A few of the notable exits were announced without any specific club link, which seems unheard of in Canberra's history, and it will be interesting to see if these are signs of a fundamental shift in the club - away from career players and family legacies to a season by season approach.

Garriock has eyes on the trophy and is happy to have brought about the change she needs for it.

“For me, I want the change and I’ve got the team that I want this season. I will take responsibility for the team, and the players will take responsibility for their jobs. For the fans, they’re going to see a very exciting game, they’re going to see players wanting to play for the jersey, they’re going to see a team full of winners.”

THE STRENGTH & CHALLENGE

The challenge for Canberra will be how little time they have to gather some semblance of a side that will perform well knowing each other’s strengths. There is no shortage of talent on Garriock’s list, but the desired success will only come with good cohesion.

The backline perhaps will be where the evidence of this is first seen. Roestbakken, Carpenter and King are the only defenders retained for Season 11 and it will be vital these cogs are working for the side to build something. Without a familiar face in the centre, it will be interesting to watch whether this is a challenge or an asset for the team.

Garriock’s side may have the interesting edge of a side stacked with unknowns, and little pressure coming into 2019 on paper. It’s a risk, and it has potential to pay off.

“Not many people will know who Rhoda or Fifi are. I’ll tell you now, they’ll know them by the end of the season.”

KEY PLAYERS

Rachel Corsie (Defence)

Leading from the backline hasn’t been a Canberra United tactic since Nicole Begg (nee Sykes) left the Canberra United set up, but a national team captain is a natural fit for domestic leadership, and Garriock has a few to choose from this year. Corsie has impressed on parks throughout Europe and the US, and it will be great to see her bring the fitness of NWSL work right through to a championship brings.

Refiloe (Fifi) Jane (Midfield)

It's so important that there’s some good linking work, and Jane brings something different from South Africa. She’s been in Canberra (along with Rhoda) for a longer stretch than other imports, so expect her to have a strong idea of the game plan.

Nicki Flannery (Forward)

Flannery didn’t fire in the way she was expected to last season, with injury interruptions preventing her finding much rhythm.  Expect there to be fire in her belly this year as she reclaims her lucky number 19 playing shirt. Some real competition for spots up top will have an impact on all players vying for a forward position.

ONE TO WATCH

In many ways, Canberra United itself will be hoping to be the breakthrough side. They have an underdog vibe, and in the absence of a lot of familiar names will be easy to dismiss or underestimate.

McElligott hasn’t come the furthest to join Garriock’s side for Season 11 - but in many ways, her journey has been a long one, after some time on the cusp of W-League football. If she finds a spot in the starting squad she will no doubt have an impact.

SQUAD

Taren KING, Refiloe JANE, Rhoda MULAUDZI, Karly ROESTBAKKEN, Nicki FLANNERY, Melissa MAIZELS, Nikola ORGILL, Natasha PRIOR, Sham KHAMIS, Meaghan MCELLIGOTT, Rosie GALEA, Aoife COLVILL, Ellie CARPENTER, Laura HUGHES, Madelyn WHITTALL, Rachel CORSIE, Denise O'SULLIVAN and Lauren KEIR