Central Coast Mariners Women face their first ever trip to Wellington Phoenix in the Ninja A-League on Saturday afternoon.
Upon returning to the competition last season, the Mariners dodged a trip to New Zealand as we faced Wellington at Unite Round as our ‘Away’ fixture, so despite three wins from three against the ‘Nix since our comeback, Saturday’s game presents a whole different challenge for our girls.
The match is another huge one in the race for finals football in the Ninja A-League. Phoenix in eighth, are hot on the Mariners tails, in sixth, and would leapfrog us with a win on Saturday.
A first ever trip to New Zealand for our Ninja A-League squad this Saturday!
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) March 18, 2025#CCMFC #RideTheWave
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Team News
Young full-back Leia Puxty returns to the 18-Player squad, after recovering from a slight injury and playing an hour in last Sunday’s emphatic Mariners Women’s Academy First Grade win.
Emily Husband has named her 18-player squad for our trip across the ditch
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) March 20, 2025
Previously against Wellington
From Annalise Rasmussen securing us our first ALW win at Our Paradise, to a Unite Round success at Leichhardt Oval last season and Tiana Fuller’s long-range screamer at Woy Woy Oval in January; it’s safe to say that the three matches against Wellington since the start of last season, have provided some fond memories for the Mariners Family.
Last time against Wellington, Tiana Fuller produced this 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐞 to secure a 1-0 win!
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) March 19, 2025
This Saturday afternoon, we take on the 'Nix in New Zealand for the first time ever in the Ninja A-League!#CCMFC #RideTheWave
Wellington Phoenix
Pheonix have won just once in their last seven games but remain in touching distance of the finals with just four rounds left to play.
Last time out, they went down to Sydney FC, who lifted themselves off bottom spot thanks to Princess Ibini’s stoppage time strike.
Skipper Annalie Longo is the key player for the ‘Nix, she has created the most chances in the league (48, 13 more than second-place) and has the joint-most assists with five.
Longo also has three goals, but the ones to watch in front of goal are Manaia Elliot, who scored her forth of the season against Sydney, and Olivia Fergusson who is their top scorer with five.
Sarah Langman
Our Number One will feature for the 100th time in the Ninja A-League this weekend, she spoke to the media about that achievement and preparation for the trip to Wellington.
Emily Husband
Our Head Coach described her ‘mixed emotions’ after last week’s 3-3 draw with Perth Glory, explaining how ‘game management’ is among the focuses for her side to work on in the run in.
Next up at Our Paradise
Husband’s team return to Our Paradise to take on Brisbane Roar next Sunday (30th March), the second part of our special Charity Round Double Header!
For more information on Charity Round and to get your tickets, click the banner below.
