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.
#2. Saskia Vosper - LB
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.
#3. Kate Taylor - CB
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.
#4. Mackenzie Barry - CB
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.
#5. Marisa Van Der Meer - LB/RB
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.
#6. Isabel Gomez - DM
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.
#7. Chloe Knott - CM
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.
#8. Grace Wisnewski - CM
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.
#9. Ava Pritchard - RW/ST
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.
#10. Alyssa Whinham - CAM
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.
#11. Betsy Hassett - CM
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.
#12. Brianna Edwards - GK
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.
#13. Paige Satchell - RW/ST
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).
#14. Michaela Robertson - LW/ST
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.
#15. Zoe McMeeken - RB
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.
#16. Emma Rolston - ST/CAM/CM
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.
#17. Claudia Cicco - RB/CB
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.
#18. Te Reremoana Walker - CB/DM
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. Charlotte Lancaster - LW/RW/LB/RB
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.
#20 Milly Clegg - ST
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.
#21. Michaela Foster - Utility
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.
#22. Georgia Candy - GK
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.