They open their campaign against the Brisbane Roar at the Cake Tin on Sunday and this Wellington side will suffer some painful losses this season - that's just part of having a collection of rookiess - but you can also expect them to cut a couple of unsuspecting teams apart when they click.
Reece Caira, Luke Adams, Alex Rufer and Josh Brindell-South are among the new faces in the Phoenix. They're not well-known players but they have potential.
Rufer has the name associated with greatness in New Zealand football and could continue a proud legacy for the family. He will face the inevitable "son and nephew of" expectations, but at 17, he has the league at his feet.
When Merrick came in he moved a couple of regulars on, including the club's all-time appearance leader Tony Lochhead, and even shook up the import situation, which showed he wanted to stamp his mark on the side.
He treasures attacking football and having players in motion who have to hold a superior level of fitness.
The Phoenix's off-season programme has been extensive with a vast amount of games. Local club sides in Wellington have been given the opportunity to take a shot at the country's only professional outfit, while the Phoenix also met a couple of other A-League franchises.
The quality of the opposition in the pre-season wasn't Merrick's focus. He insisted on getting his squad to play in-game scenarios as frequently as possible to build combinations, which should prove vital throughout the summer.
The wildcard this season will be attacking midfielder Carlos Hernandez.
The former Costa Rican international has the ability to light up the middle of the park for the Phoenix but he's a couple of years removed from the highs of his Johnny Warren Medal-winning efforts with the Melbourne Victory in 2009-10.
The 31-year-old has also spent the past two years in India, where the football is not of a high standard.
It's a huge if, but if Hernandez can link nicely with fellow Costa Rican Kenny Cunningham, who is another new signing, the Phoenix will have a much-needed midfield and striker one-two punch they have lacked in recent times.
Home advantage will be a key factor for the Phoenix but the swing vote on their campaign will be how they perform across the Ditch. If Merrick can find a way to inspire his men - and boys - to perform on the road then the playoffs would shape as a realistic option.
Given the A-League employs a generous top-six finals system in the 10-team competition, the playoffs must be the ambition for the Phoenix.
Nearly anything will be considered an improvement after they picked up the wooden spoon last season.
