Lily Alfeld says the chance to have a "clean slate" attracted her to join the A-League Women's newest team.
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The Phoenix arrived in Wollongong this week, where they will remain based for the 2021/22 season due to the ongoing effect of COVID.
The Wellington team was accepted into Australia's biggest women's competition in September, with former Glory goalkeeper Alfeld becoming their inaugural signing a month later.
It was an honour that the New Zealand-born talent didn't take lightly, as she looks forward to playing a role in the side's foundations.
"It's almost like a clean slate really. I guess there's not a lot of expectation on us and we get the opportunity to come start a legacy and create a team culture that we want. We start off on a level playing field, which is probably the thing I'm most excited about," Alfeld said.
"The team is going to be massive for women's football in New Zealand, never having had a professional team before. It was a massive honour to be the first (player) named in the squad."
The Phoenix have started training at Albert Butler Park and will play their home games at WIN Stadium this season. Their first game at the venue is against the Wanderers on December 3.
Alfeld, 26, hopes to see plenty of fans in the yellow and black at the stadium.
"We're really excited, especially with the opportunity to play some double headers with the (Phoenix) men's team," she said.
"We've heard how fantastic the support was last year and we're very, very eager to play on that stadium. It's such a beautiful stadium too."
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