HIRED GUN: Phoenix striker Joel Griffiths gets used to his new surroundings at Newtown Park yesterday.

Joel Griffiths is a straight shooter - on and off the park.

The Wellington Phoenix gun for hire didn't shy away from any line of questioning during yesterday's media unveiling, whether it be the shambles he's left behind at the Newcastle Jets or his reputation as a hot-head.

Griffiths has done it all in a successful and colourful career.

The 35-year-old is the Jets' all-time leading goalscorer, an A-League champion, an Australian international and a Johnny Warren Medal winner.

Yet it would be fair to say that not all Phoenix fans were rejoicing at the confirmation of his signing on Thursday.

Griffiths is an abrasive character on the pitch, who once assaulted a linesman, and was one of five Jets players sacked by Newcastle owner Nathan Tinkler last month after a failed bid to oust coach Phil Stubbins.

"I really have a lot of time for that club - not the owner and not the coach," Griffiths said.

"So I feel for the fans and they're going through some tough times. But I'm moving forward and here I am. I just had to get out of there to be honest. I still enjoy my football and I wasn't doing that there ... When you've got kids you have to be role models towards them. But I do have that white-line fever sometimes. It's part of my game and I don't think I'm going to change."

Griffiths is poised to make his Phoenix debut off the bench against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park tomorrow night.

He is a close friend of captain Andrew Durante and the pair were key cogs in Newcastle's 2007-08 A-League triumph.

Griffiths knocked back an approach from league leaders Perth Glory to join the Phoenix on a short-term deal until the end of the season which may prove to be his footballing swansong.

"It's an exciting football club at the moment and hopefully in the next nine games we can push towards that top-two spot. I really think this team has some big ambition and hopefully I can contribute."

Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick was delighted to land a proven goalscorer with a fiery reputation.

"He's been a bit hot-headed and very competitive but he's a very good player to have up-front," Merrick said.

"Bear in mind if I wanted to get rid of players like that, Manny Muscat and Ben Sigmund wouldn't be in this team."

As one striker arrived at Newtown Park, another is preparing to depart.

Tyler Boyd was beaming yesterday as he spoke about his four-year contract with Vitoria SC, who are fifth in Portugal's first division.

Despite his obvious talent, the 20-year-old has struggled for game-time in 2014-15 but will see out the season in Wellington before tackling Europe.

"It's a dream to play in Europe," Boyd said.

"I'll just work as hard as I can, do what they say, if I can understand it because they speak Portugese. I'll have to prove myself but I'm pretty confident. I appreciate everything that the Phoenix have done for me. They've been huge for me and I only have nice things to say about them.

"It's a good stepping stone into Europe. They get really good crowds, especially against the big teams like Porto. They're definitely a top-five side. Europe's so compact so there's eyes on every game."

Merrick is likely to name an unchanged XI to take on the high-flying Victory.

Louis Fenton remains unavailable as he recovers from concussion and while Muscat was missing from training yesterday to be with his pregnant wife, Merrick said: "I've been assured by Manny that the baby will come at the appropriate time and Manny will be available to play."

AT A GLANCE

What: A-League, round 19

Where: AAMI Park, Melbourne

When: 7pm tomorrow

TV: Live on Sky Sport 1

Referee: Jarred Gillett

TAB: Victory $1.70, Phoenix $4.70, Draw $3.60

Victory (from): Nathan Coe, Jason Geria, Nick Ansell, Mark Milligan, Leigh Broxham, Gui Finkler, Besart Berisha, Kosta Barbarouses, Archie Thompson, Andrew Nabbout, Fahid Ben Khalfallah, Daniel Georgievski, Rashid Mahazi, Matthieu Delpierre, Lawrence Thomas, Carl Valeri, Jesse Makarounas, Scott Galloway

Phoenix (probable): Glen Moss, Manny Muscat, Andrew Durante, Ben Sigmund, Michael Boxall, Albert Riera, Alex Rodriguez, Roly Bonevacia, Michael McGlinchey, Roy Krishna, Nathan Burns. Substitutes: Lewis Italiano, Vince Lia, Jason Hicks, Kenny Cunningham, Joel Griffiths