Match Summary
Wellington Phoenix defeated Newcastle Jets 2:1. The match was played in A-League 2023. Goals were scored by A. Rufer 5′ (pen.), T. Buhagiar 80′, O. Zawada 87′. 5 yellow cards were shown. Newcastle Jets had 57% possession while Wellington Phoenix held 43%. Newcastle Jets had 17 shots (5 on target) compared to 16 (7 on target) for Wellington Phoenix. Newcastle Jets made 3 substitutions, Wellington Phoenix made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix — 3 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
assist: K. Grozos
assist: B. Old
Match Statistics
Newcastle Jets had 57% possession against Wellington Phoenix's 43%. Newcastle Jets registered 17 shots (5 on target) while Wellington Phoenix managed 16 (7 on target). Corner kicks: 9–8. Fouls committed: 15–7.
Lineups
Newcastle Jets lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under R. Stanton, while Wellington Phoenix deployed a 5-3-2 under G. Italiano.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Newcastle Jets is 7.05, compared to 7.01 for Wellington Phoenix. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Newcastle Jets's highest-rated starter is D. Wilmering (7.14), while Wellington Phoenix's best-rated player is A. Rufer (7.21).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Newcastle Jets have contributed 0 goals and 8 assists this season, led by —. Wellington Phoenix's starters account for 3 goals and 1 assists, spearheaded by A. Rufer (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Newcastle Jets deploy 4 defenders rated 7.13 on average, against Wellington Phoenix's 5-man backline averaging 6.81. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Newcastle Jets field 4 midfielders averaging 7.00, versus Wellington Phoenix's 3 rated 7.21. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Newcastle Jets start 2 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for Wellington Phoenix averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 51% for Newcastle Jets and 44% for Wellington Phoenix. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Newcastle Jets's starters have collected 3 yellow cards this season, compared to 8 for Wellington Phoenix. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Newcastle Jets's starting XI is 24.3 (youngest: M. Natta (23), oldest: K. Grozos (25)), while Wellington Phoenix average 27.0 (youngest: L. Kelly-Heald (20), oldest: K. Barbarouses (35)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Newcastle Jets's starters average 14 league appearances each, versus 9 for Wellington Phoenix. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Newcastle Jets have recorded 5 wins, 1 draws and 0 defeats. Wellington Phoenix show 0 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
Newcastle Jets
Wellington Phoenix
Head to Head
Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix have met 2 times — Newcastle Jets won 2, Wellington Phoenix won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Newcastle Jets leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 9 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.50 per match (7 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–1 in 2026.
2
Newcastle Jets
0
Drawn
0
Wellington Phoenix
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026