Canberra snuck past Newcastle Jets thanks to an 81st minute Elise Thorsnes winner last week, the three points keeping United within touching distance of the league leaders.

It's a stunning turnaround from last season and a strong series of results given the tough competition Canberra have had to face over the opening four rounds, but it's not enough for Garriock.

“While we got the three points last week, I wasn’t happy with the performance," the experienced gaffer said.

"I was happy with the character of the performance away from home but just defensively I think we were poor and we just need to critique a few things.”

“Going into tomorrow night’s game, with Brisbane’s quality up front and experienced midfield, we need to be at our best.”

Brisbane pace a serious challenge for Canberra, with their stock of Matildas talent among the best in the league yet Jake Goodship's squad suffering mixed results so far.

If Canberra are going to continue their winning ways, Garriock knows just how important Norwegian import Thorsnes will continue to be in spearheading their talent-packed strikeforce.

Thorsnes now has seven goals in her last 10 W-League matches across multiple seasons, a quality not lost on her coach.

“She’s outstanding, obviously I coached her a couple of years ago and her character and commitment is outstanding," Garriock concluded.

"I was really pleased for her to score the winner [last week].”