If the A-League is only as strong as its weakest link, then Wellington Phoenix are on notice. On an otherwise bumper opening weekend of the season, the familiar sight of rows of empty seats at the "Cake Tin" for Sunday's match against Perth Glory was a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. Whether Wellington survive past 2016, when their license runs out, is no guarantee.

As expansion moves up the agenda, and bidders from multiple Australian cities begin to jockey for attention, the inclusion of a New Zealand team in what is ostensibly an Australian competition is coming, once again, under laser-like scrutiny.

Phoenix leave fans disappointed: Albert Riera of the Phoenix heads the ball while Youssouf Hersi of the Glory looks on during the round one of the A-League. Credit:Hagen Hoppkins

That every club bar Wellington has recently been given a 20-year license underlines the obvious. Football Federation Australia is continuing to hedge its bets on the Phoenix, and if there's enough substance from Australian-based bids when the league is expanded in 2017, then the Kiwis will be in the gun.

Ideally, there should always be a New Zealand team in the competition. Given that Auckland is by far the biggest population centre in Australasia outside the A-League, there's even a case for having two Kiwi sides - eventually. But that pre-supposes the case being presented by the Phoenix is compelling enough to sustain even one. Right now that's debatable, and the owners have two years to get it right.