Jason Hicks of the Phoenix celebrates after scoring against Newcastle. Photo / Getty Images
Richardson: Roly Bonevacia's free kick against the Victory in Melbourne in round 19 was a high-quality strike. Given the magnitude of a game against the Victory across the Tasman, this first-half special was impressive. It helped the Phoenix to a 3-2 win, their first over the Victory in Melbourne.
Best moment?
Pine:
Kenny Cunningham's winning goal against the Mariners in round 26. As finishes to football matches go, this was as good as it gets. The Phoenix had clawed their way back from 2-0 down to level at 2-2 late in the game, but looked to have blown their chance for a win when Hicks blazed over from right in front. But the erratic, unpredictable Cunningham latched onto a pass from Bonevacia to score past Liam Reddy with virtually the last kick of the game.
Richardson: Nathan Burns scoring the club's first hat-trick. The Australian collected the match ball with this virtuoso effort in the 5-1 romp over Melbourne City on November 30. Burns remains one of the best players to have pulled on a Phoenix shirt.
Nathan Burns celebrates his hat-trick against Melbourne. Photo / Getty Images
Best match?
Pine:
The 5-1 win over Melbourne City in round eight. In the club's 194th A-League match, the Phoenix finally had a hat-trick scorer with Burns converting a late penalty to notch the milestone. Excellent strikes from Bonevacia and Roy Krishna completed the rout and erased memories of a 5-0 home loss to the same opponent last season.
Richardson: The 2-1 win over the Roar in Brisbane. Beating the Roar at their home ground remained the final frontier of away victories for the Phoenix until March 22. They battled back from 1-0 down via goals from Michael McGlinchey and Burns and there was plenty of drama as the game ended after 73 minutes due to flooding on the pitch.
Worst performance?
Pine:
Unfortunately it has to be the last one. Much was expected from the Phoenix in their first finals appearance in three seasons but a strangely cautious approach and two soft goals saw them fall at the first hurdle to Melbourne City. Players and fans were clearly devastated afterwards as a highly promising season came to an abrupt and premature end.
Connor Chapman, Patrick Kisnorbo and Paulo Retre of Melbourne City celebrate the win at the final whistle. Photo / Getty Images
Richardson: I'm with Piney here, last night's 2-0 loss to City was insipid. Wellington rarely fired a shot and looked a shell of the team that led the A-League six weeks ago. Coach Ernie Merrick must be wondering where it all went wrong in the latter stages of the season.
Player of the year?
Pine:
It has to be Burns. At his best, he was simply untouchable as defenders found it tough to halt his progress when he set off with the ball at his feet. His mazy run from the corner flag past five defenders to set up McGlinchey's goal against the Roar in Brisbane was one of the moments of the season. He must be a strong contender for the Johnny Warren Medal for the A-League's player of the year and a man the Phoenix will be desperate to retain.
Richardson: While Burns was superb, captain fantastic Andrew Durante provided an impressive body of work. The central defender played every minute of the club's campaign and rarely put a foot wrong. He turned 33 yesterday but is showing no signs of slowing down.
Andrew Durante was one of the standout players in the Phoenix season. Photo / Getty Images
What do they need to add for next season?
Pine:
Joel Griffiths showed in his short time in Wellington the value of a traditional centre forward among nippy attackers like Burns, McGlinchey and Krishna. While securing Burns is priority No 1, adding a more robust attacker is also important, perhaps using the import spot which will be freed up by Cunningham's reported departure. If Michael Boxall moves to South Africa, as is widely expected, another versatile defender will also be needed.
Richardson: The Phoenix need to evolve. During the Ricki Herbert era they'd make the playoffs, think it was good enough and box on with last year's troops. This side needs to stay ahead of the curve. A dangerous striker would be nice and more midfield depth would be an idea.
