Wellington coach Bev Priestman's pursuit of the A-League Women's championship is about much more than restoring personal reputation.
After serving a one-year suspension over the Paris Olympics spying scandal, Priestman is on the verge of leading the Phoenix to a historic title.
All that stands in the Kiwi underdogs' way is treble-hunting powerhouse Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Saturday.
For Priestman, who led Canada to gold at the Tokyo Olympics, securing a trophy in her first season back in the game would serve as a form of redemption.
"It can be that, but whatever I do in life I just want to be the best I can be," Priestman said.
"I'm from a small town where you do have to swing and you do have to punch your weight. Whatever I was going to throw myself into ... that's just in my blood.
"But I also think I've got a much better perspective on life, and it's made me a better coach this year.
"At the end of the day you've just got to be around good humans, and I think I've got that in abundance with this group of players, this staff and this club."
Priestman was sacked by Canada Soccer after a FIFA review found that she, along with other coaching staff, used drones to spy on New Zealand before a match at the Paris Olympics.
In a twist of fate, her wife, Emma Humphries, was hired by Wellington as academy director in December 2024, and the Phoenix later signed Priestman as head coach on a two-year deal.
Priestman had previously worked in coaching development in Wellington and also as a development director with New Zealand Football, before coaching at four Women's World Cups and three Olympic Games.
"It was sort of like a full-circle moment (because) a big part of my career started in New Zealand," Priestman said.
"I just wanted to be back on the grass with people who want to be the best they can be every single day, and that's what I've ended up getting.
"I must admit it's been one of the most rewarding years to be on the pitch with a group of people, to have fun off the pitch and be surrounded by a club that has real big ambitions in the women's game."
Priestman's Phoenix are the first New Zealand team - women or men - to reach an A-Leagues grand final.
Melbourne City are fresh off securing a third consecutive premiership, now chasing both a championship and the AFC Women's Champions League title as the icing on the cake.
Led by Michael Matricciani, City won both previous meetings between the grand final combatants this season and will start warm favourites in the decider.
But that won't stop the Phoenix taking a swing.
"We're here not just to take part in a grand final," Priestman said.
"If we show up, catch ourselves on a good day and get Melbourne City maybe on a bad day, it's there for the taking.
"We've got to be ready to show up and do what we've done all season."
