Their campaign can be broken down in to three clear parts.
They spent the first 10 games not being able to crack a victory, then they went on eight-match run that made them look like world-beaters before injuries and suspensions caught up with a young squad who will now finish near the foot of the ladder.
There's a decent chance very few people will turn up to watch their final game against the Melbourne Victory at the Cake Tin tonight.
If Wellington lose and the Melbourne Heart were to upset West Sydney today, the Phoenix would pick up their second unwanted kitchen utensil in as many seasons, although depending on other results this weekend they could finish as high as eighth.
"I haven't worried about where we finish. I have worried about not scoring goals and not defending as well as we should," Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick said.
"With the fans behind us it would be really good to finish on a high note; scoring some goals, defending well and trying to keep a clean sheet."
Wellington will have to do that without regular centre back Ben Sigmund who has been sidelined with a thigh muscle injury, which gives Luke Adams a rare opportunity.
The 19-year-old can take the game as a job interview for next season given he is in the final weeks of a one-year contract.
Striker Stein Huysegems may also need a decent showing given he is continuing to negotiate an extension with the Phoenix.
The Victory are locked in for a playoff spot but tonight's result could determine their seeding for the post-season, which means they can't tune out for their trip to the capital.
Melbourne have been juggling their squad as they are also playing Asian Champions League fixtures but they won't roll over to give the Phoenix an easy finish.
Aside from Sigmund's absence, the Phoenix may have a small goalkeeping conundrum on their hands with custodian Glen Moss managing a minor groin problem.
The All Whites gloveman should be fit to play today, but if he's not Jacob Spoonley will start between the sticks and the Phoenix's 45-year-old goalkeeping coach Jonathan Gould may have to sit on the bench as regular backup Lewis Italiano is injured.
Fourth-string option James McPeake, who rode the pine during the first game of the season in October, is at the OFC Champions League in Fiji with Waitakere United.
