Just six months ago Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC were the form teams in football's A-League as they headed into a preliminary final.

FFA chief executive Ben Buckley refuted suggestions the governing body had become too autocratic in its day-to-day dealings with its A-League clubs.

New Wellington Phoenix signing Nick Ward is enjoying an anti-inflammatory and painkiller-free life.

Saturday September 10, 8:00pm AEST

North Queensland will not risk Dyron Daal against Melbourne Victory next week, no matter how restless the striker gets.