In captain Andrew Durante, his faithful lieutenant Ben Sigmund and goalkeeper Mark Paston, the Wellington side have, surely, a defensive trio up with the best in the Hyundai A-League.
Bouncing back from successive 2-0 losses to the best teams in the league was always going to be a challenge, especially at a stadium which had been far from a happy hunting ground and confronted by a team chasing a third successive victory for the first time since 2008.
In the end, one goal was enough to earn the visitors their first win in Sydney in four years. In Durante, Sigmund, who must be pushing for a place in the All Whites starting line-up against Jamaica on Wednesday night, and Paston, the home side came up against a brick wall.
In the end, their frustration became apparent and the Phoenix actually created a couple of half chance with the best falling to Ifill.
A rare headed goal from Ifill was enough to seal the victory which will go a long way to cementing a top four, or possibly top three, finish.
The Phoenix are back home on Sunday to play Gold Coast.
In two away games with them this season, the Phoenix have drawn 1-1 and won 1-0.