The ex New Zealand international also believes the club will add another chapter of success to its short history in their match against Newcastle Jets this weekend.

Coveny, who was part of the club's inaugural squad, is thrilled to see the sold out signs go up around Westpac Stadium ahead of the game against Newcastle.

"It's great for the club, great for New Zealand football and for the A-League," he told au.fourfourtwo.com today. "I think you have to acknowledge what (owner) Terry Serepisos has done there.

"He put together a franchise, took a gamble if you like, at very short notice and key things have been right from the start. The club had a good coach and the administration side was there as well.  The club has grown and now you have a club that is attracting the supporters and also good players.

"Maybe to start with there were players who didn't want to come because all they thought of was the fact that it could be cold and windy. I don't think that's the case now.

"Players like Paul Ifill have come in, done well and existing players are happy because they've signed new deals.

"I think the FFA and Asian Confederation must look and see what Phoenix bring to the table."

As for the immediate future, Coveny believes Wellington cannot afford to take the Jets lightly and points to the fact that travel might be as big a factor for the home team as the visitors.

"A lot of the players are with New Zealand (for a friendly in the USA) and will only get back to Wellington pretty close to the game.

"But hopefully that's where the full house and home support can help pull them along and be like a goal start. I think the longer the game goes and if it drifts towards extra-time then that favours the Jets.

"If Phoenix can get an early goal then that will obviously lift them. But if Phoenix can win this one, which I think they will, then that means the other (finalists) need to watch out."

As for the key performers this weekend, Coveny pinpoints two.

"If Paul Ifill can continue the form he's shown then that gives Phoenix a great chance," he said.

"But no-one should write off a team that is led by an inspirational captain like Matty Thompson."