Wellington Phoenix have signed decorated defender Abby Erceg on a one-year deal while Newcastle Jets
have bid farewell to eight of their squad from the 2025/26 Ninja A-League season.
Nix boss Bev Priestman has completed one of the biggest signings of the Ninja A-League off-season, bringing decorated Football Fern Erceg back to New Zealand on a one-year deal.
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One of the country’s greatest players, the 36-year-old has represented New Zealand at four FIFA Women’s World Cups and four Olympic Games, is the fourth-most capped Football Fern of all time and has made more than 200 appearances in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), where she captained three championship-winning teams.
She joins the Phoenix after a stint with Mexican side Toluca.
Phoenix Head Coach Priestman hailed Erceg’s arrival, saying the experienced defender would add the winning mentality the club was targeting after reaching last season’s Ninja A-League Grand Final.
“While we had an outstanding season and we went to the A-League grand final this year, we identified we need more experience and to continue to add winners to the team,” Priestman said.
“In Abby we’ve got that. We’ve got a player who knows exactly what you need to be able to win at the highest level.”
Erceg said returning home before the end of her career had always been a goal.
“I want to give back to the game in New Zealand,” she said.
“It’s been a goal of mine to come back and play and have my family and friends see me playing professionally week-in, week-out.”
Meanwhile there’s been plenty of movement at Newcastle Jets, with confirmation eight first team players have moved on.
Josie Wilson, Olivia Page, India Breier, Haley Johnson, Charlotte Lancaster, Melina Ayres, Anna Leat and Kelli Brown will all leave the club following the expiration of their contracts.
Wilson departs after making 49 appearances across three seasons with the Jets, while Page leaves after nine appearances in 2025/26.
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Breier made 25 appearances and scored two goals during her two seasons at the club, while Johnson featured seven times after joining ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
New Zealand international Lancaster scored three goals in 13 appearances during her sole season with the Jets and earned her first senior Football Ferns cap while at the club.
Ayres also moves on after three seasons, having scored 14 goals in 34 appearances, while goalkeeper Leat departs after 12 appearances in 2025/26.
Brown leaves after one season in Newcastle, having scored six goals in 19 appearances.
Newcastle Jets General Manager of Football Nigel Boogaard thanked the departing players for their contributions.
“We would like to thank each of the departing players for their efforts and contributions during their time at the Club.
“We are grateful for the impact they have made on the field, as well as the way they have represented the Jets and conducted themselves within the community.
“We wish them all the very best in the next chapter of their playing careers.”
