It's the team that flies further than any other to compete in the A-League but the Phoenix is pinning its hopes on former Central Coast Mariners frontman Michale McGlinchey returning to his native New Zealand to reach finals glory.
It took a transfer wrangle to get him back to New Zealand and McGlinchey said he was relieved to be home.
"It was probably three months too long," he said. "I didn't think it was going to go this long but just relieved its all sorted now."
The A-League does not want any side to stay in the doldrums too long, with any lame ducks possibly damaging the League's brand.
But that's not a concern this season; Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick said his side was ready for an all-out challenge.
"We're training extremely hard and determined to play in the finals this year," he said. "That's very important for us and that's our goal."
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