Coach hails ‘new Whinham’
Alyssa Whinham was the breakout star of the Wellington Phoenix’s first A-League Women campaign, but she hasn’t had it easy since then.
After signing a two-year contract ahead of their second campaign, she ended up spending a long time away from the team last summer for personal reasons.
Then, as their third – and current – campaign began, it became clear where she stood in new coach Paul Temple’s pecking order - low enough that she didn’t even make the Phoenix’s matchday squad in rounds two through six.
But after seizing her chance when a host of Football Ferns were away on international duty in mid-February, Whinham has started each of their last three matches.
On Friday night, as they faced Perth Glory on the road in a must-win match, she scored the Phoenix’s opener then set up the go-ahead goal, with a visionary through ball for Michaela Robertson.
It was by far the 20-year-old’s best performance since season one and after the 3-1 win, which kept the Phoenix in the hunt for a top-six finish and a first playoffs appearance, Temple hailed the arrival of “the new Alyssa Whinham”.
“She's always been technically good,” Temple said.
“But what she's added this season is mentality – hunger, desire – and strength – physicality.
“She's making tackles, she's getting back, she's been able to, mobility-wise, get up and down much better.
“I think this is just a new and better version of her. The confidence is starting to flow now.
“She’s got all the ability,” Temple added, “and she’s now starting to add the other elements that you need to be a top professional. She’s still only 20. It’s exciting.”
Whinham said having to try to force her
way into Temple’s plans was “definitely something” she “struggled with” at first.
“But being a professional footballer, that’s kind of what you sign up for – the highs and the lows.
“I definitely did struggle with it, but I think Auckland (where the Phoenix first played Perth this season, winning 2-1 on November 25), was a turning point for me.’’
Next up for the Phoenix is a visit from second-placed Sydney FC to Porirua next Sunday, with another match at Jerry Collins Stadium coming the following Wednesday, against 11th-placed Adelaide United.