Wellington Phoenix midfielder Grace Wisnewski is the only new cap in the 24-player squad named for the Football Ferns’ two-match international series against Korea Republic.
Wisnewski (20) makes the step up into the full national squad after impressive performances at U-20 and U-17 levels.
Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková said: “Grace has been a consistent performer in the A-League and at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. I always saw her as an aggressive defender, but in the World Cup environment she also showed how dangerous she is going forward, especially against Colombia.
“I also want to commend Grace on her bravery in talking about her challenges at the end of the A-League season.
“After taking a few months out before the World Cup in Costa Rica she has come back so much stronger, and can be a great role model for other young players coming through.”
Meanwhile, the squad has five players from Canterbury who get the opportunity to play in front of their home fans for the first time when the games are played on November 12 and 15.
It will be the team’s first games in Aotearoa New Zealand since June 2018 and the first in Christchurch since 1991.
“I’m so happy for our players to finally have the chance to come home and play in front of their people,” Klimková said.
“The team’s looking forward to getting to Christchurch, and playing in a city where we unfortunately won’t have FIFA Women’s World Cup games next year. Our goal is to inspire through football, so having that spread of games across New Zealand over the next year will give more people the opportunity to watch international football.”
The Ford Football Ferns last played world 17-ranked Korea Republic in a two-game series last November, securing Klimková’s first win as Ferns head coach.
Ferns squad
(Club, caps/goals)
Elizabeth Anton; Perth Glory, Australia (13/0)
Mackenzie Barry; Wellington Phoenix FC, NZ (1/0)
Katie Bowen; Unattached (85/3)
Claudia Bunge; Melbourne Victory FC, Australia (14/0)
Olivia Chance; Celtic FC, Scotland (35/1)
Daisy Cleverley; HB Køge, Denmark (22/2)
Ava Collins; St John’s University, USA (5/0)
Victoria Esson; Rangers FC, Scotland (10/0)
Ally Green; Vålerenga, Norway (2/0)
Jacqui Hand; Aland United, Finland (10/1)
Betsy Hassett; Wellington Phoenix FC, NZ (135/14)
Grace Jale; Canberra United, Australia (8/2)
Anna Leat; Aston Villa FC, England (9/0)
Meikayla Moore; Glasgow City FC, Scotland (58/4)
Erin Nayler; Umeå IK, Sweden (78/0)
Gabi Rennie; Arizona State University, USA (16/2)
Ali Riley; Angel City FC, USA (147/2)
Indiah-Paige Riley; Fortuna Hjørring, Denmark (3/0)
Emma Rolston; Avaldsnes IL, Norway (13/6)
Paige Satchell; Wellington Phoenix FC, NZ (33/2)
Malia Steinmetz; Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia (11/0)
Kate Taylor; Wellington Phoenix FC, NZ (5/0)
Ashleigh Ward; Southampton FC, England (2/0)
Grace Wisnewski; Wellington Phoenix FC, NZ, (0/0)*
* Debut
G.J. Gardner Homes Series: Ford Football Ferns vs Korea Republic
Fixtures
Game to be played on Saturday November 12, 2022
New Zealand v Korea Republic
Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, 2.30pm
Game to be played on Tuesday November 15, 2022
New Zealand v Korea Republic
Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, 6pm
Ticket information
Adults $10, children $5.
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