5. CANBERRA UNITED

Kicking the Big V out of the top five is last season's dismal underperformers Canberra United, who lost Ellie Carpenter but boy have they pulled out all the stops to try and excite Canberrans.

Investing in massive striker after striker is a big risk. It's an incredibly top-heavy side that will rely hugely on the reasonably inexperienced likes of Karly Roestbakken and NWSL import Kaleigh Kurtz at the back.

“Kurtz’s leadership qualities are fantastic, she is a great communicator, plays with both feet and is solid down back,” said Canberra boss Heather Garriock.

“She is coming straight from winning back-to-back championships so it's great to have someone with a winning mentality come into our squad that knows what it takes to win.”

But it's a gutsy, big-risk move that should be celebrated, even if we doubt it's necessarily going to reap dividends. As the only W-League standalone club, the investment that has been put into Heather Garriock's side to get the team back up the ladder is extremely notable.

It puts a lot of pressure on the distinguished coach, but it's fantastic to see nonetheless.

So who are these formidable attackers we're speaking about?

Katie Stengel: Goal-scoring extraordinaire, a perennial golden-boot contender with bags of W-League experience, in her (very strong) physical peak.

Elise Thorsnes: A former World Cup legend for Norway, now in her mid-thirties but with an exceptional pedigree and goal-scoring record. A natural leader.

Leena Khamis: Everyone knows Leena, a fierce competitor, proven Matildas goalscorer, another leadership contender and very experienced head within the side.

Simone Charley: An NWSL import and USA U/23 international from powerhouses Portland Thorns. Inexperienced, but lightning quick and adds that crucial second dimension.