Wellington Phoenix have made two late additions to their squad ahead of the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season, signing American attacking midfielder Bryce Duke and former Nix defender Walter Scott.
Duke joins Wellington on a one-year deal with an option for a further season if certain criteria are fulfilled, while Scott returns to the club on a one-year contract.
25-year-old Duke arrives with more than 150 Major League Soccer (MLS) appearances under his belt, having played for San Diego FC, CF Montréal, Inter Miami and Los Angeles FC.
Phoenix head coach Chris Greenacre said Duke’s technical ability and creativity made him an ideal fit for the club’s midfield.
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Bryce Duke (R) in action in the MLS against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami
“We’ve been looking for an attacking midfielder, and Bryce’s characteristics and where he’s playing were of interest immediately,” he said.
“Ultimately, he’s someone who wants to play football. We feel that he would be the perfect fit for how we want to build things here in Wellington.
“He’s technically very very good, he brings quite a lot of creativity, he’s got the ability to unlock a defence with his weight of pass. Those are the attributes that we want in our squad.
“MLS is one of the top 20 leagues in the world, and he’s played over 150 games so he’s fit and ready to go.
“The level that he’s playing, it’s fair to say that the MLS has gone from strength to strength.
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Duke in action for Inter Miami
“To have a player who’s experienced those moments in a tough, competitive league will add loads of value to us and our squad.”
Duke said he had long wanted to experience life in Australia and New Zealand and was excited by the opportunity to join the Phoenix.
“I’ve been putting this into the world for a while now, I’ve always wanted to experience Australia, the A-League, New Zealand,” he said.
“It happened pretty quick, literally in a 24-hour timespan.
“I couldn’t be more excited to experience a whole new world, to be part of the community, part of the team, and I’m just looking forward to giving my all for the badge.”
The American also revealed an introductory conversation with Greenacre helped convince him the Phoenix was the right fit.
“We [Duke and Greenacre] spoke a couple of days ago and had an introductory call.
“He just told me how he wanted to play good-looking football, and how he really cares about the person rather than just the player. That’s something that resonates with me.
“We talked about the fans being our 12th man on and off the field, a crucial part of us winning games in the tough moments and in the good moments.”
The Phoenix have also welcomed back Scott, who returns to Wellington after six years away from the club.
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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 21: Walter Scott of Macarthur FC during the round 22 A-League Men match between Auckland FC and Macarthur FC at Go Media Stadium, on March 21, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
The 26-year-old left-back spent the 2019/20 season with the Phoenix, making three A-League appearances as the primary backup to Liberato Cacace.
Scott subsequently spent three seasons with Macarthur FC, making 49 appearances across the A-League and AFC Champions League Two whilst also helping the Bulls win the Australia Cup in 2024.
Greenacre said Scott’s previous experience with the Phoenix made him an ideal addition to the squad.
“Walter brings a wealth of experience and he’s played a large number of A-League games,” Greenacre said.
“He’s up to speed with the league, and arguably one of the best pros that we’ve ever had at the club in terms of his application to his craft.
“As we were building the squad, we had a left-back position that we felt we could potentially strengthen at some point, things materialised and we’ve decided to do that.”
Scott believes he returns to Wellington a more experienced player after spells in the NPL, A-League and AFC competition.
“I’ve definitely gained a lot of experience not just on but off the football field.
“I’ve had lots of different challenges. Going down into the NPL, then back up into the A-League, winning the Australia Cup and getting into AFC competition last season.
“That provided me with so many experiences and challenges which I’ve been able to overcome, and they’ve really made me grow into quite a resilient, functional footballer.
“I’ve played many positions in the time I’ve been away, so I see myself being able to drive standards on the park and help the staff and senior boys to create a successful environment.”
Scott will wear the No.5 shirt, Duke the No.7 shirt with Fin Roa Conchie taking No.6 ahead of the new season.
The Phoenix open their 2026/27 campaign at home to Melbourne Victory at Hnry Stadium on Sunday, October 18.
