Phoenix and Perth Glory Announce Squads for Exciting Distance Derby Clash
In an eagerly anticipated A-League season opener, the Wellington Phoenix and Perth Glory have confirmed their squads for the match taking place on Saturday, October 18, 2025. This exciting distance derby promises to showcase talents and set the tone for the season.
Squad Updates for Phoenix and Glory
The Wellington Phoenix welcomes defenders Tim Payne and Lukas Kelly-Heald, who have recently arrived from Norway. Their travel concludes just in time for the clash against Perth Glory. Head coach Giancarlo Italiano noted that Payne’s fitness will be evaluated, but he is expected to be fit for selection.
Meanwhile, Lukas Kelly-Heald has just concluded international duties, which included participation in the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup in Chile and subsequent matches with the All Whites in Poland and Norway. However, the Phoenix will miss key midfielder Paulo Retre and goalkeeper Alby Kelly-Heald due to injuries. Additionally, former Glory winger Nikola Mileusnic is also sidelined.
Perth Glory’s Squad Features Familiar Faces
Perth Glory has included several former Wellington Phoenix players in their lineup. These include co-captain Scott Wootton, Nicholas Pennington, and Brian Kaltak. Notably, Sam Sutton, a former Phoenix player, will be unavailable due to an injury that will keep him out for the first month of the season.
Match Broadcast Information
The match will be broadcast live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 2, allowing fans to catch the action as it unfolds at HBF Park in Perth.
Squads for the Match
| Wellington Phoenix | Perth Glory |
|---|---|
| 1. Josh Oluwayemi | 4. Scott Wootton (co-captain) |
| 3. Corban Piper | 6. Brandon O’Neill |
| 4. Manjrekar James | 7. Nicholas Pennington |
| 5. Fin Roa Conchie | 9. Jaiden Kucharski |
| 6. Tim Payne | 11. Lachlan Wales |
| 7. Ifeanyi Eze | 13. Cameron Cook |
| 9. Hideki Ishige | 14. Nathanael Blair |
| 11. Carlo Armiento | 17. Arion Sulemani |
| 12. Dan Edwards | 18. Rhys Bozinovski |
| 14. Alex Rufer (captain) | 20. Trent Ostler |
| 15. Isaac Hughes | 21. Adam Bugarija |
| 18. Lukas Kelly-Heald | 22. Adam Taggart (co-captain) |
| 20. Ramy Najjarine | 25. Sebastian Despotovski |
| 24. Xuan Loke | 26. Khoa Ngo |
| 25. Kazuki Nagasawa | 27. Will Freney |
| 27. Matt Sheridan | 28. Kaylan Majekodunmi |
| 29. Luke Brooke-Smith | 29. Matt Sutton |
| 37. Anaru Cassidy | 31. Joel Anasmo |
| 39. Jayden Smith | 45. Brian Kaltak |
| 40. Eamonn McCarron |
Match Details
The opening match between Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix is set for 11:45 PM NZT at HBF Park in Perth. With both teams eager to start the season on a strong note, anticipation builds for this intensified distance derby.
