It may be his third home base in 2020, but Phoenix striker David Ball says he is beginning to feel comfortable in Wollongong.
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The Wellington club confirmed on Tuesday that it would remain in the Illawarra for the 2020/21 A-League season, with all home games to be played at WIN Stadium.
The Phoenix are no strangers to life on the road.
Having started last season at home in New Zealand, the club was forced to relocate to Sydney in July for the remainder of that competition due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Despite that setback, the Phoenix finished in third place before crashing out in the first week of finals, losing 1-0 to Perth Glory.
Ball said the club hoped to go even further this season.
"I think we're a close-knit group. We've managed to keep the nucleus of last year and we've added some young, exciting players in as well. We've been through so much together over the last 18 months. Whatever challenge it might be, we seem to come through the other side really well," Ball, 30, said.
"I think the club has been fantastic in terms of getting us settled now [in Wollongong]. The lads are all into their own places and it's going really well. So it's starting to feel a bit like home now, as much as we can make it home, and get that feel-good factor for the lads for when we all go on to the pitch."
Ball played an instrumental role in Wellington's rise up the ladder last season.
After arriving from EFL Championship club Rotterham United, the Englishman scored six goals and mustered four assists in his debut A-League campaign, capping it off by winning the club's Player of the Year award. The talented forward also received the A-League Player of the Month Award for February 2020.
Last month, Ball re-committed to the club by signing a contract extension to remain in the yellow and black until the end of the 2022/23 season. After helping the club to achieve a best-ever third place finish, Ball is hungry for more success.
"My aim is to just be better than last year, in every single way. I don't put too much pressure on myself. I just wanted to be better than last year," Ball said.
"We've got a few more younger lads than we probably did last year. But we've got some lads who are a good age and kicking on in the A-League as well.
'We've also got some lads who want to prove a point as well, which is always good to have in your squad."
The Phoenix will start their 2020/21 campaign with a road trip to Queensland to face Brisbane Roar on December 29. The following week they play their first home game against Sydney FC at WIN Stadium.
And Ball hopes his club will be able to attract plenty of new supporters.
"I've been surprised how much of a football place it is. I've been out and people have been asking 'why are you here?' and whatnot, and everyone seems to be very excited to come down and watch us," Ball said.
"As many fans as possible who want to come down and support our football team on the weekends would be fantastic for us."