The Matildas’ full-back was one of United’s standouts, taking home the Player of the Year and Supporters Player of the Year awards at the 2018/19 Canberra United awards.

Head Coach Heather Garriock brought Carpenter to Canberra last season and played her both in the middle of the park and in her natural backline position.

“Ellie is a special player and has a very promising first year in Canberra, so I’m looking forward to seeing what she can produce this season," Garriock said.

“She thrived here last season and has the goal to be the best, and she’s an excellent role model for young footballers in Canberra too.”

Carpenter scored her first two goals in the league in 2017/18 to show that she can be counted upon for a scoreboard contribution.

Now at just 18, she is headed for her fourth W-League season and can't wait to be back in action for United.

“I’m excited to come back to Canberra,” Carpenter said. “Last season was good, but we didn’t reach our full potential as a team. “

“I know that Heather has aspirations of us making finals and winning the title this season, so I’m looking forward to coming back and helping the team to get there.”

Carpenter spent the better part of this year playing for Portland Thorns in the United States, where she became both the youngest player to appear in the NWSL and the youngest goal scorer in the history of the league.

It was a meteoric rise as part of a popular team, and the youngster said it has done a lot for her.

“I feel like I’ve grown a lot as a player and a person over the past six months,” she said.

“My game has definitely improved and I’m just excited to come back and play in the Westfield W-League.”