It’s the biggest day in the Wellington Phoenix’s history as the women’s team readies themselves for the A-League grand final.
They’ve risen from missing the playoffs in each of their past four seasons, to a second place regular season finish and a shot at putting the club's first piece of silverware in the trophy cupboard.
CJ Bott captained the team at the start of the season before stepping aside to prepare for the birth of her child, however she’s still been a big part of the team throughout the season, and will be on the sidelines tonight.
She told Piney she knew the team could do it, and while they went through a lot this season, the girls have proven time and time again they can come back from anything.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from Newstalks edb.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Massive day for women's football in New Zealand. For the
first time a New Zealand team will play in the
A League Women's Grand Final.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
Anthony is in here. The crowd rise to their feat,
doesn't have the legs Brisbane defendant. Right to the very end,
Caitlyn Williams calls it history made for Wellington Phoenix they
advanced to an A League's Grand Final for the very
first time. The yellow fever celebrate party to a park explodes.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Up the next at the end. There Wellington Phoenix Melbourne
City A League Women's Grand Final six fifteen tonight, New
Zealand time at Amy Park in Melbourne. Football Ferns CJ
bott led the team in their first seven matches of
the season before stepping away as she prepares for the
birth of her first child, but she's remained very closely
connected to the squad throughout this remarkable campaign and is
(01:13):
in Melbourne with the team as they chase a first
ever A League Grand Final win a first ever A
League title. C J boddles whether you've been in Melbourne
since Wednesday, I think CJ. The day is finally here.
So how was the feeling in the playing group on
this special day.
Speaker 4 (01:32):
I think the girls are all really eager to get
out there. It's obviously been a few days of built
up here in Melbourne and a few good training days,
but they're ready to go, and I'm really excited to
be on the sidelines and.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
Cheering them on.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
You were there in the early weeks of the season,
as I say, you led the team in the first
seven matches. Did you since then that this squad had
something special about it that I knew we could do it?
Speaker 4 (01:55):
However, I won't lie. With all the injuries we had
and obviously me stepping aside, and we went through a
lot this season, there were definitely a few times where
I question that. But these girls have proven home and
time again that they can come back from anything, really
and seeing I would say I started getting more hopeful
towards towards the end of the season when I started
seeing these performances show up and then suddenly I was like, Nah,
(02:17):
we've got this, we can do it.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
So you can't influence the game directly, now, I know
how passionate a player you are when you're out there.
How hard has it been watching from the stands and
not being on the pitch.
Speaker 4 (02:31):
Definitely had a taste of what it's like to be
a coach. It's not nice. I definitely don't like it.
I'm a football player because I like to play football,
so it's definitely been tough. But at the same time,
I've obviously had something that's been distracted me quite a
lot with this whole pregnancy thing, So it has been
it's been a journey, for sure. I haven't loved to
be on the sidelines, but honestly, watching this team go
(02:52):
from strength to strength and overcoming all these obstacles that
have been in our way has been incredible and I'm
so so proud of these girls. That's definitely been what's
put me through on the sidelines.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Good on you. Have you found ways to still lead
to still an influence despite not being able to play, Yeah,
I think so.
Speaker 4 (03:11):
It's definitely taken me a little while to kind of
see how I would be best used, I guess, but
I think it's all the little conversations in the changing
room and checking in on players and being on the
sidelines and training and being a positive influence on the
girls and being an honest opinion when they need it,
and then yeah, I like to get involved on game
day as well and give them a bit of a
(03:32):
rack up as well.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
You've played at World Cups, Olympic games, you know, over
fifty matches for the football Ferns. What advice have you
been sharing with some of the younger players about handling
a big occasion like this.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
Honestly, I think the thing with these girls is to
kind of ignore the external pressure and to just think
about it as a game of football. And this team
has played so so well this season when they've just
enjoyed it. They've enjoyed each other's company, they've enjoyed stringing
passes together and putting together something beautiful on game day.
So it's just reminding them of those moments and the
moments of success and realizing that it's not all because
(04:09):
of all these fans that are coming and all the
noise and stuff. It's just because of what they do
on the day, and they're perfectly capable of doing that
today as well.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Mackenzie Barry's taken on that on field leadership role brilliantly.
How proud have you been watching the way she and
the senior group have driven this team in your on
field absence.
Speaker 4 (04:29):
She's done so well. She's done so well, and I
think you can see that well from what I've heard
from day dot five years ago. She was such a
positive influence on this team and has kind of always
given a hundred percent and I think she definitely leads
by example first and foremost, and that has not faulted
one time this season. So in that regard, she's done
incredible and I think the girls listen to her and
(04:50):
she's just such a presence and has so much experience
in this team and does it with so much passion
because she just truly cares about the success of this club.
So yeah, she's been remarkable to watch and I'm so proud.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Of her coach Bev Priestman. She's clearly had a massive
impact in her first season. CJ. What is she specifically
brought that has helped lift this group up to another level.
Speaker 4 (05:12):
It's hard to put into words what Bev's brought. She
brings obviously a lot of experience in high performance environments,
and I think that's something that is invaluable in this
league and probably well a lot of these other coaches
probably don't have that high performance experience like she does,
and so I think that's probably the first thing. But
I think she just has such an incredible way of
(05:32):
looking at this team and what's in front of her.
I suppose, and adapting a game plan, adapting tactics around
who we have available in any one time. But I
said the other day in an interview, she's got no
ego and so she has no problems. She'll stress and
rip her hair out all week trying to put together
a killer game plan, and then twenty minutes into a game,
if things aren't going to plan, she has absolutely no
(05:54):
problem changing it at the drop of a hat. And
I think that kind of foresight and that kind of
leadership does this team so well. And I think she's
also done really well with putting the right people around
her as well. We've got such great stuff and they've
recruited so well in terms of players as well, that
she's yeah, just put together a winning formula.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
I suppose Melbourne City consistent all season, They've been the
benchmark in many ways, along with with Wellington. What gives
you confidence that the finish can beat them this afternoon?
Speaker 4 (06:25):
I think, honestly, I'm taking confidence from the fact that
we haven't beaten them yet, and I think that that's
just a point to prove today. We're coming in as
the underdogs. They're coming in to defend a lot of
history and a lot of wins that they've had obviously,
And I think I saw the other day that we
haven't beaten them in nine games, or they haven't lost
in seven or eight games or something like that. But
(06:45):
I think that just means they've got more to lose
than we do, and our girls are hungry and they're
ready to put them to shame. I suppose wait.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
And watch it. Yeah, oh, same, same. And the team
has inspired so many young players in New Zealand already.
I mean, what would it mean, you know, to cap
this run by bringing home the club's first piece of
silverware and blazing a trail which this team has over
the last five years.
Speaker 4 (07:12):
Yeah. I said to the girls the other day that
growing up as a Wellingtonian, I didn't really have too
many female footballers to look up to, and I certainly
didn't have a female football team to look up to.
And to know that that's what these girls are to
so many young New Zealand girls, and especially Wellingtonian girls.
That means the world to me, and I think it
means the world to them as well. So if we
can bring home the trophy and just set a precedent
(07:33):
and blazer trail for women's football in New Zealand, then
that's job well done and I'll be incredibly proud and back.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
To you finally see huge life moment coming up off
the field as well. So how special has it been
for you to still feel part of this team's story
at such an historic time but also with very exciting
times ahead for you and your family.
Speaker 4 (07:53):
It's been incredible. I think I didn't know how I
would feel throughout the season and whether or not it
would kind of feel like an injury being on the sidelines,
but honestly hasn't. It's been such an incredible journey for
me and watching my body change and seeing I'm capable
of doing while still being a part of the team,
and knowing that I still have such a strong role
in the team. I'm really proud of myself. I'm proud
(08:14):
of how my body's held up, and yeah, bringing home
that trophy today will just mean the world to me.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Love that a nice one in the season, and so mother,
it would all sort of come together perfectly. Well, all
eyes on Amy Park a bit later on today, CJ.
Great to chat. All the best to you and the
team as you look to bring home that silverware.
Speaker 4 (08:31):
Thanks so much, Funny no, thank.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
You CJ for joining us. CJ bot there out of
the Wellington Phoenix camp. Won't be playing a part on
the field, having of course played the first seven games
before stepping away to prepare for the birth of her
first child. Very exciting, but she's been a massive part
of this team. I can tell you that that her
influence is still significant within the playing group and great
that she's in Melbourne to help with the final push
(08:55):
to get this team across the line.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk d BE weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from Newstalks edb.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Massive day for women's football in New Zealand. For the
first time a New Zealand team will play in the
A League Women's Grand Final.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
Anthony is in here. The crowd rise to their feat,
doesn't have the legs Brisbane defendant. Right to the very end,
Caitlyn Williams calls it history made for Wellington Phoenix they
advanced to an A League's Grand Final for the very
first time. The yellow fever celebrate party to a park explodes.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Up the next at the end. There Wellington Phoenix Melbourne
City A League Women's Grand Final six fifteen tonight, New
Zealand time at Amy Park in Melbourne. Football Ferns CJ
bott led the team in their first seven matches of
the season before stepping away as she prepares for the
birth of her first child, but she's remained very closely
connected to the squad throughout this remarkable campaign and is
(01:13):
in Melbourne with the team as they chase a first
ever A League Grand Final win a first ever A
League title. C J boddles whether you've been in Melbourne
since Wednesday, I think CJ. The day is finally here.
So how was the feeling in the playing group on
this special day.
Speaker 4 (01:32):
I think the girls are all really eager to get
out there. It's obviously been a few days of built
up here in Melbourne and a few good training days,
but they're ready to go, and I'm really excited to
be on the sidelines and.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
Cheering them on.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
You were there in the early weeks of the season,
as I say, you led the team in the first
seven matches. Did you since then that this squad had
something special about it that I knew we could do it?
Speaker 4 (01:55):
However, I won't lie. With all the injuries we had
and obviously me stepping aside, and we went through a
lot this season, there were definitely a few times where
I question that. But these girls have proven home and
time again that they can come back from anything, really
and seeing I would say I started getting more hopeful
towards towards the end of the season when I started
seeing these performances show up and then suddenly I was like, Nah,
(02:17):
we've got this, we can do it.
Speaker 2 (02:20):
So you can't influence the game directly, now, I know
how passionate a player you are when you're out there.
How hard has it been watching from the stands and
not being on the pitch.
Speaker 4 (02:31):
Definitely had a taste of what it's like to be
a coach. It's not nice. I definitely don't like it.
I'm a football player because I like to play football,
so it's definitely been tough. But at the same time,
I've obviously had something that's been distracted me quite a
lot with this whole pregnancy thing, So it has been
it's been a journey, for sure. I haven't loved to
be on the sidelines, but honestly, watching this team go
(02:52):
from strength to strength and overcoming all these obstacles that
have been in our way has been incredible and I'm
so so proud of these girls. That's definitely been what's
put me through on the sidelines.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Good on you. Have you found ways to still lead
to still an influence despite not being able to play, Yeah,
I think so.
Speaker 4 (03:11):
It's definitely taken me a little while to kind of
see how I would be best used, I guess, but
I think it's all the little conversations in the changing
room and checking in on players and being on the
sidelines and training and being a positive influence on the
girls and being an honest opinion when they need it,
and then yeah, I like to get involved on game
day as well and give them a bit of a
(03:32):
rack up as well.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
You've played at World Cups, Olympic games, you know, over
fifty matches for the football Ferns. What advice have you
been sharing with some of the younger players about handling
a big occasion like this.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
Honestly, I think the thing with these girls is to
kind of ignore the external pressure and to just think
about it as a game of football. And this team
has played so so well this season when they've just
enjoyed it. They've enjoyed each other's company, they've enjoyed stringing
passes together and putting together something beautiful on game day.
So it's just reminding them of those moments and the
moments of success and realizing that it's not all because
(04:09):
of all these fans that are coming and all the
noise and stuff. It's just because of what they do
on the day, and they're perfectly capable of doing that
today as well.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Mackenzie Barry's taken on that on field leadership role brilliantly.
How proud have you been watching the way she and
the senior group have driven this team in your on
field absence.
Speaker 4 (04:29):
She's done so well. She's done so well, and I
think you can see that well from what I've heard
from day dot five years ago. She was such a
positive influence on this team and has kind of always
given a hundred percent and I think she definitely leads
by example first and foremost, and that has not faulted
one time this season. So in that regard, she's done
incredible and I think the girls listen to her and
(04:50):
she's just such a presence and has so much experience
in this team and does it with so much passion
because she just truly cares about the success of this club.
So yeah, she's been remarkable to watch and I'm so proud.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Of her coach Bev Priestman. She's clearly had a massive
impact in her first season. CJ. What is she specifically
brought that has helped lift this group up to another level.
Speaker 4 (05:12):
It's hard to put into words what Bev's brought. She
brings obviously a lot of experience in high performance environments,
and I think that's something that is invaluable in this
league and probably well a lot of these other coaches
probably don't have that high performance experience like she does,
and so I think that's probably the first thing. But
I think she just has such an incredible way of
(05:32):
looking at this team and what's in front of her.
I suppose, and adapting a game plan, adapting tactics around
who we have available in any one time. But I
said the other day in an interview, she's got no
ego and so she has no problems. She'll stress and
rip her hair out all week trying to put together
a killer game plan, and then twenty minutes into a game,
if things aren't going to plan, she has absolutely no
(05:54):
problem changing it at the drop of a hat. And
I think that kind of foresight and that kind of
leadership does this team so well. And I think she's
also done really well with putting the right people around
her as well. We've got such great stuff and they've
recruited so well in terms of players as well, that
she's yeah, just put together a winning formula.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
I suppose Melbourne City consistent all season, They've been the
benchmark in many ways, along with with Wellington. What gives
you confidence that the finish can beat them this afternoon?
Speaker 4 (06:25):
I think, honestly, I'm taking confidence from the fact that
we haven't beaten them yet, and I think that that's
just a point to prove today. We're coming in as
the underdogs. They're coming in to defend a lot of
history and a lot of wins that they've had obviously,
And I think I saw the other day that we
haven't beaten them in nine games, or they haven't lost
in seven or eight games or something like that. But
(06:45):
I think that just means they've got more to lose
than we do, and our girls are hungry and they're
ready to put them to shame. I suppose wait.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
And watch it. Yeah, oh, same, same. And the team
has inspired so many young players in New Zealand already.
I mean, what would it mean, you know, to cap
this run by bringing home the club's first piece of
silverware and blazing a trail which this team has over
the last five years.
Speaker 4 (07:12):
Yeah. I said to the girls the other day that
growing up as a Wellingtonian, I didn't really have too
many female footballers to look up to, and I certainly
didn't have a female football team to look up to.
And to know that that's what these girls are to
so many young New Zealand girls, and especially Wellingtonian girls.
That means the world to me, and I think it
means the world to them as well. So if we
can bring home the trophy and just set a precedent
(07:33):
and blazer trail for women's football in New Zealand, then
that's job well done and I'll be incredibly proud and back.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
To you finally see huge life moment coming up off
the field as well. So how special has it been
for you to still feel part of this team's story
at such an historic time but also with very exciting
times ahead for you and your family.
Speaker 4 (07:53):
It's been incredible. I think I didn't know how I
would feel throughout the season and whether or not it
would kind of feel like an injury being on the sidelines,
but honestly hasn't. It's been such an incredible journey for
me and watching my body change and seeing I'm capable
of doing while still being a part of the team,
and knowing that I still have such a strong role
in the team. I'm really proud of myself. I'm proud
(08:14):
of how my body's held up, and yeah, bringing home
that trophy today will just mean the world to me.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Love that a nice one in the season, and so mother,
it would all sort of come together perfectly. Well, all
eyes on Amy Park a bit later on today, CJ.
Great to chat. All the best to you and the
team as you look to bring home that silverware.
Speaker 4 (08:31):
Thanks so much, Funny no, thank.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
You CJ for joining us. CJ bot there out of
the Wellington Phoenix camp. Won't be playing a part on
the field, having of course played the first seven games
before stepping away to prepare for the birth of her
first child. Very exciting, but she's been a massive part
of this team. I can tell you that that her
influence is still significant within the playing group and great
that she's in Melbourne to help with the final push
(08:55):
to get this team across the line.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk d BE weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
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