Phoenix Suffer Injury Setback Before First Finals Campaign

Wellington Phoenix striker Emma Main has been sidelined for the Ninja A-League finals series following a back injury.

Main has been dealing with a chronic lumbar spine injury, which unfortunately means she will not participate as Wellington gears up for their first-ever Finals Series.

After consulting with medical specialists, Main and the club have decided she will focus on rehabilitation to ensure she is fully recovered for the 2026-27 A-League season.

Having already missed the last four matches of the regular season, she will also be absent from the Nix’s two-legged semi-final and a potential grand final next month.

“Emma is a proud Wellingtonian, and it’s heartbreaking for her to miss the team’s historic first semi-final,” commented Wellington Phoenix Head Coach Bev Priestman.

“She has played a vital role in this team’s journey this season, and like every player who has been sidelined by injury, she remains an integral part of our squad as we move forward.”

Priestman added: “Throughout this season, despite her injuries and illnesses, Emma has demonstrated an incredible team-first attitude.

“She commits herself every day to being the best player she can be, which is exactly the kind of ethos we value at the club, both now and for the future.

“I have every confidence that Emma will work hard in the off-season to recover, and I can’t wait to welcome her back next season.”

During this campaign, Main made only 12 appearances but achieved a milestone as the first Wellingtonian to reach 50 A-League games for the Phoenix women.

She netted a brace in the team’s 3-0 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers in December, equalling Grace Jale and Mariana Speckmaier as the all-time leading goalscorer for the club.