But the likely recipients are hardly gushing in their praise for Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington's 3-0 win over the Jets means the Westpac Stadium boys will not finish bottom of the table this year - the first time a New Zealand team will have avoided such a fate.

The current champions however look increasingly likely to suffer the humiliation of ending in last spot.

Phoenix coach Herbert said: "I'm pleased because the wooden spoon will be going to an Australian team which is a giant step forward."

Herbert is now looking towards the top four and a first ever appearance in the A-League finals.

He said: "If we're good enough, we can go on to the finals. The ball is in our court.

"It's cup football time now. You've got 90 minutes to grab something, and it's about winning and we've done it."

However, van Egmond isn't so sure that Wellington will be one of the final four.

Speaking after Sunday's defeat, he said: "The score wasn't reflective of the match, and whilst Phoenix are a hard working team they don't offer much in terms of their football. But credit to them, as they got the points.

"The type of football that they show won't put them in good stead for the finals, I'd be very surprised if they made the top four."