Goal keeper Jack Duncan playing for Newcastle Jets against the Phoenix in March. Photo: Photosport
The Phoenix have signed veteran Australian goalkeeper Jack Duncan to fill the gap left by the departing All White Oli Sail.
Sail announced earlier this year that he was moving to Perth Glory on a three year deal and that 2023 was his last year with the Phoenix, having been with the club since 2014.
With 104 A-League appearances to his name Duncan will provide the Phoenix with an experienced alternative to young up and comer 20 year old Alex Paulsen.
Duncan moves from the Newcastle Jets but has also played professionally in Denmark and Saudi Arabia.
He had the second best save percentage in the 2022-23 A-League.
"I'm known for shot stopping and being quite quick around the goal. I also like to dominate the box and come for crosses, and sweep in behind the backline.
"Hopefully I can bring all of those attributes to the Phoenix and keep some clean sheets."
He was a key member of the Newcastle side that went from wooden spooners in 2017 to grand finalists in 2018, but missed the title decider after tearing his quad in the Jets' semi-final victory.
Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano says it was "very, very important" they signed an experienced 'keeper to compete with 20-year-old Paulsen.
Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
"We now have two 'keepers from different ends of the spectrum," Italiano said.
"Jack is an experienced 'keeper and AP is a young and up and coming 'keeper with a lot to prove.
"If you're the experienced 'keeper you need a young 'keeper pushing you through and if you're the young 'keeper you need someone experienced to push you as well.
"I've mentioned to both of them that they'll get the opportunity to establish themselves as the no. 1. It's really going to come down to how they train and how they perform in the environment," said Italiano.
The Wellington Phoenix now have 15 players signed for the 2023-24 A-League, with pre-season to start next month.
-RNZ