While some of his teammates may feel like a fish out of water adjusting to life in Wollongong, Liam McGing is embracing the sea change.
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It is an almost homecoming for the Wellington defender, who was Sydney FC's Y-League captain before signing with the Phoenix in November 2019.
McGing also played for Sutherland's NSW NPL team and is familiar with the Illawarra - particularly the club's new home ground, WIN Stadium.
The Phoenix are set to play all home games at the Wollongong venue during the upcoming A-League season.
"We've been based in Wollongong for a number of weeks now. And it's obviously pretty exciting to be playing at WIN Stadium. I think we've got 13 home games there," McGing said.
"I think my first game at WIN Stadium was around 2017. I've played a few games at WIN Stadium through the young age groups and the National Premier League. It's a lovely stadium, especially at field level. It's the best pitch you can play on so I'm looking forward to getting back out there."
Wellington will play their first A-League home game at WIN Stadium against defending champions Sydney FC on January 2, 2021.
McGing said he was keen to see how the Illawarra football community would embrace the Phoenix over the coming months.
"It's obviously no secret that they've been going for an A-League team for some time so I think it's going to be very exciting," he said.
"Hopefully we can get a good turnout for our games. I reckon it will do no harm to their A-League bid."
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
