Winger Michaela Robertson is in line to become the first Wellingtonian and first Phoenix academy product to play for the women’s team.
The diminutive Robertson, who stands just 147cm tall, has signed with the Nix for the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season, after two years with the academy’s emerging women’s programme.
“Wellington’s home for me so I’m excited about playing in front of my family and friends where my football started,” Robertson said.
“I’m really looking forward to my first pro season. Everything seemed to line up and there’s something about stepping into a role when it feels the timing is right.”
‘Not being the tallest player, I’ve needed to be strong’
Robertson (26) was the first women’s player to join the Phoenix academy on a full-time basis and believes it has helped her grow into a more well-rounded player.
“Training with the boys has been challenging. Obviously, they bring another level of physicality and pace which is something I tried to match and give them a good run for their money.
“But I think it’s helped me develop my game, with the quick-thinking and decision-making that’s required on the field.
“Also not being the tallest player I’ve needed to be strong and be able to hold the ball up and compete at that physical element of the game.
“It’s been something that I’ve had to develop over the years, but I think that’s been beneficial being at the academy surrounded by guys that are a lot stronger and a lot taller and bigger than me.”
‘I’m hoping to inspire more players coming through’
The former Football Ferns squad member doubts she’ll be the last Phoenix women’s player to come through the club’s academy.
“I’m hoping to be able to inspire some of those girls coming through.
“There’s heaps of talent and I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of those names in the squad in the years to come.”
Robertson hopes joining the Phoenix will help her get back in front of Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková, who has yet to call-up the winger since taking charge last year.
“This season’s going to be critical for me. After the Olympics I took a bit of a break and I still feel like I’m on the back foot slightly.
“I haven’t made one of Jitka’s squads yet so I’m hoping ahead of the World Cup next year an opportunity will come my way.
“I hope Jitka’s watching our games and I think it’s a good opportunity for me to showcase what I can do and what strengths I can bring to the team.”
How Robertson qualifies for an Australian quota spot
Michaela Robertson qualifies for one of the five Australian quota spots in the full-time squad, alongside foundation players Isabel Gomez and Brianna Edwards.
“My mum was born in Australia so I thought it’s best for me to come in as an Australian player and leave a Kiwi spot to develop another New Zealander.
“I’m lucky in that regard to sneak in as an Aussie, but I promise you I’m a fully-fledged Kiwi!”
Lawrence: ‘She’s done the hard yards’
Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence played with Robertson, when she first played senior football as a teenager, and has previously coached her at Capital Football.
“What’s really cool about Mickey is she’s got a lot of different experiences,” Lawrence said.
“She’s been involved with the Ferns, she went to the Olympics, she’s been in FFDP (Football Ferns Domestic Programme) and she’s a product of the Phoenix academy.
“She’s done the hard yards and really stuck at it. Playing with and against boys every single week is tough, but she’s done it because of the level of football she wants to play at.”
Lawrence believes Robertson will “bring heaps to the team both on and off the field”.
“She’s quick, she’s smart, she has an eye for goal, she has great experience and I know what I’ll get from her.
“She’s a massive fit for how we want to attack and our attacking threat this season.
“She’s also an amazing human being, one of the nicest humans you’ll ever meet.”
Fifteenth signing for Phoenix
Michaela Robertson is the Wellington Phoenix’s 15th signing for the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season, joining Football Ferns regulars Betsy Hassett and Paige Satchell, New Zealand U-20 international Marisa van der Meer and foundation players Lily Alfeld, Kate Taylor, Mackenzie Barry, Alyssa Whinham, Chloe Knott, Ava Pritchard, Grace Wisnewski, Isabel Gomez, Zoe McMeeken, Saskia Vosper and Brianna Edwards in the Nix squad.
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Credit
This story is published with the help of the Wellington Phoenix.
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