New Zealand footballer Annalie Longo. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Phoenix captain Annalie Longo concedes the season remains a challenging one as her side tries to stamp their mark in the women's A-League.
Longo came back from a serious knee injury to play for the Football Ferns in last year's World Cup and then joined the Phoenix for their third season in the competition.
Just a few weeks into the new season the club then faced questions about team culture, vice-captain Chloe Knott abruptly quit.
"If I'm honest it's been a real challenge this season. It hasn't been the easiest as there's been a lot of injury and a lot of change in personnel and management," Longo said.
"We've also had a few challenges around mental well-being and so there have been a lot of things around the outside the team.
"I think my focus is around how can I get the best out of the players and how can I lead that group," she said.
"The relationship between the staff and the players is very good, we're very open, we're very honest and we communicate really well."
Longo, 32, first played professional football 10 years ago and has made 127 appearances for the Football Ferns since her debut in 2006 and at this stage of her career is feeling a strong sense of responsibility for those around her.
" I care a lot about how players are feeling and trying to make the environment the best I can.
"So that does put a bit of weight on my shoulders, but saying that I feel like I have good support staff around me.
Annalie Longo of the Phoenix Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"For a lot of players this is the first time they've ever been in a professional environment and so there is a lot of learning for all of us.
"Hopefully as the season goes on players become more equipped and comfortable in the environment and therefore I think it will become easier to manage the squad."
American defender Hailey Davidson is one of the those in her first season with the team.
Davidson, 22, said Longo is heavily involved in the leadership and well-being of the group.
"She does take on a lot on her own, the responsibility of many things that people do and don't see, but she handles it very well.
"She's very good at representing the team and who we are and what we want as a culture so she's a very good representation of what we should be."
The Phoenix play Central Coast in Australia on Friday night.
They're experiencing their best season so far with five wins from eleven games putting them in fourth place on the table.
Longo says the way they're performing certainly helps with all the other issues.
"I'm really enjoying the way we're playing and now it's about progressing.
