The Wellington Phoenix had a season to remember in 2023/24, defying all expectations to become within two points of the A-League Men’s Premiership before suffering a heartbreaking defeat in the A-League semi-finals.
Last season did not treat them as kindly. The Hahn Australia Cup Playoff against the Brisbane Roar provides an opportunity for the team to reset and introduce some of their newest talents.
Read our profile of the Wellington Phoenix in this year’s Hahn Australia Cup play-offs.
A-League Men 2024/25 Season Recap
The introduction of Kiwi rivals Auckland FC added a new dimension to the season but the results did not follow on the pitch, finishing 11th and only winning six times during the season.
They only one twice in 2025, while falling to some heavy defeats – most notably, a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of their newest rivals Auckland.
One of those defeats in the latter stages of the season was to their Hahn Australia Cup playoff opponents, the Brisbane Roar, when a goal to Florin Berenguer saw them well beaten.
One to Watch
Corban Piper won the Wellington Phoenix U23 Men's Player of the Year this season and will be hoping to build on that form during the Australia Cup.
He is beloved by Phoenix fans for his hard work and willingness to play anywhere on the park. Primarily a defender, Piper will be tasked with keeping the defence sturdy and continuing to improve.
Piper is originally from Auckland, but there is no question as to where his loyalties lie, and he will revel in the opportunity to help the Phoenix start their new cycle on a high.
The Boss
Head Coach Giancarlo Italiano, affectionately known as "The Chief," will be tasked with overseeing somewhat of a rebuild after a disappointing A-League Men's campaign.
Italiano was originally brought over to the Phoenix by then-Head Coach Ufuk Talay after his stellar work at Sydney FC. When he took over the club last season after Talay's departure he was the first ever A-League Men's coach to have not previously had a professional career.
The law graduate has a reputation as a thoughtful and detail-oriented coach and will hope to help rejuvenate his side with success in the Australia Cup.
Hahn Australia Cup Record
The story of the Wellington Phoenix in the Australia Cup is unfortunately not a very successful one. The furthest they have made it in the Cup is the semi-finals in 2021, when they were defeated by Melbourne Victory.
The Cup has proved a landing place for some of New Zealand Football's Best and Brightest over the years, however, and they'll be hoping to give some more big game experience to youngsters this year.
Match Information
Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar
Date: Wednesday, 14 May
Kickoff: 7.30pm AEST (7pm local)
Venue: Larrakia Park, Darwin
Broadcast: 10Play
Tickets: Ticketebo
