'Wollongong' Phoenix midfielder Clayton Lewis embraces A-League challenge

Lewis fulfilled a childhood dream when he walked on to WIN Stadium on Saturday to represent the Phoenix. And while it wasn't the perfect start, as the Wollongong-based side fell 2-1 to defending champions Sydney FC, Lewis was given 59 minutes of game time in an impressive debut.

However, with Phoenix captain Ulises Davila and Reno Piscopo breathing down his neck for a starting spot, Lewis knows it's crucial to keep performing well.

"You don't really want to go to a team where you slip straight in. I think it's good to have people fighting for positions. You want to get better. To be going up against players like 'Uli' and Reno, it's a good test," Lewis said.

"I grew up watching the A-League and always wanted to be part of it, now I can say that I'm here, it's a massive honour. I grew up in Wellington so it's a big pleasure to be playing for the Phoenix."

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The side is now preparing to head up to Campbelltown to face league newbies Macarthur FC on Saturday.

The Phoenix are confident they will clinch their first win of the 2020/21 season.

"We're going to have a more full-strength side, we've got a couple of players coming back from little niggles," Lewis, 23, said.

"With the likes of Uli and Tomer [Hemed] coming back in and fully fit, it only adds to the quality we've got in this squad. It's only a matter of time until we start putting our chances away and start getting some points on the board."