Wellington Phoenix defender Marisa van der Meer has agreed to the mutual termination of her Liberty A-League contract after re-rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee.
Van der Meer first ruptured her right ACL whilst on international duty with the Football Ferns in December, 2023, bringing a premature end to her 2023-24 Liberty A-League campaign with the Phoenix.
The 22-year-old signed a fresh contract ahead of the 2024-25 season but just weeks after putting pen to paper, re-ruptured her ACL and tore the medial and lateral meniscus in her right knee.
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Although van der Meer’s Phoenix contract for the upcoming campaign has been terminated, the club have vowed to offer the rising star a new deal for the season following should she successfully complete a medical assessment by September, 2025.
Van der Meer will continue her rehabilitation in Auckland, where she recently graduated as a physiotherapist.
“I signed a contract with the club, was super excited, then a week later I had my injury,” van der Meer explained.
“That first time I injured my right knee, I solely did my ACL. I had the first reconstruction to put a graft in and make a new ACL… this time I went to go get a scan, and they could tell even beforehand that it didn’t feel like it should have.
“I tore my medial and lateral meniscus as well. There was a little tear in the meniscus, which sits on top of the bone, and acts as a shock absorber.
“Thankfully the surgery was just getting a little suture in there and stitching that tear up. It wasn’t like I needed to be sitting in a brace for six weeks.”
“Obviously it’s not an easy journey to go through,” she added. “The club were really supportive of me doing my first surgery where I was more comfortable, back at home with my family.
“I came back up to Wellington a week later, and it was such a good environment. I got to be at the NZCIS facility which was great.”
“I’m ruled out for this coming season, but it gives me time to get focused and come back healthy. It’s going to be a long one, but we just keep going and I appreciate the club supporting me. It’s nice that the club want to see me back on the field.
“I was very emotional. In a way I accepted what happened, and looked forward, not dwelling on it too much.
“I want to get back to playing football. I thought it was going to be the end of this year, but things shifted. That’s okay. My goals are still there.”
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Phoenix head coach Paul Temple says news of van der Meer’s most recent injury setback was a devastating blow, but reiterated the 22-year-old has the club’s full support in her road to recovery.
“It’s a horrible part of football, those big injuries,” Temple said.
“It’s just about supporting Marisa as best we could, good communication with her around the best situation for her rehab and progress off the pitch.
“Being in Auckland enables her to be with family and friends, having that support network around her. It’s about doing what’s best for Marisa.”
“She’s quite understated in the way she goes about her business, but she’s so strong,” Temple added. “I know she’s been gutted, but how she’s kept perspective with the whole situation, it’s a testament to the person she is.
“She’s still staying positive. It takes some person to keep that dedication and focus on the rehab after what she’s been through.
“We’ve made our intention clear. Once she’s back fit again, we want to give her the opportunity to come back and be part of what we’re doing.”
