The Wellington Phoenix women's team is set to embark on their historic maiden Ninja A-League finals campaign. They will face Brisbane Roar in the first leg of their semi-final this Sunday, marking a significant milestone for the club. Head coach Bev Priestman has expressed immense excitement for the crucial encounter.

Celebrating her 40th birthday, Head Coach Bev Priestman shared her enthusiasm with media on Wednesday. She emphasized that these high-stakes matches are what players and coaches live for, where every minute and decision holds paramount importance. Priestman conveyed a renewed sense of energy, feeling "alive" and "ready to roll" for the upcoming challenge.

The month-long wait since the Wellington Phoenix's final regular season match against Adelaide United, and the subsequent delay in identifying Brisbane Roar as their semi-final opponent, was described by Priestman as "torture." This extended break presented unique challenges for maintaining match fitness and focus.

Despite the long layoff, the Wellington Phoenix squad has undergone intensive preparation. Priestman detailed how the team has focused on critical game scenarios, including penalty shootouts, closing out matches, and strategies for chasing a game. A recent practice match, though initially "clunky" due to some players' three-week absence, proved highly beneficial in sharpening the team's readiness.

Looking ahead, Bev Priestman views the semi-final as a comprehensive 180-minute contest rather than a single knockout game. This two-legged format, she believes, plays to the Wellington Phoenix's strengths, allowing them to bounce back from any potential "blips" and demonstrate their consistent performance across both fixtures.

The team's preparation has seen key players like Women’s player of the year Grace Jale actively involved in training sessions at NZCIS, underscoring the squad's determination. The Wellington Phoenix is confident in their ability to perform strongly and make a significant impact in their inaugural A-League semi-final appearance.