With more than half of the A-League Women season still to go, Wellington coach Paul Temple insists his side can maintain the pace and secure their first-ever finals appearance.
Bent on disrupting the status quo, the Phoenix - who began the campaign as rank outsiders - are plotting an upset victory over defending premiers and champions Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Friday.
If they pull off their smash-and-grab mission, it would be only their second win on the road so far this term.
The high-flying Phoenix have set their sights on making it past the regular season for the first time, having collected two wooden spoons since debuting in 2021.
In their opening nine rounds under first-year coach Temple, the Phoenix have notched five wins, a draw and three losses to rise from the ashes of their underwhelming first two seasons.
It's a welcome transformation from last year, when Wellington finished with just three victories from an 18-round home-and-away series.
In a bid to bolster their chances of a shot at silverware, the club have secured the services of Australian defender Tiana Jaber and young Kiwi midfielder Helena Errington.
The 23-year-old Jaber played her part in taking Western United to the 2022/23 grand final, while Errington, 18, returns home after a stint with Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon.
With American striker Isabel Cox also linking up with the club in December, Temple is hoping competition for spots will only add to the side's competitiveness.
"We've been feeling a little light on numbers just in terms of depth," Temple said on Wednesday.
"Knowing that there is still another two-thirds of the season to go and lots can happen, we really needed to get a few more numbers in.
"I feel like they're three players that not only add to what we've got and give us something different in each of those positions, but they're also three players that are going to push the girls that are here for their starting positions."
The sixth-placed Sky Blues, who have two games in hand on all the teams above them, are desperate to return to winning ways after two consecutive draws.
Young Sydney FC midfielder Shay Hollman remains bullish about her side's chances of replicating last season's heroic feats.
"100 per cent. That's our goal and that's been our goal all along," she told AAP.
"That's what we're striving for and what we're going to put in the work to achieve.
"We did it last year and the year before, so we know we're a good team.
"It's mainly about a competition against ourselves, to see if we can do it again and keep breaking the records."
League leaders Melbourne City take on eighth-placed Brisbane Roar on Thursday before Wellington cross the Tasman for their Friday night Sydney clash.
On Saturday, Canberra United host Western United while Western Sydney Wanderers welcome Melbourne Victory.
Central Coast host Perth Glory on Sunday before Newcastle close out the weekend with a home clash against Adelaide United.
