Forward Emma Main has recommitted to her hometown club, signing a new contract with A-League club Wellington Phoenix.
Main (24) quickly established herself as a fan favourite in her first full season with the Wellington Phoenix, earning the nickname ‘The Main Train’.
Main photo: Emma Main … five goals last season.
She finished the 2023-24 A-League as the team’s second top scorer with five goals, including a brace in their final round match against Western Sydney Wanderers which doubled as the club’s Pride game.
“It’s awesome to re-sign with the Nix,” she said. “All my family and friends are in Wellington.
“There was a little bit of interest from other clubs in the A-League, but the Phoenix were the first option for me from the get-go.
“I’m looking forward to playing another season under Temps (head coach Paul Temple).”
Main has known Temple since her time at the Phoenix academy and was his first signing as head coach.
“Familiarity makes the decision easier.
“I have an insight into how he works, how the team works, and how the league works now.”
The women are coming off their best season, having spent the first half of the campaign in the top six before ultimately missing out on the finals.
“This season we definitely want to make top six, or even higher than that.
“You could see last season that we were almost there. Hopefully this year, building from what we did last year, we will be able to crack that.”
Emma Main acknowledges she has an important role to play to make that happen.
“As a forward, I want to be scoring more goals.
“Putting in consistent performances for the team, making sure I’m able to perform every week as needed.”
Paul Temple is delighted to keep a “really important” player and one he has known for a while.
“She has developed a lot in terms of her contribution to the team.
“When you work with players in the academy, it’s focused on personal and individual development.
“It gives me more insight into her character and what her mentality is.
“I know what we’re getting, and I know what she brings on and off the pitch which makes a big difference.”
Main’s versatility is also a bonus for Temple.
“She ended playing quite a lot of time as a winger last season as her form was good and she trained well there.
“But Emma’s got big potential as a striker, and so hopefully this season we can see her play more through the middle as well.
“Now it’s just a case of continuing that progress for next season and seeing if we can step things up.
“She’s going to play a big role in the team next season.”
Players signed for next season
Phoenix women’s head coach Paul Temple has eight players contracted for the 2024-25 A-League season, with discussions continuing with other off-contract players.
The players signed are Emma Main, Marisa van der Meer, Mackenzie Barry, Olivia Ingham, Zoe McMeeken, Manaia Elliott, Daisy Brazendale and Rebecca Lake.
READ MORE: Defender Marisa van der Meer signs new deal with Wellington Phoenix >>>>
READ MORE: Wellington Phoenix sign new deal with women’s vice captain Rebecca Lake >>>>
Players who are leaving
Players who have departed the Wellington Phoenix after the expiry of their contracts include Football Ferns Kate Taylor and Grace Wisnewski.
American imports Mariana Speckmaier, Hope Breslin and Hailey Davidson have left, with Davidson signing for hometown club Dallas Trinity who will play in the new USL Super League.
Last season’s leading scorer Speckmaier has signed for A-League rivals Melbourne City.
Forward Kelli Brown becomes a free agent after completing her second stint at the Phoenix.
READ MORE: Midfielders Grace Wisnewski and Hope Breslin leave Wellington Phoenix >>>>
READ MORE: Out-of-contract Kate Taylor and Kelli Brown to leave Wellington Phoenix >>>>
READ MORE: Wellington Phoenix fullback heads home to Dallas to join new pro’ league club>>>>
READ MORE: Melbourne City unveil Mariana Speckmaier as new season signing >>>>
This story was first published on July 4, 2024.
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