Finn Surman of the Phoenix celebrates with team-mates after scoring a goal Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome says his side fears no one going into the A-League men's play-offs.
The Phoenix finished second on the table following the conclusion of the regular season on Wednesday.
The Central Coast Mariners finished two points ahead on top and grabbed the Premiers' Plate with a 2-0 win over Adelaide United in their make up game.
This weekend, the Elimination Finals are played with third seeds Melbourne Victory playing sixth seeds Melbourne City and fourth seeds Sydney FC playing fifth seeds Macarthur FC.
The Phoenix will then play the highest placed Elimination Final winner in a home and away series and the Mariners will play the lowest place Elimination Final winner.
While a little disappointed they did not finish the regular season on top, Dome was delighted with the sides performance so far this season.
"Absolutely thrilled, much much higher than anyone gave us credit for," Dome told RNZ.
"The way the team has played and the way the young players have come through, really done the club proud. It's been fantastic.
"I actually back us to beat anybody, we don't fear any club now given that we've beaten every club throughout the season."
About 15,000 fans turned up for the club's last home game of the regular season and Dome was hoping they could double that for their home semi-final game.
"We know the difference a huge crowd makes fo the players on the day."
The highest attendance for a Phoenix home game was in the play-offs in 2010 when 32,792 turned up to watch them play Newcastle Jets.
The Wellington Phoenix celebrate with their fans after their last A-League regular season game against Macarthur FC, 2024. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
After clinching top spot, Central Coast coach Mark Jackson was full of praise for the Phoenix under new manager Giancarlo Italiano with Wellington spending a long part of the season on top of the League.
"When they came to our place it was a terrific game of football and nil-nil at their place," Jackson said after Wednesday's game.
"Every time we've asked them a question they've answered it, every time they've asked us a question we've answered it, so we've gone toe-to-toe.
"Full congratulations to them for the position they finished in, they've had a terrific season and I'm sure they'll be ready to go in the finals."
The Wellington Phoenix have made the A-League play-offs nine times but have never reached a grand final.
Sydney have won the title five times, Melbourne Victory four, Central Coast two, Melbourne City one and Macarthur FC none.
The Phoenix return leg of the semi-final will be on Saturday 18 May.