Following the departure of Lydia Williams earlier this week, Canberra United have announced the signing of Trudy Burke for the 2016/17 W-League season.

“I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to be back and playing with Canberra United,” Burke said. “I'm excited about the new challenge ahead, working hard and having a great season with the club.”

Burke returns to the two time W-League champions after stints with current champions Melbourne City and the Western Sydney Wanderers.

“I'm excited to announce that Trudy is returning to the club this season as the number one goalkeeper,” Head Coach Rae Dower commented.

“It's important that players coming into the club also have a good character and a winning mentality and Trudy has that in her kit. We had an opportunity to pick up an international goalkeeper as a replacement and have received over fifteen CV's to fill the custodian role.

Burke is no stranger to the green jersey after suiting up for United in Seasons 5 and 6 as a reserve goalkeeper but after a strong season with Melbourne City, the 25 year old is anticipated to wear the number one jersey.

“Trudy is a former member of our Canberra United family and she's really improved her game over the last couple of years with hard work and opportunity to play first team football, including playing a major role in a Premiership / Championship winning team last season."

“But I also feel some responsibility to develop Australian players to strengthen the Westfield W-League.  So when Trudy approached me and asked for the opportunity, I felt it was a win-win situation.  We get someone who is prepared to work hard for the opportunity to play and I respect that she was prepared to step outside of her comfort zone in order to make that happen.”

The move of Burke, who was Melbourne City's number one for a large portion of the 2015/16 season, increases the likelihood of a Lydia Williams move to City as their custodian.

Burke joins a Canberra United roster that is undergoing a re-build is it chases a historic third W-League championship.