Wellington Phoenix Women

WPW 2025/26 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

483 replies · 35,215 views
20 Nov 02:15
“Both Samba and Jaber featured in training pics today”
You saw Jaber doing laps and Samba leaning on the goal post.
If these images are just to confuse the opposition it’s disingenuous.
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20 Nov 02:43
Half a Pint
ballane
Sounds like a blow with apparantly 2 gone for the season one is Tessel not sure who the other one is. They havnt  found out how Whinham is yet. Samba hopefully back this weekend.
Could they have been referring to 2 from the club out for the season so therefore Tessel Middag and Ishige - rather than 2 from the Women's team?

I'm probably being a bit hopeful with this, just don't want to believe we've lost 2 from the Women's team already!
Got the impression it was two from the Womans team sorry didnt catch the 2nd name but yes Tessel was one.

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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20 Nov 02:46
Guess we might learn a little bit more when weekend squads get announced tonight.
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20 Nov 02:46
Elbo
“Both Samba and Jaber featured in training pics today”
You saw Jaber doing laps and Samba leaning on the goal post.
If these images are just to confuse the opposition it’s disingenuous.
Your kidding right nothing disingenuous about it, football teams for years have played games with team selections throwing curve balls. Good old fashioned gamesmanship in my eyes going a bit far to label it disingenuous.

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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20 Nov 03:01
More so the fans and the poor Nepalese food truck that showed up last week with no customers.
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20 Nov 19:09


😪
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20 Nov 19:19
YoungHeartHM


😪
Afraid i dont get why Whinham was allowed to play on it was obvious she had done something bad even to us in the stands. Okay may not of made it worse but where is the duty of care to your player.
The same could be said of Tessel who had a history of trouble with knee injures, she injures  it early in the game but is allowed to play on till half time.
We need to do better.

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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20 Nov 20:17
Ah that sucks, it's not unexpected but is pretty gutting.

Hopefully the two of them recover well and return better than ever next season.

Is Middag on a 1 or 2 year contract?
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20 Nov 20:53 · edited 20 Nov 20:54 · History
This is terrible news. 

We desperately need Macey.  
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20 Nov 22:03
Can we get injury replacements ?
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20 Nov 22:10 · edited 20 Nov 22:20 · History
National league is about to finish up. Who has been outstanding this year ?. Jenkins for sure but she's not a creative midfielder.
SOS to Longo?
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20 Nov 22:37
I think Longo has already had SOS, but declined.

Oi Oi Edgecumbe... lets have a clean sheet

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21 Nov 00:45
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/11/21/phoenix-duo-alyssa-whinham-and-tessel-middaq-suffer-season-ending-injuries/

Middag (32) ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft in her left knee in the opening minutes of her A-League debut against Canberra United at Sky Stadium earlier this month.

It’s the same ACL she had repaired in 2017 and then again in 2018, which saw her miss out on representing the Netherlands at the European Women’s Championship in her home country and FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

Middag was able to play on until halftime against Canberra before she notified team medical staff of her concerns and was replaced. Scans have since revealed the ACL graft rupture.

Scans have also confirmed Whinham (21) ruptured the ACL in her right knee in the second half of the Phoenix’s round three match against the Newcastle Jets at Porirua Park on Sunday.

In contrast to Middag, Whinham suffered a non-contact ACL rupture. She has been an integral member of the Phoenix women’s team since it was established in 2021 and is the side’s second most-capped player.

Phoenix women’s head coach Bev Priestman said she was devastated for both players.

“Tess and Alyssa have big roles in this team, both on and off the pitch,” Priestman said. “They’ve got very different personalities, but personalities that lift the group on a daily basis.

“They’re big losses because both of them could feature in any A-League team.

“For Tess to go through a third ACL injury is a lot to deal with, but she’s handled herself with real class and maturity.

“Alyssa was reaching new heights early in her fifth season with the Phoenix, but I’m sure she’ll be back fitter, faster and stronger.”

The club has undertaken a thorough review to see if there’s anything more it could have done to avoid these devastating injuries.

Director of football Shaun Gill has found the Phoenix women’s ACL injury prevention practices are comprehensive and aligned with industry standards.

“Our programme aligns very well with current best practices,” Gill said.

“We emphasise strength training, neuromuscular control, movement quality and injury risk screening.

“It’s a proactive approach that demonstrates our commitment to player safety.

“Female athletes are currently four to eight times more likely to rupture their ACL than males. We will continue to do everything we can to try and defy those odds.”

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21 Nov 00:53 · edited 21 Nov 04:33 · History
There are a bunch of Ferns who have just completed their club seasons in Canada and Scandinavia. Yes not all of them midfielders. 
But 1 or 2 of them maybe interested in a short term deal.

Rebecca Lake, Liz Anton, Ally Green, Olivia Chance, Betsy Hassett, Jacqui Hand and Gabi Rennie.

Miley Clegg likely having a break before heading back to Racing Louisville.

I think midfielder Jana Radosavljevic ruptured her ACL back in April during that farcical Ferns tour of Taiwan. Could have been an option, if that was 9 rather than only 6 months ago.

A recall for Amelia Abbott? Think she is still in NZ playing National League.
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21 Nov 01:01
coochiee
There are a bunch of Ferns who have just completed their club seasons in Canada and Scandinavia. Yes not all of them midfielders. 1 or 2 of them maybe interested in a short term deal.

Rebecca Lake, Liz Anton, Ally Green, Olivia Chance, Betsy Hassett, Jacqui Hand and Gabi Rennie.
Miley Clegg likely having a break before heading back to Racing Louisville.


We can rule Liz Anton out, she has already resigned with Canberra.
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21 Nov 07:41
I'd take Hassett

Oi Oi Edgecumbe... lets have a clean sheet

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21 Nov 10:19 · edited 21 Nov 10:21 · History
In a slightly different direction,
Interestingly Bev has never coached a club side in a pro comp?
3 week World cups are a completely different ball game to 8 month campaigns. Intensity, load, preparation, conditioning etc

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27 Nov 11:09
Ranix
National league is about to finish up. Who has been outstanding this year ?. Jenkins for sure but she's not a creative midfielder.
SOS to Longo?
Jenkins can play as an attacking midfielder as well actually!
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27 Nov 19:39
Wonder if the likes of Hand and Chance are looking for new contracts now there season is finished in Norway.
Although Jenkins is already in Wellington which makes it easy for her to trial.
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27 Nov 20:42 · edited 27 Nov 20:46 · History
Ranix
Wonder if the likes of Hand and Chance are looking for new contracts now there season is finished in Norway.
Although Jenkins is already in Wellington which makes it easy for her to trial.

Not only season over for Chance & Hand but their Norwegian club Kolbotn were relegated.

3rd consecutive club Hand has played at that have been relegated!

Chance of course is a mum now, so a little bit trickier to be constantly on the move. She might look at one of the Melbourne clubs, as her partner is a Melburnian from memory.

https://theniche-cache.com/football/2025/11/27/flying-kiwis-november-27

https://www.instagram.com/livchance/p/DRSgwaCjWHc/
livchance 
Edited
1w
And Tyler spend the year in Norway. 🇳🇴 Thankful for the people that became our village. One less tooth later Ty, and we are off 




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28 Nov 00:22
Elbo
More so the fans and the poor Nepalese food truck that showed up last week with no customers.

You guys miss out. Their food is nice, especially the Spicey MOMO. Yummmmm
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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28 Nov 00:47
LG
Elbo
More so the fans and the poor Nepalese food truck that showed up last week with no customers.

You guys miss out. Their food is nice, especially the Spicey MOMO. Yummmmm
Yeah I can back LG on the MOMO - so good my normally food-picky daughter wanted seconds (duly provided). The Nepali truck was pretty busy this time. Hopefully next time the Nepali supporters can also see Samba play. She is a class act by the way - she was really great with the kids at the autograph/jersey signing session after the Melbourne game. Actually all the ladies are great at that. Great role models!
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28 Nov 01:03 · edited 28 Nov 01:04 · History
Wahinix more in the market for replacement midfielders/attackers, than defenders?

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28 Nov 05:29
LG
Elbo
More so the fans and the poor Nepalese food truck that showed up last week with no customers.

You guys miss out. Their food is nice, especially the Spicey MOMO. Yummmmm

We tested the fried dumplings from mo mo food truck for the food reviews section in our issue two of our fanzine. It was yummy and we will go again. It's a great addition to the catering line up. Food at Porirua Park is great!
We’re a dad and kid duo from Porirua, making a fanzine for the Phoenix Women. No budget, no backing — just staples, paint, and a love for the team. Playing With Fire is our first go, and we’re hoping it sparks something fun. Contributions welcome, keep it clean.
Follow us on bluesky.
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28 Nov 05:40
PlayingWithFire
LG
Elbo
More so the fans and the poor Nepalese food truck that showed up last week with no customers.

You guys miss out. Their food is nice, especially the Spicey MOMO. Yummmmm

We tested the fried dumplings from mo mo food truck for the food reviews section in our issue two of our fanzine. It was yummy and we will go again. It's a great addition to the catering line up. Food at Porirua Park is great!

Food at Porirua is 100% better than at Sky.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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28 Nov 05:44
“Food at Porirua is 100% better than at Sky”

Just need a beer truck and it will be complete!
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28 Nov 20:34
Abandoned Brewery is out that way, I'm sure they'd be keen to park up and sell their wares.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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28 Nov 23:02
theprof
Abandoned Brewery is out that way, I'm sure they'd be keen to park up and sell their wares.
Seem to recall its a licensing issue.

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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29 Nov 00:37
makes sense i guess, need P'town council to come to the party then.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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29 Nov 06:05 · edited 29 Nov 06:05 · History
Given the family-friendly atmosphere at the stadium maybe they’re keen on keeping it alcohol-free?

Personally I’m ok with that, although it’d be nice if there was a good post-match venue near by.
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29 Nov 20:48
Simon B
Given the family-friendly atmosphere at the stadium maybe they’re keen on keeping it alcohol-free?

Personally I’m ok with that, although it’d be nice if there was a good post-match venue near by.
It’s actually my beef with the location of abandoned and Kai tahi. It would be so much better if they were closer to the station. Either would make a great pre and post football location. 
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30 Nov 06:52
Elbo
“Food at Porirua is 100% better than at Sky”

Just need a beer truck and it will be complete!
If they added the pies from Pepes Cafe in Porirua to the menu at Porirua Stadium then the food offer would be unbeatable. They do have a food truck as well. Seriously their Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pie was the best pie I have ever had.
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03 Dec 22:37
Surely deserves a trial with the Nix. Injury replacements required.
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04 Dec 05:02 · edited 04 Dec 05:05 · History
Looks like Zoe Benson has signed on from Auckland United.
She scored the winning goal in the national league final.

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04 Dec 07:33
You have to hope we arnt going lose a lot of these players to Auckland when and if they get a team.

GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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05 Dec 00:25 · edited 05 Dec 00:26 · History
Ranix
Looks like Zoe Benson has signed on from Auckland United.
She scored the winning goal in the national league final.

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Benson also scored the opener against us in the KSC final. Feels like quite the coup to snatch her from AU, and it’s great to see Lily, Grace and Harriet being given the opportunity to step up - so good news all round!
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05 Dec 00:39
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05 Dec 20:43
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPbDVZbh110

Priestman says they are going to bring in replacements for Middag and Whinham. Just taking there time to get the right player.
NWSL and Canada's NSL + Sweden's league all just recently finished up. So you'd think there would be some good options to fill that visa spot. Another player that can play 9 or 10 ?
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17 Dec 23:41

 
Looks like we might have 2 new players before the end of the month
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