Wellington Phoenix coach Bev Priestman expressed confidence ahead of the club’s A-League Women semifinal second leg against Brisbane Roar, scheduled for this afternoon at Porirua Park. After a 2-1 loss in last weekend’s away leg in Brisbane, the Phoenix are determined to overturn the deficit in front of a home crowd.

Priestman, who took over the coaching role last year on a two-year contract, emphasized the importance of enjoying the occasion as the team vies for its first-ever A-League final appearance. “If you can’t enjoy an occasion like this weekend, we shouldn’t be playing the game,” she said. “It’s a semifinal we’ve earned, it’s at home, it’s the moment we want to create.”

Adjustments are planned after the loss in Brisbane, with Priestman noting the need to both improve on their performance and counter Brisbane’s tactics that disrupted their play. The team also welcomes back striker Pia Vlok, who has returned from injury and has been a key contributor throughout the season.

To accommodate the expected interest, an additional stand has been erected at Porirua Park, increasing capacity to around 6,000 spectators—more than the club has previously hosted at the venue. Priestman highlighted the excitement surrounding the match, both within the squad and the local community.

The Phoenix face pressure to deliver, but Priestman believes it is Brisbane who carries the burden following their home victory. “Did they put us away enough? No,” she said. “Now we get to play our advantage, and in many ways, the pressure is on them.”

Priestman acknowledged the unpredictable nature of finals football, stressing mental focus and resilience as crucial elements. She noted that scoring first would be beneficial but not essential, as the outcome depends on which team responds better to challenges on the day. The team has prepared extensively for various scenarios, including the possibility of a penalty shootout, a situation they have trained for and feel confident managing.

The Wellington Phoenix’s potential advancement marks a significant milestone after 19 years without an appearance in an A-League final by any team from the club. The men’s team has similarly never reached the final since its debut in the 2007-08 season.

Priestman, who previously coached the Canadian women’s national team to Olympic gold and served a one-year ban related to a drone incident at the 2024 Paris Olympics, reflected on the personal and professional significance of this moment. She expressed strong belief in the squad’s ability to seize the opportunity. “Some of them have had adversity in their career, they’ve worked their whole career to get to these moments,” she said. “I’ve got no doubt in this group, I’ve got all the belief in the world.”

Kickoff for the second leg is set for 2:30 p.m. local time, with the winner earning a place in the grand final, a historic achievement for the Phoenix club.