Wellington Phoenix have handed central defender Mackenzie Barry a new one-year deal ahead of the Ninja A-League 2025-26 season while also farewelling all five of their visa imports from last year.
Already the club’s leading appearance maker having played 71 games for the Nix, Barry is now preparing to feature in her fifth season for the club since joining back in 2021.
“I’ve really enjoyed my past four years with the club,” said the central defender after signing her new contract.
“I love playing in New Zealand, I love being near my family and the fans are amazing, of course. The team’s grown and improved so much.
“The first two years at the Phoenix were very much a learning curve for me as they were my first couple of years in professional football.
“The last two years we just fell short of the finals unfortunately, but I really want us to get into the top six. I’m committed to getting us into the finals.”
Barry’s re-signing is the latest piece of business conducted during what’s proven to be a busy off-season for the Phoenix.
Having signed Dutch international Tessel Middag, Dominican Republic captain Lucía León, American defender Ellie Walker and Football Ferns goalkeeper Victoria Esson, Wellington have also handed Emma Main a new two-year deal.
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We’ve made some big signings and so early in the off-season which is exciting. They’re great quality players and they’ll lift the standards even more,” said Main when discussing the club’s busy transfer window.
“The signings have definitely influenced my decision to re-sign.
“The Phoenix are really serious about the women’s team. We have all the support, fantastic facilities and now some great additions.”
Interim Phoenix head coach Amy Shepherd is delighted to be able to confirm Barry’s contract extension.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to building a strong and competitive squad, securing top Kiwi talent remains a key strategic focus for the club,” Shepherd said.
“Mackenzie has consistently demonstrated leadership and composure in defence, and her extensive experience in the A-League women’s competition will be instrumental in mentoring and integrating new talent into the squad.
“We are proud to support her continued journey with the Football Ferns as she works towards the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.”
“Her professionalism, relentless work ethic, and commitment to excellence embody the values we expect of every player who wears the Nix jersey.
Currently with 16 caps for the Football Ferns, Barry also believes the Phoenix can help her become a more regular member of the national side.
“The Phoenix have a good set-up and relationship with the Ferns so it’s a good environment to be in to be pushing and getting into the national team.
“I’d love to get more gametime as a centre back, but I’m still young and I’m working towards it.
“Hopefully this season I will get more of an opportunity.”
The Phoenix will now be looking to bolster their squad with a few more foreign stars ahead of the upcoming campaign after releasing all five of their visa players from last season.
Portuguese goalkeeper Carolina Vilão departs the club having made 23 appearances last season, while English striker Olivia Fergusson is also heading back overseas after scoring five goals and registering two assists in her 22 games.
Carolina Vilao |
Olivia Fergusson |
Americans Maya McCutcheon and Alivia Kelly are also leaving the club following the expiration of their contracts and Japanese winger Mebae Tanaka will also not be returning to Wellington next season.
“All five had a positive impact on the team, on and off the pitch,” said Wellington Phoenix Director of Football, Shaun Gill.
“Fergie was our top goal scorer last season, while Maya, Alivia and Mebae all scored their maiden A-League goals for the club and Carolina kept four clean sheets, which is level for the most in the team’s history.
“They were also popular members of the dressing room and helped contribute to a great team culture.
“We wish them all the best with the next steps in their professional careers and will follow them with interest.”
