From the stands to the pitch: Wellington Phoenix teen Pia Vlok's rise to the grand final

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Wellington Phoenix women's coach Bev Priestman said finals football is about turning up fresh as the team departed Wellington for Melbourne, where they play on Saturday.

She’s younger than the Wellington Phoenix, but teen forward Pia Vlok could help deliver the Kiwi club their first A-League title.

The 17-year-old wasn’t born when the Phoenix men played their inaugural game against Melbourne Victory in 2007, and was only 13 when the women’s side joined in 2021.

Ahead of Saturday’s grand final against Melbourne City at AAMI Park, Vlok recalls looking up to Chloe Knott and current teammate Grace Jale and travelling to Wellington with her family to watch the team play.

“I was quite a big fan. I would watch all the games on Sky,” Vlok said. “I came down for a couple of games. I’ve always looked up to the players in the team. Now playing with them is so cool.”

Now the rising star is set to take centre stage in the biggest game in the team’s short history, with her head-to-head battle against City’s 17-year-old midfielder Shelby McMahon shaping as one of the key matchups.

The two teenagers have scored six goals apiece in breakout seasons and were instrumental in their semifinal victories last weekend.

Vlok feared she might miss the finals after suffering an untimely ankle injury while on international duty with the Football Ferns during the post-regular season break.

Makala Woods scored both goals to send Wellington Phoenix through to their first A-League Women grand final.

After coming off the bench in the first leg of the semifinal loss to Brisbane Roar, Vlok made her mark in the return leg, setting up Makala Woods with a brilliant pass from halfway to level the tie.

The Phoenix went on to win 2-0 on the day and 3-2 on aggregate to join Melbourne City in the decider.

“Makala is just so good at making those darting runs. I just saw her, tried to play her through and she finished it off very well,” Vlok said.

“It was a huge confidence boost. After that we all stepped it up and kept the pressure on Brisbane. The crowd, celebrating with them, was so special.”

Vlok was among the Phoenix’s best in the win at Porirua Park, capping a season that has exceeded even her own expectations.

A regular starter since joining from Auckland United, she has scored the club’s first hat-trick and earned her maiden Football Ferns call-up.

“It’s crazy,” she said. “From that first game, I would not have thought and now we’re here. I’m so happy and grateful.”

Helping the Phoenix lift their first trophy would be the perfect finish.