Matildas and A-League icon joins the Nix
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- 3 min read
The Wellington Phoenix have secured an A-League and Australian legend to their women’s squad.
The Phoenix have signed decorated midfielder Tameka Yallop for the 2026-27 season and potentially beyond.
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Yallop is the ninth most capped Matilda in history, having played 136 senior internationals and represented Australia at four World Cups and three Olympic Games since making her debut in 2007.
She has scored the second most goals and made the second most appearances in competition history and led the Brisbane Roar women to their two championship titles.
The goalscoring midfielder is currently in camp with the Ninja A-League All Stars squad in Sydney, alongside new Nix teammates Grace Jale, Brooke Nunn, Makala Woods and Pia Vlok, preparing for tomorrow (Wednesday August 12) night’s match against Women’s Super League giants Chelsea FC.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman has heralded the signing.
“We’re bringing someone into the group with an immense amount of experience,” Priestman said.
“Not only has Tameka played in high pressure moments for the Matildas over the past 20 years, but she’s also been part of the A-League women’s competition since it started and has experience in some of the world’s top leagues.
“For a decorated Australian international like Tameka to make the move to the Wellington Phoenix speaks volumes about where this club is now at.
“She’ll really add to the team. Tameka can play multiple positions, she’s dynamic, has a lot of energy, is technically very gifted and she scores goals, which was one of the key reasons for signing her.
“We look forward to welcoming Tameka to the Phoenix whānau.”
Family has lured Tameka Yallop across the ditch.
“My wife is a Kiwi so I have pretty strong ties to New Zealand,” Yallop said. “And I spend a little bit of time over here.
“We have two little ones and my eldest daughter has got a Tillies jersey and a Ferns jersey, and she tells everyone that she is Kiwi-Aussie or Aussie-Kiwi.
“It’s come to the point where we wanted to represent the New Zealand side of the family.”
Yallop was quickly sold on the Phoenix after visiting the club last month.
“I’m chasing that trophy and so is Wellington, so we’re aligned.
“Getting the opportunity to work under Bev was a massive drawcard, not to mention the facilities at NZCIS. They’re second to none.
“It’s a high performance environment in Wellington and that’s something that I love being a part of.
“And the Phoenix have shown they’re dedicated to their women’s programme. That was a major pull for me too.
“The club have proven that they’ve consistently invested in the women’s game and are looking to continue that as well.
“They have a quality group of players and are bringing in more quality for next season. I can’t wait to join them.”
She believes she can help the Nix improve on last season’s runner-up finish.
“I feel like I’ve still got a lot to offer. Being a senior player now it’s probably a little bit different to what I had to offer when I was a youngster coming up.
“Experience and maturity are two attributes I bring to the club. They had a great season last season but I feel like the Phoenix are still building.
“Hopefully I can bring a little bit extra to them and help with their consistency throughout the season.
“At the same time I’m also excited to get to know my new teammates and learn off them as well.”
Tameka Yallop is the 18th women’s player contracted to the Wellington Phoenix for the 2026-27 A-League, with the season to start on October 16.
Yallop will join the Phoenix for the start of pre-season training next month.
