mind seeing a bit more of Lancaster, Walker, Gomez and Clegg in a Nix shirt.

coochiee

So much for TT cooperation heading into the WWC. Pretty poor by other ALW clubs.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/130895972/wellington-phoenix-will-make-compromises-to-help-football-ferns-as-they-host-the-us

That left national team coach Jitka Klimková having to negotiate to lock in a squad – a task she has managed to accomplish with help from the Phoenix, who are only active in A-League Women thanks to significant financial support from NZ Football.

Lawrence confirmed to Stuff on Sunday that one of her players wouldn’t make the trip to Perth for the Phoenix match on Sunday, January 15, and would therefore be available to start for the Ferns against the US three days later.

She would not identify the player, with the Ferns squad yet to be named, but all signs point towards it being midfielder Betsy Hassett, one of two regular international starters in the Phoenix squad.

Forward Paige Satchell is the other, but she missed Monday’s draw with the Wanderers with a minor knee injury and Lawrence said afterwards that she would definitely be back against the Glory, if not on Saturday against Western.

Lawrence said after Saturday’s match that the Phoenix had tried to have the Canberra match moved to the middle of the following week to no avail and that some of the other A-League Women clubs weren’t releasing their Ferns, decisions she described as “a shame”.

The Ferns at other A-League Women clubs are forward Grace Jale at Canberra, defender Claudia Bunge at Melbourne Victory, defender Liz Anton at the Glory, defender Anna Green at Sydney FC, midfielder Malia Steinmetz at Western Sydney Wanderers and defender Katie Bowen and forward Hannah Wilkinson at Melbourne City.

It's a disgrace. Talk about not giving a sh*t about your players. Chance to play on home soil in front of a big crowd against the USA for probably the only time in their careers, and it's legit only one player per club. Very disappointing - super short-sighted. 

Is it time to try Foster at striker? Clegg is a great prospect for the future but at the moment no one looks like scoring. We've got a few decent fullbacks in Vosper, Cicco, VDM, McMeeken and Lancaster at a stretch so I think we'd manage defensively with Foster up top.

Just need someone who can whack a ball and Foster is the best of the bunch at doing that I reckon. My only reservation would be having the striker taking set pieces but that's not a huge problem.

Assuming Alfeld, Taylor, Whinham and Satchell are still unavailable next game I wouldn't mind seeing something like this:

Robertson - Foster - Lancaster
Hassett - Gomez - Wisnewski
Vosper - Barry - VDM - Cicco
Edwards

Friar Tuck

Is it time to try Foster at striker? Clegg is a great prospect for the future but at the moment no one looks like scoring. We've got a few decent fullbacks in Vosper, Cicco, VDM, McMeeken and Lancaster at a stretch so I think we'd manage defensively with Foster up top.

Just need someone who can whack a ball and Foster is the best of the bunch at doing that I reckon. My only reservation would be having the striker taking set pieces but that's not a huge problem.

Assuming Alfeld, Taylor, Whinham and Satchell are still unavailable next game I wouldn't mind seeing something like this:

Robertson - Foster - Lancaster
Hassett - Gomez - Wisnewski
Vosper - Barry - VDM - Cicco
Edwards

Agree with your comments.
Like the inclusion of Lancaster and Gomez. And Foster up front.
Every time Lancaster comes on we look like we have got a bit more in the attacking third.
Rolston the obvious highly rated omission. But she just hasn't fired. Has shown a few good touches and vision but doesn't look like she is 100% mobile. 

For me our striker is too isolated every week in possession and does to much needless running when we don't have it. Need to change shape asap. 3-5-2 0or 4-4-2. 

                            GK
              Cicco -  VDM - Barry
  Clegg - Hassett - Gomez -  Satchel
                           Knott
               Pritchard - Robertson
                 

Showtime Nixie

For me our striker is too isolated every week in possession and does to much needless running when we don't have it. Need to change shape asap. 3-5-2 0or 4-4-2. 

                            GK
              Cicco -  VDM - Barry
  Clegg - Hassett - Gomez -  Satchel
                           Knott
               Pritchard - Robertson
                 

I tend to agree, Pritchard needs help up there. At the moment see looks out of her depth, touches aren't there at all.

Perhaps bringing in a more experienced striker to help up front might be beneficial? If we could be more dangerous with the ball the defense would have way less to worry about.

lthomas20

coochiee

So much for TT cooperation heading into the WWC. Pretty poor by other ALW clubs.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/130895972/wellington-phoenix-will-make-compromises-to-help-football-ferns-as-they-host-the-us

That left national team coach Jitka Klimková having to negotiate to lock in a squad – a task she has managed to accomplish with help from the Phoenix, who are only active in A-League Women thanks to significant financial support from NZ Football.

Lawrence confirmed to Stuff on Sunday that one of her players wouldn’t make the trip to Perth for the Phoenix match on Sunday, January 15, and would therefore be available to start for the Ferns against the US three days later.

She would not identify the player, with the Ferns squad yet to be named, but all signs point towards it being midfielder Betsy Hassett, one of two regular international starters in the Phoenix squad.

Forward Paige Satchell is the other, but she missed Monday’s draw with the Wanderers with a minor knee injury and Lawrence said afterwards that she would definitely be back against the Glory, if not on Saturday against Western.

Lawrence said after Saturday’s match that the Phoenix had tried to have the Canberra match moved to the middle of the following week to no avail and that some of the other A-League Women clubs weren’t releasing their Ferns, decisions she described as “a shame”.

The Ferns at other A-League Women clubs are forward Grace Jale at Canberra, defender Claudia Bunge at Melbourne Victory, defender Liz Anton at the Glory, defender Anna Green at Sydney FC, midfielder Malia Steinmetz at Western Sydney Wanderers and defender Katie Bowen and forward Hannah Wilkinson at Melbourne City.

It's a disgrace. Talk about not giving a sh*t about your players. Chance to play on home soil in front of a big crowd against the USA for probably the only time in their careers, and it's legit only one player per club. Very disappointing - super short-sighted. 

Especially because NZF is paying the wages of one NZ player per A-League team.

how true is that statement? crazy if correct. Why would NZF just pay those players to play for Phoenix instead?

Ryan

lthomas20

coochiee

So much for TT cooperation heading into the WWC. Pretty poor by other ALW clubs.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/130895972/wellington-phoenix-will-make-compromises-to-help-football-ferns-as-they-host-the-us

That left national team coach Jitka Klimková having to negotiate to lock in a squad – a task she has managed to accomplish with help from the Phoenix, who are only active in A-League Women thanks to significant financial support from NZ Football.

Lawrence confirmed to Stuff on Sunday that one of her players wouldn’t make the trip to Perth for the Phoenix match on Sunday, January 15, and would therefore be available to start for the Ferns against the US three days later.

She would not identify the player, with the Ferns squad yet to be named, but all signs point towards it being midfielder Betsy Hassett, one of two regular international starters in the Phoenix squad.

Forward Paige Satchell is the other, but she missed Monday’s draw with the Wanderers with a minor knee injury and Lawrence said afterwards that she would definitely be back against the Glory, if not on Saturday against Western.

Lawrence said after Saturday’s match that the Phoenix had tried to have the Canberra match moved to the middle of the following week to no avail and that some of the other A-League Women clubs weren’t releasing their Ferns, decisions she described as “a shame”.

The Ferns at other A-League Women clubs are forward Grace Jale at Canberra, defender Claudia Bunge at Melbourne Victory, defender Liz Anton at the Glory, defender Anna Green at Sydney FC, midfielder Malia Steinmetz at Western Sydney Wanderers and defender Katie Bowen and forward Hannah Wilkinson at Melbourne City.

It's a disgrace. Talk about not giving a sh*t about your players. Chance to play on home soil in front of a big crowd against the USA for probably the only time in their careers, and it's legit only one player per club. Very disappointing - super short-sighted. 

Especially because NZF is paying the wages of one NZ player per A-League team.

Showtime Nixie

how true is that statement? crazy if correct. Why would NZF just pay those players to play for Phoenix instead?

Ryan

lthomas20

coochiee

So much for TT cooperation heading into the WWC. Pretty poor by other ALW clubs.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/130895972/wellington-phoenix-will-make-compromises-to-help-football-ferns-as-they-host-the-us

That left national team coach Jitka Klimková having to negotiate to lock in a squad – a task she has managed to accomplish with help from the Phoenix, who are only active in A-League Women thanks to significant financial support from NZ Football.

Lawrence confirmed to Stuff on Sunday that one of her players wouldn’t make the trip to Perth for the Phoenix match on Sunday, January 15, and would therefore be available to start for the Ferns against the US three days later.

She would not identify the player, with the Ferns squad yet to be named, but all signs point towards it being midfielder Betsy Hassett, one of two regular international starters in the Phoenix squad.

Forward Paige Satchell is the other, but she missed Monday’s draw with the Wanderers with a minor knee injury and Lawrence said afterwards that she would definitely be back against the Glory, if not on Saturday against Western.

Lawrence said after Saturday’s match that the Phoenix had tried to have the Canberra match moved to the middle of the following week to no avail and that some of the other A-League Women clubs weren’t releasing their Ferns, decisions she described as “a shame”.

The Ferns at other A-League Women clubs are forward Grace Jale at Canberra, defender Claudia Bunge at Melbourne Victory, defender Liz Anton at the Glory, defender Anna Green at Sydney FC, midfielder Malia Steinmetz at Western Sydney Wanderers and defender Katie Bowen and forward Hannah Wilkinson at Melbourne City.

It's a disgrace. Talk about not giving a sh*t about your players. Chance to play on home soil in front of a big crowd against the USA for probably the only time in their careers, and it's legit only one player per club. Very disappointing - super short-sighted. 

Especially because NZF is paying the wages of one NZ player per A-League team.

I got it wrong, Football Australia is paying for those players not NZF.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/126328117/wellington-phoenix-to-field-womens-team-in-wleague-with-quota-of-australian-players

"While the Phoenix have been required to sign at least seven Australians players, it is understood Football Australia has agreed to fund the minimum salary component of one New Zealand player’s contract at each of the other W-League clubs, should they wish to sign a Kiwi, through to the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup, to be hosted on either side of the Tasman."

So only half the clubs want a *free kiwi player!
The others would obviously prefer another import spot

Heavily discounted at least.  That's very bizarre.