Wellington Phoenix boss Bev Priestman says her side are ready to make more club history after booking their spot in the Ninja A-League Grand Final.
The Phoenix came into the second leg of their semi-final clash with Brisbane Roar trailing 2-1 after defeat in Queensland last week.
However, a double from striker Makala Woods – the second of which came in the first half of extra time – ensured Priestman’s charges sealed a 3-2 aggregate win to not only qualify for the Grand Final, but also become the first New Zealand side ever to reach an A-Leagues decider.
Awaiting Priestman and Co in the showpiece event will be reigning Premiers Melbourne City.
MATCH REPORT: History makers Wellington clinch spot in first ever Grand Final
“Listen, I’m just super proud of the effort,” said Priestman when speaking to Sky Sport after the full time whistle.
“I think the girls put in a massive shift. My little boy, it’s Mother’s Day, he told me we were going to win two nil today, and he was right!
She went on to say: “We’ve got an unbelievable bench, good depth, and I knew the momentum was with us. So I wasn’t stressed – well, I was, but wasn’t as stressed!
“I knew in extra time we could get the job done. And the girls did it. I’m so proud of them.”
Now primed to face the reigning Premiers in the final, Priestman says it matters little that her side suffered two defeats against Michael Matricciani’s team during the regular season.
“Yeah, I think we’ve got to do us and I think the last game (in Brisbane) was a lesson for us to not play into the team’s chaos.
“I think we looked more like us today and I think we’ve got a good reference point going to Melbourne, right? We played City away, and I felt we should have won – I heard the coach say it yesterday.
“You get to a final, it’s anyone’s game on the day. But you know, this is the first time in what 19 years. We want to create that moment. I think today is that moment, and we’re not done yet.
She added: “When you look in your players’ eyes. I had a hungry, very talented group. I’ve got a club that backs this team, and, you know, this club got me back in the game, and today, it’s a step towards replaying that.”
GRAND FINAL INFO
- Premiers Melbourne City FC to host Grand Final after Semi Final Derby win.
- Phoenix through to first-ever Grand Final after extra time win over Roar.
- Tickets from $10 for Juniors and $30 for Adults for the showpiece game.
- VAR to be used for the first-time in a Ninja A-League Grand Final.
Tickets for the Ninja A-League 2026 Grand Final will go on sale on Monday 11 May at 9am AEST – with participating club members able to access a 20% discount on tickets for the first 24 hours.
Tickets start at $10 for Juniors (14 and under), and from $30 for Adults, while active fan tickets are available from $25 for Adults.
Fans can also watch and stream the Ninja A-League 2026 Grand Final live on 10 Drama, 10 Streaming and Paramount+. For New Zealand viewers, the Ninja A-League 2026 Grand Final will be available live on Sky Sport and can be streamed on Sky Sport Now and Sky Go
The A-Leagues has also confirmed that, for the first time, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be used for the Ninja A-League 2026 Grand Final.
