One year ago, Alyssa Whinham was at “breaking point.”
The 2023-24 Ninja A-League season had just begun, but under new head coach Paul Temple, the then-20-year-old was struggling due to a lack of opportunities to break into Wellington’s starting XI.
Whinham made a bench appearance against Melbourne City in Round 1 but went unsighted in Phoenix colours through the following five games.
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By the time Wellington beat Perth Glory in Auckland in late November – at the end of that five-game run – Whinham was pondering whether or not to walk away from the game altogether.
In February, Whinham looked back on that period of her career, and told reporters she had two options in her mind: “either just grind and work through this or I don’t, and just give up.”
But if the 21-year-old was asked to re-live those testing days early in the 2023-24 season, she wouldn’t change a thing; as she prepares for her fourth season at the club, Whinham reflects with a smile, defining the most challenging months of her footballing journey as the catalyst for her mental and physical growth.
“It’s really crazy. I’ve changed so much in those months and I really did get tested as a professional,” Whinham said.
“Things at the start of the season didn’t really go my way, I felt I was trying so hard but just wasn’t getting that recognition or that game time.
“When you’re a pro footballer all you want to do is make the field and get that game time so when that wasn’t happening, I really had to look at myself and see if there were other things I could work on: the mental side of things, the gym aspect.
“I’ve just worked really hard, it’s a tool I’ve learned and brought into everything I do, just making sure I give 100% and be ready for those opportunities when they come. It really did test me as a person and as a player but I grew so much from it. I wouldn’t take anything back.
“It was definitely difficult at the time… it really tested me and I’m grateful I went through that, I feel a lot stronger mentally, and that I can overcome anything now.”
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Despite being just 21, Whinham returns for season 2024-25 as one of the most experienced players in the Phoenix squad, having made 38 appearances for the club. An inaugural squad member in 2021-22, Whinham is set for her fourth season in Yellow & Black and is determined to make her mark as the club pursues a spot in the Finals Series for the very first time in its history.
“I feel kind of old!” Whinham joked.
“I’m really excited. I feel like this is my year. I feel like I had a couple of other years just to develop and grow as a player, as a person.
“I’m in a really good space right now, I feel like I’m in form and in a good mental space as well, so I’m really looking forward to this year. I’m so excited to get back out there, and I really hope it will be a good one.”
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In July, Whinham signed a two-year contract extension with the club. The deal is set to keep her in Yellow & Black until the end of the 2025-26 season.
The Phoenix kick off the 2024-25 season with a road trip to Tarneit against Western United on Friday night in what is the opening game of the campaign.
Whinham expects a tough challenge from Western at Ironbark Fields as Wellington look to improve their away form; Temple’s side won just one of 11 games on the road last season.
“They’re a really good side,” she said. “Very aggressive, always on the front foot.
“We’re expecting a lot of pressing from them. They’re a good side, and we just have to be ready for it – and I think we are. Our preparation has been really good and all the girls are firing, it will be tough challenge away from home but we’re really looking forward to it.”
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