Phoenix Suffer Injury Setback Before First Finals Campaign

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

Main has been grappling with a chronic lumbar spine condition, which means she will not be participating as Wellington gears up for its inaugural Finals Series.

Following consultations with medical specialists, Main, in collaboration with the club, has opted to focus on her rehabilitation in order to ensure she is fit for the 2026-27 A-League season.

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

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

“She has been instrumental in the team’s progress this season, and even though she’s injured, she remains vital to our future.”

Priestman added: “Emma has consistently demonstrated a team-first attitude, despite facing various injuries and illnesses this season. She puts in the hard work every day to be her best self, which is exactly the type of player we want at this club—now and in the future.

“I’m confident Emma will put in the effort during the off-season to recover, and I’m looking forward to having her back next season.”

This season, Main made 12 appearances, becoming the first player from Wellington to reach 50 A-League games with the Phoenix women’s team.

In December, she scored twice in a 3-0 triumph over Western Sydney Wanderers, bringing her level with Grace Jale and Mariana Speckmaier as the team’s all-time leading goalscorer.