| The Phoenix’s captain fantastic. Was named the club’s player of the year in 2009/10 after playing every minute of every game. Scored his first ever A-League goal in 88 matches, against Sydney FC in the preliminary final.
Durante joined the Phoenix in as captain at the start of the 2008-09 season and made an instant impact helping them make the final of the Pre-Season cup against Melbourne Victory, only narrowly losing 7-8 on penalty kicks. In October 2009 Durante extended his contract with Wellington Phoenix until the end of 2011-12 season. Durante played every minute of the 2009-10 season for the Phoenix and along with Ben Sigmund for most of the season and Jon McKain, helped Wellington to their best defensive season in their history, conceding just 29 goals in 27 league matches of the regular season. Durante lead the Phoenix to a first-ever A-League finals appearance at the conclusion of the 09-10 season after finishing in 4th place, earning them a home playoff match against 5th placed Perth Glory. In March 2010, Durante scored his first ever A-league and Wellington Phoenix goal against Sydney FC in the preliminary final. |